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 Making the best out of a bad deal
Author: as9934 
Date:   2014-06-26 06:56

Upon close examination of my clarinet today I found out that it was in fact a E11 and not an E13 as advertised. I love the tone of the clarinet but feel a little cheated and under equipped compared to the sea of leblanc bliss', and r13s here at music camp. I dont have the resources to replace the clarinet but I would like to upgrade either the mouthpiece, barrel, bell or some combination there of. I currently play on the stock bell and barrel and a vandoren 5rv mouthpiece. Which one of these would give me the most 'bang for the buck' as far as sound improvement? What do you guys reccomend?

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Wind Ensemble
Buffet E11 clarinet , Vandoren Masters CL6 13 series mouthpiece w/ Pewter M/O Ligature, Vandoren V12 3.5
Yamaha 200ad clarinet, Vandoren B45 mouthpiece, Rovner ligature

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 Re: Making the best out of a bad deal
Author: maxopf 
Date:   2014-06-26 07:27

Interesting, there are more high school clarinetists on this board than I imagined there would be when I first joined a couple of days ago. (I am one myself.)

Mouthpieces definitely make the most significant difference in sound, and barrels make a fairly noticeable difference as well. Different reed cuts/strengths and ligatures can also affect your sound. I've never tried changing my bell, but I imagine it would have a pretty small effect, as only the lowest couple of notes and their clarion counterparts really rely on the bell at all.
Of course, what really matters is not if you have fancy equipment but if you're playing with good tone and intonation. If you like the sound you get out of the setup you have now, there's no point in buying extra equipment just for the sake of having fancy equipment.
That having been said, it's always good to try different mouthpieces/barrels/reeds/ligatures/whatever just to see if there's a combination that works particularly well for you. I personally use a Clark Fobes mouthpiece and barrel and really like the sound I get out of them.

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 Re: Making the best out of a bad deal
Author: pewd 
Date:   2014-06-26 08:41

Why do you want to change something? Is there something about your sound or tuning you don't like? If you love the tone, whats the problem?

E11's are decent instruments, if properly maintained. And I have plenty of students who sound fine on 5RVs.

There is no reason for a young student to change out the bell.
E11's are pitched at A442, if you're constantly sharp then getting a longer (66mm instead of the stock 64.5mm) barrel might make sense. Most of my students on E11's simply pull the barrel out a bit.

- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas

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 Re: Making the best out of a bad deal
Author: AAAClarinet 
Date:   2014-06-26 09:08

A different reed can make a huge difference and it is relatively cheap to experiment. Try a different cut or brand. I personally enjoy the Gonzalez reeds. They make four different styles of reed, I've tried them all and like each for different reasons.

AAAClarinet

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 Re: Making the best out of a bad deal
Author: Tony Pay 2017
Date:   2014-06-26 10:23

>> I've never tried changing my bell, but I imagine it would have a pretty small effect, as only the lowest couple of notes and their clarion counterparts really rely on the bell at all.>>

What you write here seems intuitively plausible, but is in fact incorrect. The clarinet and player together constitute a vibrating system in which all parts play a role. The bell, being at the reflecting end of the clarinet with regard to components of the pressure standing wave that constitutes a clarinet sound, has a (varying) effect on other notes than those you mention.

TRY changing your bell. You may surprise yourself.

What you say in the rest of your post is excellent.

Tony

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 Re: Making the best out of a bad deal
Author: Tony F 
Date:   2014-06-26 10:40

As a general guide, the closer a clarinet component is to your mouth the greater the effect it has on the sound. That being said, an E11 with a RV5 sounds like a pretty good combination. Don't feel overwhelmed by the sea of R13 and Bliss around you, the real test is "Do they sound any better than you because of their kit?" A good player can make your combination sound as good as anything they have. It's up to you to do the same.

If I were to make any changes, I'd look at the mouthpiece first and then the barrel. Tony Pay says that changing your bell may work for you, and indeed it may. I'd still look at the other end of the instrument for the biggest cost-effective change.

Tony F.

