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Author: Mark M
Date: 2001-08-12 18:20
I have a set of Selmer series 10 Bb and A clarinets. The A is missing the barrel and Selmer USA says that the Bb is the exact same as the A. However, I noticed that the barrel has " B" imprinted on it whch leads me to believe they are different. Can anyone shed any light here? Know where the "A" barrel might be found?
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Author: Anji
Date: 2001-08-12 22:53
Unless the taper is different, they should behave in the same manner.
I think matched sets had the 'A' and 'B' imprint, indicating the barrel (nominal length) had been chosen by someone actually playing the horn.
anji
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Author: Micaela
Date: 2001-08-13 17:15
I have a Buffet Moennig barrel that came with my A clarinet. I like how it sounds more than my B flat barrel so I've been using it on both of my clarinets. I've been told that it's an "A clarinet barrel" because of the serial number but it works just fine on my B flat. What's up with this?
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Author: Ken Shaw
Date: 2001-08-13 17:29
Mark -
For reasons no one has ever explained, Buffet A clarinet barrels are about 2 mm. shorter than Bb barrels -- 66-67 mm. for Bb, 64-65 for A. I think Selmer does the same thing.
I've never found a barrel that plays in tune or responds really well on both instruments. There's enough difference in bore design and from one instrument to another to make it a practical necessity to have separate barrels for each instrument.
At least with custom-made barrels, the barrel is matched to the instrument and works best only with that instrument.
If the barrel you have tunes and responds well on both instruments, count yourself lucky and use it for both. If not, and you can't order an A barrel from Selmer, go to one of the custom makers, who can almost certainly make something you'll like.
Best regards.
Ken Shaw
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Author: Rob
Date: 2001-08-14 03:19
I used to have an old Series 10 (from 1968 I think) and the "B" imprint appeared on the barrel beneath the Selmer Paris imprint and also on the bell, along with the Selmer Paris imprint and the Series 10 logo. Does anyone know for sure if it indicates it's for the Bb and not an A clarinet? Could it perhaps indicate a particular line of Series 10 clarinets (there have been a few)? Would that explain it (the "B" imprint) appearing on the bell as well or was it also on the bell to keep the bells from getting switched when you have a pair?
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Author: Brent
Date: 2001-08-14 11:59
I have early 10Gs, both A and Bb. I have measured the barrels and swapped the barrels and, for all intents and purposes, they are the same. Intonation, sound, response, all the same. In both cases the 12ths are a little large for Eb/Bb, E/B and F/C. However, i tried a Pyne barrel (which i subsequently bought) which makes the intonation and response a little better on the Bb--but a little worse on the A. So, i use the stock barrel on the A and the Pyne on the Bb.
The stock barrel for the A is markes "A" under the 10G logo. The stock barrel for the Bb is not so marked.
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Author: Mark M
Date: 2001-08-15 01:08
Thanks all for the replies. I have tried the one barrel on both horns and amazingly enough, both horns played nearly identical with excellent intonation and with the same barrel. They did better than a brand new R-13 A that I tried at the same time. These two horns have been stored for 20 some years, are pretty leaky. Currently getting overhauled. That'll be interesting.
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