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Barrels and Restistance

Author: seafaris
Date: 2006-02-01 16:51

I am 58 years old and have played a LL Leblanc almost 2 years. My first attempt at an musical instrument. My business is in Mexico and I have no access to an instructor, so I am basically self taught with the help of my wife who has been playing off and on for 40 years. I like jazz and standards and play about 1-2 hours a day using a software program Band in a Box as a rhythm section (my metronome!). I use Vandorens 2.5 or Gonzales 2.5 reeds and a Fobes 4l mouthpiece. I have gone up to 3.25 reeds but the 2.5's seem to work best for me. I changed from a 65mm to 64 mm Ridenour Barrel because I felt the horn was a little flat and it sure helped the throat notes especially Bb.

My question is that I would like to add just a little resistance to my set up and was thinking of a new barrel. If I went with one that added resistance would the throat tones go flat again? I have tested many mouthpieces the ones I liked best were Walter Grabners, Greg Smith and the Fobes, The Fobes has the most projection and plays slightly brighter, that is what I use and my wife uses Walters. It seems to me that resistance adds to the darker sound. All of the mouthpieces that were free blowing seemed brighter. I have not liked any of the more resistive mouth pieces but thought that maybe adding a new barrel would help.

Thanks for any suggestions,
Jim

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Re: Barrels and Restistance

Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2006-02-01 20:16

Perhaps a Moennig tapered barrel (available through online musical stores like Woodwind and Brasswind or Muncy Winds). Or, just going up a strength on the reed works to add resistance.

And, by the way, good for you! It's great to hear about another mid-fifties person taking up a challenge. Keep us informed.

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Re: Barrels and Restistance

Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2006-02-01 20:34

I had my very own experience of "resistance":
One morning the low E sounded stuffy. Resistant. Reluctant. The F was okayish, above everything was right. So I did the E again, a little louder that time. Flup! and out of the bell my cleaning rag popped...(I usually store it there) [tongue]

--
Ben

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Re: Barrels and Restistance

Author: Tyler
Date: 2006-02-01 20:35

Please just don't do what so many people I have to put up with do and get too-hard-reeds then compensate by biting

-Tyler

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Re: Barrels and Restistance

Author: Synonymous Botch
Date: 2006-02-01 22:07

Make certain to specify the LL model when you select your barrel.

Most aftermarket barrels are currently made for a smaller internal diameter design (such as the LeBlanc Opus and Buffet R13).

Phil Muncy will make one to your specification of a phenolic plastic, which is very durable.

By way of information, what mouthpiece and reed are you currently using?

If you have a student type mouthpiece, they're designed for ease of play...

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Re: Barrels and Restistance

Author: seafaris
Date: 2006-02-01 22:36

It is a Bb LL and I play Vandoren 2.5 reeds and use a Fobes 4L mouthpiece. I have gone up in reeds and that did not work, even working a 3 down, the 2.5's for my music just seem right.

Thanks,
Jim

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Re: Barrels and Restistance

Author: elmo lewis
Date: 2006-02-02 23:25

¿Where in Mexico are you located? There are many fine English-speaking clarinet teachers in Mexico.

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Re: Barrels and Restistance

Author: seafaris
Date: 2006-02-03 15:30

I live in La Paz Baja Calif Sur, 120 miles North of Cabo San Lucas. There are some find Mexican instructors here but they like either classical or rancho music. I would love to find some one who has a jazz background. Rancho music, I can see it now introducing Pedro Fuentes and his Mariachi Band! :-)

Thanks,
Jim

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Re: Barrels and Restistance

Author: seafaris
Date: 2006-02-03 23:35

An update. I wasn't planning on using a stronger reed, but thought what the heck. I have plenty of the Vandoren standard reeds 2.5 and 3's. I must be improving because I had no problem at all with the number 3. A little more resistance and after 1.5 hours of playinmg my chops were a little tired. Of course this was the first day. Who knows what will happen tommorrow! :-) I pulled 3 reeds out of an older box I had, smoothed their bottoms on a fine stone and ran the ATG block over the top very lightly and all 3 played fine. Two were equal and one more like a 2.75 strength.

Thanks for the input,
Jim

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