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 Re: Making the best out of a bad deal
Author: maxopf 
Date:   2014-06-26 11:31

I guess I was making an assumption about the bell without having actually tried one myself. Now I'm curious to try one to see what the effects are...
I can't imagine it would have as dramatic of an effect as changing the mouthpiece, barrel, etc. would, though.

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 Re: Making the best out of a bad deal
Author: Tony Pay 2017
Date:   2014-06-26 14:36

>> As a general guide, the closer a clarinet component is to your mouth the greater the effect it has on the sound.>>

That oft-touted idea has been pretty comprehensively demolished. I posted an exhaustive and perhaps exhausting collection of posts about it here, which I now can't find. However, this is Joe Wakeling's summary of an exchange on the Klarinet:

http://test.woodwind.org/Databases/lookup.php/Klarinet/2002/11/000104.txt

>> Tony Pay says that changing your bell may work for you, and indeed it may.>>

I wasn't really saying that the original poster should investigate changing his bell. I was saying that bells can make more of a difference than one might naively think, in response to the poster who said that bells don't make a difference.

However, that poster then went on to say – wisely, in my view – that the pedigree of one's instrument is irrelevant if it plays well.

Tony

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 Re: Making the best out of a bad deal
Author: as9934 
Date:   2014-06-26 15:35

My e11 does play a little sharp but thats not really what i was thinking of improving. When i tried a cocobolo barrel on my e11 recently i got a sound that was superbly deep and rich especially in the lower chamleau. I would like to achieve this type of sound while also improving intonation and projection. I want to achieve openess that rivals the tenor sax i have been playing all week. I also would like to improve my jazz sound. As for new reeds and ligatures i have tried both with some success. I just recently switched from vandoren blue box 3.5s to rico grand concert reserve thick 3.5s. I have also had a rovner-style ligature for a while and i like it alot.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Wind Ensemble
Buffet E11 clarinet , Vandoren Masters CL6 13 series mouthpiece w/ Pewter M/O Ligature, Vandoren V12 3.5
Yamaha 200ad clarinet, Vandoren B45 mouthpiece, Rovner ligature

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 Re: Making the best out of a bad deal
Author: maxopf 
Date:   2014-06-26 22:52

I play cocobolo Clark Fobes barrels on both my Bb and A clarinets. The cocobolo wood definitely does seem to richen the sound, and you can order them in different lengths to improve intonation (if you tend to be a little sharp, you could order one a millimeter longer than the one you use now). If you're happy with your mouthpiece/reed/ligature setup as-is, then the barrel would be the next thing to go to.



Post Edited (2014-06-26 23:00)

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 Re: Making the best out of a bad deal
Author: as9934 
Date:   2014-06-27 05:31

maxopf wrote:

> I play cocobolo Clark Fobes barrels on both my Bb and A
> clarinets. The cocobolo wood definitely does seem to richen
> the sound, and you can order them in different lengths to
> improve intonation (if you tend to be a little sharp, you could
> order one a millimeter longer than the one you use now). If
> you're happy with your mouthpiece/reed/ligature setup as-is,
> then the barrel would be the next thing to go to.
>

>
> Post Edited (2014-06-26 23:00)
Can anyone else vouch for the fobes cocobolo barrels? Willl this help create a deeper richer sound? If I was to get one how long should it be? My current one is about 64.5-65mm so should I get a 65.5-66mm? Are these larger chambered barrels? I have also heard good things about backun. What do you guys think about fobes vs backun barrels?

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Wind Ensemble
Buffet E11 clarinet , Vandoren Masters CL6 13 series mouthpiece w/ Pewter M/O Ligature, Vandoren V12 3.5
Yamaha 200ad clarinet, Vandoren B45 mouthpiece, Rovner ligature

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 Re: Making the best out of a bad deal
Author: maxopf 
Date:   2014-06-27 09:15

After my last post, I was thinking about the intonation thing: You could move to a 66 mm like you mentioned; however, you don't want to go too long by accident. It's probably better to be sharp and be able to pull out than be flat and have nothing you can really do. If you're consistently sharp, though, you could go to the 66mm. They also sell tuning rings that you can put in a barrel that's too sharp to bring down the pitch.
I've never tried a Backun so I can't really compare the two, but I think they're both pretty good, and there are other options out there too. The best thing to do would probably be to try out a few different types (both brand-wise and material-wise) and compare them. I personally like the Clark Fobes cocobolo, but you might find you like Backun better, or maybe you'll prefer a grenadilla barrel over a cocobolo barrel.

