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How often do you (or should you) replace a barrel?

Author: JoeRomano
Date: 2023-08-21 06:33

Given that the barrel is subject to a great deal of constant moisture, I was told that the barrel should be replaced certainly more frequently than the clarinet.
So I was wondering about anyone's thoughts on the subject? Given the many choices, perhaps people change for something different, but do barrels actually lose something over time? For the record, I play on a Clark Fobes barrel (30 years old).

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Re: How often do you (or should you) replace a barrel?

Author: Selmer Buff
Date: 2023-08-21 06:52

I just bought a 70-year old Le Blanc. Original barrel. Plays well.

I wouldn't worry about replacement unless it cracks, is flat, or for some reason you collect barrels. YMMV.

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Re: How often do you (or should you) replace a barrel?

Author: m1964
Date: 2023-08-21 07:42

JoeRomano wrote:
"Given that the barrel is subject to a great deal of constant moisture, I was told that the barrel should be replaced certainly more frequently than the clarinet.
So I was wondering about anyone's thoughts on the subject? Given the many choices, perhaps people change for something different, but do barrels actually lose something over time? For the record, I play on a Clark Fobes barrel (30 years old)"

Hi Joe,
Do you live in Europe?

I remember a similar thread a while ago; one of the participants (Ruben) said that in Europe clarinetist are replacing barrels, while in the US people trend to replace the whole instrument.

I do not think there is a definitive answer because each "case" is different:
my clarinets will never become worn out since I am an amateur and do not practice nearly as much as any professional. I take my "good" clarinet out 1-2 times per week and use a back-up instrument on colder days when the church where we rehears is cold.

Compare to a music major in a university, who takes clarinet out every day, practices 2-4-6 hours a day and plays gigs in different venues.

Grenadilla wood is very dense so frequent exposure to moisture does not automatically mean that the barrel will change shape.

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Re: How often do you (or should you) replace a barrel?

Author: Mojo
Date: 2023-08-21 17:47

Try some every few years. If one makes a difference, keep it. If not, stick with what you have.

MojoMP.com
Mojo Mouthpiece Work LLC
MojoMouthpieceWork@yahoo.com

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Re: How often do you (or should you) replace a barrel?

Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2023-08-21 22:27

I'm in the US. I've never heard of a barrel wearing out.

That said, many of us in the US use all sorts of third party barrels. Personally I'd say that though the concept of taking most of the moisture is valid, African Blackwood is very dense and shouldn't have any issues beyond what the rest of the clarinet goes through.

The advice here in the States would be to change barrels if there is an intonation issue (need to play higher and your barrel is all the way in.......etc), or if you try a unique third party barrel and hear (and love) a different sound that you want.

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

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Re: How often do you (or should you) replace a barrel?

Author: Ed
Date: 2023-08-22 01:10

Barrels and bores do change over time. Unless you find an issue with tone or intonation, I wouldn't worry too much.

I agree with Mojo's suggestion. Sometimes when people suggest that an instrument is "blown out" I would suggest that the player consider a new barrel.

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Re: How often do you (or should you) replace a barrel?

Author: Tom H
Date: 2023-08-22 08:41

I've never replaced one. The current one came with my new R13 in 1999. Never gave it a thought.

The Most Advanced Clarinet Book--
tomheimer.ampbk.com/ Sheet Music Plus item A0.1001315, Musicnotes product no. MB0000649.

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Re: How often do you (or should you) replace a barrel?

Author: Chris P
Date: 2023-08-22 16:45

You only replace the barrel the same time you replace the entire clarinet. There's no 'how often should one replace their barrel' as a barrel is for life and not just for Christmas.

Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.

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Re: How often do you (or should you) replace a barrel?

Author: lmliberson
Date: 2023-08-22 17:22

When the wine starts to leak out...

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Re: How often do you (or should you) replace a barrel?

Author: graham
Date: 2023-08-25 17:46

Replace when you see a new offering with a hyperbolic bore design and an evocative name.

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Re: How often do you (or should you) replace a barrel?

Author: m1964
Date: 2023-08-25 18:51

graham wrote:

> Replace when you see a new offering with a hyperbolic bore
> design and an evocative name.

Graham,

you may be underestimating the power of marketing/advertising.

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