The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: Hunter_100
Date: 2021-12-02 22:11
I'm looking for any advice or recommendations on aftermarket barrels that will be a good fit on my Noblet 45 Artist eb clarinet, dated from ~1975. I want a slightly longer barrel so I don't have to pull out so much to tune, and I want to see if tone and intonation get any better. The mouthpiece is a stock Vandoren B40.
The current barrel is the stock Noblet one, which measures 40.2 mm in length, and as accurate as I can measure, has a straight cylindrical bore with ID of 13.2 mm, which also matches the bore ID at the top of the eb body.
My main concerns is the fit of the aftermarket barrel to the body tenon. The Noblet 45 body tenon has on OD 19.7 mm. I have already experienced that a buffet e11 barrel will be too loose and fall right off (one of my fellow band members has an e11). I have read other posts on this board that indicate other noblet ebs have had the same issue with too loose of fit with Buffet sized barrels. I am wondering if any of the aftermarket barrels will fit directly on the tenon or if a custom size needs to be ordered.
Thanks for the help!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: jdbassplayer
Date: 2021-12-02 22:44
Attachment: 8F9B35BD-E71D-4D21-B4D6-AB25B41DA399.jpeg (1173k)
You would probably have to specify the size and have something custom made as most other Ebs have a 20.75mm barrel socket. Fortunately many makers are willing to make barrels in custom sizes. I make wood composite barrels for $75 in any shape or size you can imagine, feel free to email me if you might be interested. Other good options are Fobes, Behn or Backun.
-Jdbassplayer
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Reed B Chirpin
Date: 2021-12-02 23:52
I had Pereira 3D custom make a barrel for my Noblet Eb with great success and they have a synthetic version that's quite cheap along with a wood composite version that's a bit more but still very affordable. You can find their info and contact at pereira3d.com.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: super20dan
Date: 2021-12-03 04:59
finding after market barrels is indeed an issue with the eb. i use deg barrels on my bundy eb and they fit fine. they do not fit my A robert or my conn
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Hunter_100
Date: 2021-12-06 23:02
Thank you for the advice. I sent emails to some of the suggested companies. So far, Fobes said their barrel won't fit, and Backun suggested using fatter cork to get theirs to work. Neither of them offered to make a custom size, which I guess I'm not surprised at. I'm still looking in other options like the Periera3d.
Reed B Chirpin, did you find the Pereira3D option had any effect on the instrument intonation issues or was is just a longer barrel for easier tuning?
Thanks!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Hunter_100
Date: 2022-01-01 03:48
So I decided to order a custom made 3D blackwood one from Pereira 3D. I got it just in time for Xmas. Ryan made it to match the specs of my current Noblet barrel sockets and it was a perfect fit. I decided to go with 41mm length which is only a little longer than my current barrel, mainly because I just had a rehearsal in a colder room and had to be almost all the way pushed in to match the band. I figure I can order another one in a longer size later if the summer weather becomes a problem.
I have only played it a few times so far but it seems to be very nice. The biggest difference I have noticed so far is the altissimo B and C have been flattened by about 15 cents, and are really easy to keep in tune now (Those notes were pretty sharp on the stock barrel). I like the sound quality as well. I had hoped the barrel might help sharpen my high altissimo notes (F F# and G especially) but it did not seem to do much there.
If I discover any new revelations after playing on it more I will post about it.
Thanks for the help!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: KenJarczyk
Date: 2022-01-02 05:10
I certainly hope you find solutions to your issues. Almost all Eb clarinets tune well with a barrel in the 41.5mm area. Depending on certain variables - such as different ensembles or principal players - I often find myself on a 42mm, and with one ensemble I even use a 43! Mouthpieces can be a total nightmare for an Eb player. Personally, I try to steer anyone away from any Vandoren mouthpiece. They always seem to be A=442 by design, and I find their sound to be rather strident. But if your B40 makes you happy, go for it.
Ken Jarczyk
Woodwinds Specialist
Eb, C, Bb, A & Bass Clarinets
Soprano, Alto, Tenor & Baritone Saxophones
Flute, Alto Flute, Piccolo
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Hunter_100
Date: 2022-01-03 17:27
Ken, I almost ordered a 42 mm but I decided it was too risky. On my instrument I would have to be pushed all the way in with a 42 mm barrel to tune to 440. I play in a community band and our band pitch usually creeps up over rehearsal (or starts high sometimes!)
I am pretty happy with the B40, the intonation for me is almost perfect now all the way up to altissimo E. I think a little smaller tip opening would be nice though. I did try a Vandoren 5rv but I hated the sound on it, even though it did help the flatness above E in the altissimo range.
Thanks for the suggestions!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
|