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 Re: Making the best out of a bad deal
Author: Jack Kissinger 
Date:   2014-06-27 20:14

Ari,

Your signature says that you play an "Old Buffet E13" that you have apparently determined to be an (old?) E11. I think it might be useful to determine exactly what you are playing to make sure that some well-intentioned but misinformed person doesn't give you bad information. Where was your clarinet made? France? (West) Germany? somewhere else? What, exactly does the logo on the upper joint say? Why did you think you had an "old E13"? What changed your mind?

Best regards,
jnk

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 Re: Making the best out of a bad deal
Author: as9934 
Date:   2014-06-28 00:50

Jack Kissinger wrote:

> Ari,
>
> Your signature says that you play an "Old Buffet E13" that you
> have apparently determined to be an (old?) E11. I think it
> might be useful to determine exactly what you are playing to
> make sure that some well-intentioned but misinformed person
> doesn't give you bad information. Where was your clarinet
> made? France? (West) Germany? somewhere else? What, exactly
> does the logo on the upper joint say? Why did you think you
> had an "old E13"? What changed your mind?
>
> Best regards,
> jnk
I believe it to be old because the wood and keys are faded and well worn. I thought it was an E13 because that is what I was told it was. I now know it is an E11 because it says made in West Germany and on close examination of the faded buffet logo under a light I faintly could make out the characters "E11" I have not yet had a chance to change my signature but I will do so shortly as I have just returned home and can use a computer.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Wind Ensemble
Buffet E11 clarinet , Vandoren Masters CL6 13 series mouthpiece w/ Pewter M/O Ligature, Vandoren V12 3.5
Yamaha 200ad clarinet, Vandoren B45 mouthpiece, Rovner ligature

Post Edited (2014-06-28 03:20)

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 Re: Making the best out of a bad deal
Author: as9934 
Date:   2014-06-28 04:08

What do you guys think about the Backun ringless barrels? I saw one online for a very good price (less than $50), and it looked very attractive. It was a 66mm and was offered in cocobolo and grenadilla.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Wind Ensemble
Buffet E11 clarinet , Vandoren Masters CL6 13 series mouthpiece w/ Pewter M/O Ligature, Vandoren V12 3.5
Yamaha 200ad clarinet, Vandoren B45 mouthpiece, Rovner ligature

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 Re: Making the best out of a bad deal
Author: DavidBlumberg 
Date:   2014-06-28 05:36

E-11 bore is ok, just ok.......

I'd say upgrade your barrel, your MP is fine. Bell can have an impact, and of course the reed, ligature for sound and response.

http://www.SkypeClarinetLessons.com


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 Re: Making the best out of a bad deal
Author: as9934 
Date:   2014-06-28 07:10

DavidBlumberg wrote:

> E-11 bore is ok, just ok.......
>
> I'd say upgrade your barrel, your MP is fine. Bell can have an
> impact, and of course the reed, ligature for sound and
> response.
>

So I guess I'll pick up a new barrel. Probably the Backun Ringless 66mm Cocobolo because it's looking pretty affordable online. Can anyone vouch for this barrel? Also going to pick up a Fobes Debut mouthpiece because it's free. What do you guys think about it versus my current 5RVL? My reeds are pretty good right now (Rico Grand Concert Select Thick 3.5) so i'm gonna stick with them for awhile. The rovner-style lig is fine to. The bell will probably be the last thing I replace because it's the most expensive.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Wind Ensemble
Buffet E11 clarinet , Vandoren Masters CL6 13 series mouthpiece w/ Pewter M/O Ligature, Vandoren V12 3.5
Yamaha 200ad clarinet, Vandoren B45 mouthpiece, Rovner ligature

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 Re: Making the best out of a bad deal
Author: Jack Kissinger 
Date:   2014-06-28 07:48

E-mail me privately, Ari. (You probably know this but, in case you don't, you can find my e-mail address by clicking on my name at the top of this message.)

