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Tenon Length and Barrel Socket Depth

Author: JTJC
Date: 2021-11-26 22:01

I was considering a zoom barrel for a pair of clarinets. I was asked for the barrel socket depth and the corresponding tenon diameter on the upper joint. I can’t say I have the most precise equipment for measuring these things, a digital caliper. However, after many measurements across four barrels and two top joint tenons these seems to be a difference of about 0.3/0.4mm between tenon length and socket depth, the latter being the longer. The gap seems intentional, rather than imprecise manufacturing.

Is it common practice or even a technique for makers to leave such a gap? I have heard clarinets can be made to be in tune pulled out a mm or so, which I can understand. Might this gap have a purpose? There seem to be all sorts of arguments about how a gap can/doesn’t affect a clarinet’s playability, but zoom barrels pride themselves on having no gap or minimal gap as you extend them.

So, if I’m ordering a zoom barrel, should I specify the barrel socket depth to maintain the gap, or the tenon length to remove it? Any thoughts out there?

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Re: Tenon Length and Barrel Socket Depth

Author: SunnyDaze
Date: 2021-11-26 22:57

I think these rings are made to block up that gap, so maybe it is not desirable to keep the gap?

https://www.wwr.co.uk/wwr-clarinet-tuning-rings-1-1-5mm-pack-of-6-trings.html

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Re: Tenon Length and Barrel Socket Depth

Author: JTJC
Date: 2021-11-27 00:09

Thanks SunnyDaze. I’m aware of those rings but there seems to be mixed views and evidence on gaps Vs no gaps. Those rings seem to be for excessive gaps, though I’ve no idea what makes an acceptable gap as opposed to an excessive one. Prior to measuring I hadn’t considered there might be an in-built gap at that joint junction. Obviously, we all pull-out our barrels at some point in order to tune. So gaps are necessary and any effect of the gap can’t be too detrimental, as evidenced by the performances world-class players.

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Re: Tenon Length and Barrel Socket Depth

Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2021-11-27 00:31

I don't believe the gap in itself is a bad thing. When I've filled the existing gap that I have gotten when tuned, it appears that the pitch goes up slightly. So if anything the gap itself brings the pitch down ......a little more.

I've also heard (from Rossi and Gerold) that the higher up the horn the gap is, the less it has a negative effect. This is why German clarinets and Rossis have a longer top joint and shorter barrel.

But I think as long as you are able to bring your horn down to pitch without throwing the the relative pitch amongst notes of the horn off, it shouldn't matter how much you pull out or how little you pull out.

.................Paul Aviles

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