 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Spencer
Date: 2001-11-06 02:18
I've wondered if there is a standard barrel length. I have a Buffet R13 from the early 1980s. I play consistently sharp and have thought about trying some longer barrels. How much of a difference does it make?
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Author: Stephen Froehlich
Date: 2001-11-06 02:37
It can make quite a bit of difference. The real limiting factor is that if you have to have one that is too long to get most of the notes in tune, you will have trouble getting all of the notes in tune.
How far are you pulled out to be in tune? When you pull out enough, how in tune is the horn over each register?
If things are bad, you may need to add a tuning ring at the mid joint (perhaps one even at the bell).
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Author: Dee
Date: 2001-11-06 12:23
Keep in mind that clarinets are designed to be in tune with the barrel pulled about 1 to 2 mm when playing in a 72° room. They are designed this way so that you have room to push in for cold rooms. If the room is warmer, you need to pull even more.
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Author: Ed
Date: 2001-11-06 15:16
66 mm is often thought of to be standard, but find what works for you. Each set up is different.
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Author: Ken Shaw
Date: 2001-11-06 16:55
Stock Buffet R-13 Bb barrels are 66 or 67 mm. Stock Buffet A barrels are 65 mm. The bore makes a lot of difference in intonation. My A clarinet barrel is 64 mm., with bore adjustments to put it in tune.
A barrel from Chadash, Fobes or Pyne will make a big improvement and will almost certainly be better than a new stock barrel, particularly if you can get to a maker's studio and have it individually matched to your instrument and mouthpiece.
Best regards.
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Author: Spencer
Date: 2001-11-07 02:43
Thanks for the info everyone!
Stephen - I usually have to pull out quite a bit. My horn is in the shop, otherwise I'd measure and let you know. I'd say maybe 4 or 5 mm. Basically until the bottom of the barrel is even with the bottom of the cork. Then, my horn is better in tune. My throat tones are still a little high, and my lowest notes are a little low.
Dee - That's an interesting bit of info I'd never known! Thanks!
Ken - I'd been thinking about a Chadash or a Moenig (sp?), but I think Boston is the closest place that may carry them. I've never played any barrel except the one that's with my clarinet. Do you happen to know where a maker's studio is? I live in Massachusetts, near Rhode Island, if that helps.
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Author: Ken Shaw
Date: 2001-11-07 15:26
Guy Chadash is in New York City. You can order his barrels directly or through the various online stores, but you'll always do better making an appointment with him and having him put the finishing touches on a barrel to match your own clarinet and mouthpiece.
Another alternative, particularly if you play a Buffet, is to order a mouthpiece from Greg Smith with a Chadash barrel matched to it.
Best regards.
Ken Shaw
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