Best regards,
jnk

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 Re: Making the best out of a bad deal
Author: as9934 
Date:   2014-06-28 07:52

Jack Kissinger wrote:

> E-mail me privately, Ari. (You probably know this but, in case
> you don't, you can find my e-mail address by clicking on my
> name at the top of this message.)
>
> Best regards,
> jnk
Pertaining to what exactly? The barrel/mouthpiece or my clarinet?

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Wind Ensemble
Buffet E11 clarinet , Vandoren Masters CL6 13 series mouthpiece w/ Pewter M/O Ligature, Vandoren V12 3.5
Yamaha 200ad clarinet, Vandoren B45 mouthpiece, Rovner ligature

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 Re: Making the best out of a bad deal
Author: maxopf 
Date:   2014-06-28 08:19

Under $50 looks like a good deal for those barrels.
I have the Clark Fobes CWF mouthpiece... I've never tried the Debut but I've heard it's good.

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 Re: Making the best out of a bad deal
Author: Titus 
Date:   2014-06-28 11:54

You are fine with what you have imo. I use an e11 with a stock barrel and it's gotten me very far (high all state seat, difficult solos/music, etc.). I also use a rico mouthpiece with the reserve classics.

Pull out your barrel just a touch and drop your jaw a lot. It helped me stay in tune, and achieve a more focused sound (I experimented while playing Weber long tones). For projection, I worked with a decibel meter while playing a different type of long tones that go from the low E to the very high A (starts with low E, middle B, then high G#, rest, low F, middle C, high A, rest, etc), and tried to stay over 95 on every note. It helped a lot long term.

Try a metal ligature like the Bonade or the Optimum, I preferred those to a rovner.

Also, do you play a 5rv lyre or a 5rv? I used to play on the 5rv lyre and switched to the rico. I personally prefer the sound it gives me.

PS. The e11 is good enough. Been to enough clinics and camps to know that there will always be kids with vitos w/ stock barrels that can beat out an r13.



Post Edited (2014-06-28 12:11)

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 Re: Making the best out of a bad deal
Author: as9934 
Date:   2014-06-28 19:44

Titus wrote:

> You are fine with what you have imo. I use an e11 with a stock
> barrel and it's gotten me very far (high all state seat,
> difficult solos/music, etc.). I also use a rico mouthpiece
> with the reserve classics.
>
> Pull out your barrel just a touch and drop your jaw a lot. It
> helped me stay in tune, and achieve a more focused sound (I
> experimented while playing Weber long tones). For projection,
> I worked with a decibel meter while playing a different type of
> long tones that go from the low E to the very high A (starts
> with low E, middle B, then high G#, rest, low F, middle C, high
> A, rest, etc), and tried to stay over 95 on every note. It
> helped a lot long term.
>
> Try a metal ligature like the Bonade or the Optimum, I
> preferred those to a rovner.
>
> Also, do you play a 5rv lyre or a 5rv? I used to play on the
> 5rv lyre and switched to the rico. I personally prefer the
> sound it gives me.
>
> PS. The e11 is good enough. Been to enough clinics and camps
> to know that there will always be kids with vitos w/ stock
> barrels that can beat out an r13.
>

>
> Post Edited (2014-06-28 12:11)

I currently am using a 5RV lyre (I ran out of characters in my signature). As for a optimum ligature those are almost twice as expensive as the barrel, and I am looking for the most bang for the least buck. I have played on the Rico mouthpieces you mentioned and I liked the X10 a lot but I only saw it as equal-to or maybe marginally better than the 5RVL. Plus I didn't have the hundred dollars it cost at that time. As for improving my skill, I am going to be starting regular private lessons in August. I also plan to see a professional clarinetist from the Sante Fe Opera in July so I will ask her about my playing as well.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Wind Ensemble
Buffet E11 clarinet , Vandoren Masters CL6 13 series mouthpiece w/ Pewter M/O Ligature, Vandoren V12 3.5
Yamaha 200ad clarinet, Vandoren B45 mouthpiece, Rovner ligature

Post Edited (2014-06-28 22:31)

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 Re: Making the best out of a bad deal
Author: Titus 
Date:   2014-06-29 08:09

Try a bonade ligature. I think you'd be surprised. And lessons definitely help a lot!

