The Clarinet BBoard

Re: backun barrel tuning

Author: Joseph Tomasso  Date:   2011-11-21 02:58 No problem Cx, I found that the lower E/F on the CSG A clarinet was just not matching the rest of the instrument the way I wanted it to match. When I starting playing around with the Backun barrels (as well as the bells) I found that by concentrating on a higher tongue position I could match both sound and intonation with ease. Perhaps it is the barrel and perhaps it is my own voicing issues from juggling more than one instrument, but I firmly believe the backun makes the job easier. As far as pitch goes, I also feel like the throat tones sit in a better position on my backun for both the Bb and A (which could also be because I moved to a shorter length, but I think it is also partly because of the taper of the barrel). I have only been using the backun for a month, so I may end up changing my mind a year or two down the line, but for the price of the barrel and the increased stability in my sound throughout the range of the horn, and for having less trouble navigating the throat tones, I am extremely pleased. I also feel like the stock CSG barrels produce a slightly tight sound in the clarion if that makes any sense. Mostly between E and A.... especially the F on both the Bb/A. I'm not sure if it has to do with the metal rings adding a certain degree of pressure on the wood, or if it has more to do with the different taper of the barrels. Perhaps someone with more knowledge of the physics of the equipment could comment? I love the CSG clarinets. I think they have really opened a door for me in my playing, and with or without the Backun I notice a huge difference when I go back to my buffet R13 for teaching or outdoor performance. I would certainly say give them a try if you're curious, but just by owning the CSGs for now I'd like to say we've made a great decision OH yeah, When I did my trial, I had 6 grenadilla and 6 cocobolo. I did actually prefer the stock barrels over a few of the backun, but there were 3 backun barrels in particular that just felt a ton easier to play for what it is worth. I also play a backun mouthpiece, so perhaps that has something to do with my preference in barrel as well. If you have any other questions feel free to contact me. Good luck when you start your trials...and of course I suggest going directly to backun! Bachelor of Music, Sax/Clarinet Performance (2005, 06) Master of Music, Multiple Woodwind Performance (2008) Master of Music, Oboe Performance (2013) Gainesville Chamber Orchestra (Clarinet) University of Florida 2010-2011(Visiting Lecturer in Woodwi

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Re: backun barrel tuning

Author: gwie  Date:   2011-11-21 16:44 I'm with Joseph on this one. I love my CSG's, but the Backun barrels that I bought for them really give them that last little boost in openness, tone color, and flexibility. I went with the 55.5mm barrels, as I find them to be very in-tune with the barrel and middle joint pulled out about 1mm when things are completely warmed up. It really helps for those cold performances in churches, but has enough length for the inevitable greenhouse effect with big orchestras in small spaces. I use a Cocobolo one for the Bb clarinet, and a Grenadilla one for the A. On the Bb I wanted more color in the sound and less blowing resistance, and on the A I wanted more focus and clarity, especially in the lower register.

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