Author: Hurstfarm
Date: 2014-05-16 11:47
I'm assuming the tuning problem is across the range, not confined to a few wayward notes, which can be a feature of Eb instruments, even expensive ones. A few suggestions to try...
First, look at whether you can get better in tune with your existing equipment by pulling out in more than one place. As well as the barrel, you also have the option of the mouthpiece and the bell. Look for the combination that gives the best balance of intonation across the range.
Next, as a temporary fix for testing, wrap layers of paper over the cork on the top tenon to enable you to fit and try out the Fobes barrels. With luck, one of the longer barrels will fix the problem and give a better idea of your instrument's potential. If the answer is yes, you then have a couple more options. If the loose fit is not too extreme, you could have the top tenon re-corked with thicker cork to take up the slack in much the same way as you did with the paper. The disadvantage is that then your original barrel won't fit. If the fit is too loose for that, you could ask one of the barrel manufacturers to custom make a barrel for you, with a narrower socket to fit your instrument, which is a neater but slightly more costly solution. Backun did this for me for a Leblanc Concerto, which had the same issue.
With regard to tuning rings, all they do is fill in the gap between socket and tenon when you pull out, reducing the space for water to accumulate, and, some would claim, helping to maintain tone and intonation - although whether to any noticeable extent has been debated here. They might have a role to maintain spacing if your standard set-up is to pull out significantly (perhaps under option 1 above), but otherwise my own view, FWIW, is that they're a waste of money!
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The Clarinet BBoard
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