 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Steve Anderson
Date: 2002-11-21 13:11
Hi, all!
I've seen some advertising claims that a different barrel can cure many of your tonal problems (e.g. fix sharp notes in the throat register). Can anyone out there verify these claims, or are they so much snake oil?
---Steve
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Author: William
Date: 2002-11-21 14:38
Clarinet accoustics are really a big mysterie to me, but I recently acquired a new barrel for my old R13 A (80xxx) which has made a remarkable change in the tuning of the upper register notes. This Moennig barrel (which I got for $20.00) makes it much easier for me to play in tune from A5 and higher and also helps bring more tonal focus in that register for greater projection in the orchestra. Why it works, I have no idea--but barrels do "make a difference" to some clarinets. It is probably best to get the help of a qualified accoustician or try as many different barrels as you can to find the "best one." For me, I bought this one "on a whime" and lucked out. Another barrel that worked for me--but had less effect on the tuning in the high register--was an old Springer barrel 6-7-67 model. I also had a Chadash barrel that works for my LeBlanc
Concerto A, but not my Buffet R13 A. Like with mouthpieces, "Try Before You Buy." They DO Make a DIFFERENCE!!! (good or bad is the question)
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Author: Ed
Date: 2002-11-21 16:22
I cannot give you acoustical reasons. For that, you need to go to one of the many people out there who make barrels. Many are sponsors of this site and make great stuff. I can tell you that while there are variances of tapers and bore sizes as well as length which do indeed help tuning, intervals, smoothness and tone quality. Differences may be at times subtle, but at other times you can find a barrel that will vastly improve an instrument.
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Author: Hank
Date: 2002-11-21 16:32
Hi,
I recently acquired a LeBlanc Dynamic 2 and had it re-padded. The clarinet played great before and after the repad but had a tendency to be somewhat sharp above the staff approching C. While I had done the "approved" three step tuning (open G - pull barrel; G above the space - pull middle tenon joint; and finally 3rd space C - do what is required), I could not get these notes above staff notes into place.
I knew I needed a 68 mm barrel since I had to play with a pulled barrel and tuning ring anyhow (see my other posts a few months ago). Since I already had some Scott barrels, I emailed Bob Scott and shared the problem. He said he could send me a 68 mm but specificed an aa2 model.
Barrel arrived; problem was fixed. But as an experienced researcher, I knew I needed to validate the effect of the change. I went back and duplicated the whole process and compared the before & after barrels. The aa2 barrel made the difference and fixed my problem.
I shared my results with Bob and he said this barrel has fixed such problems on Buffets as well as LeBlanc. He did not tell me what the aa2 barrel bore of configuration was but these craftsmen (oops, craftpersons) have their little secrets.
Hank
PS My series 9* is "bang on" in all registers.
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Author: javier garcia
Date: 2002-11-21 17:57
This explanation is quoted from the S. Fox website:
"The barrel bore affects the tuning of the upper part of the second register and the lower altissimo notes; these are sharpened if the barrel bore is enlarged. The size and shape- cylindrical, reverse taper, compound taper, etc.- of the barrel bore also exerts a disproportionally large effect on the playing feel and resistance of the entire range of the instrument."
there are also other topics about clarinet acoustics.
see:
http://www.sfoxclarinets.com/baclac_art.htm
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Author: Bob
Date: 2002-11-21 18:35
Barrels do make a difference...based on my own experience just as the above guys. But , Hey, where the heck do those $20 Chadash bbls come from; where's the line?
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Author: Ralph
Date: 2002-11-23 02:03
Question for Hank. What barrel do you use on your 9* - Original or aftermarket? Do you know the inner dimensions of the barrel. I play a 9* and with original barrel and am curious as to what others may be using. Thank you.
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Author: Hank
Date: 2002-11-23 03:00
Hi Ralph,
I am using the standard barrel that came with the clarinet. It is 67 mm long and the match between the upper section (.584") is exact so I would assume that might be the exit dimension for the barrel.
Does that help?
HRL
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