But really, don't get too hung up because you have an e11 while another person has an r13.... You can get better than him/her.


PS. Which music camp did you go to?



Post Edited (2014-06-29 16:26)

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 Re: Making the best out of a bad deal
Author: clarnibass 
Date:   2014-06-29 09:24

>> Try a bondage ligature. <<

Just make sure it's legal...

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 Re: Making the best out of a bad deal
Author: JonTheReeds 
Date:   2014-06-29 13:53

Sounds like 2 things going on: feeling that you've been cheated; and horn envy. Don't worry about the first point - you love the tone of your clarinet - so contact the vendor (or post a review if it was online) and point out the miselling but keep the clarinet and don't buy any more equipment unless there's really something that you don't like about your sound

And don't worry about the second point either. Just because someone has a more expensive instrument doesn't necessarily make them sound better and definitely doesn't make them a better musician. Take the camp opportunity to see what the differences are, if any, between the different clarinets. See if you can hear the difference between an R13 and a Leblanc. See which R13 player has your favourite sound and find out why - is it the reed, or their air support, or embouchure etc.

--------------------------------------
The older I get, the better I was

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 Re: Making the best out of a bad deal
Author: Titus 
Date:   2014-06-29 16:27

Autocorrect problem.... fixed lol

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 Re: Making the best out of a bad deal
Author: Jack Kissinger 
Date:   2014-06-29 23:52

as9934 wrote:

"Pertaining to what exactly? The barrel/mouthpiece or my clarinet?"

Both the clarinet and the barrel. I have a W. German E11 that I bought and reconditioned for my daughter when she was in her middle school band. Also, I use Backun barrels and bells. The reason I asked you to e-mail me was that I originally had some suggestions that would have referred to an ongoing online auction. As I think you have already found out, such references violate the policies for this bulletin board.

With regard to the clarinet, I was going to say pretty much the same thing several others have said. The West German made E11s are, IMO, perfectly good clarinets. They are starting to get a little old, which can be a problem but, if yours was well cared for and is in good condition, it is enough clarinet to take you quite a ways. I've played my daughter's a number of times and I'm always impressed at how much it feels, responds and sounds like my R13. BTW, FWIW, I asked my original questions to verify that you have a West German E11 and not an earlier wooden Evette which some people (particularly eBay sellers) also sometimes refer to as E11s.

Buffet pitches the E11 to play at A = 442 out of the box. However, according to Francois Kloc, they do this by giving a relatively short barrel to a clarinet that is otherwise designed to play at A = 440. For students with well-developed embouchures, similar to Paul, many teachers recommend a longer replacement barrel. Depending on how much you have to pull out to play in tune, you might benefit from a replacement barrel but you should be careful not to get one that is too long. In your case, I would not automatically assume that 66 mm is the right length. As far as tone quality is concerned, while you might experience some improvement from one particular barrel or another, in general, from my experience I would say don't expect a lot. If there is any improvement, it is likely to be subtle. I think an anecdote perhaps sums up my point of view. I was in Italy last summer, performing for a month as part of a summer program. A very good Italian clarinetist noticed my Backun barrels and bells and asked what they were for. I responded "mostly intonation, but also perhaps some effect on evenness of scale and tone color" and invited him to try them. He laughed and said, "My teacher (the principal at La Scala, I think) says if everything is OK here (and he pointed to his mouth to indicate embouchure and perhaps mouthpiece and reed) and here (and he pointed at his midsection to indicate air support), I don't need anything else."

I will say that, if you want a longer barrel, the Backun ringless barrels are probably as good as any but why not wait on your teacher, who can actually listen to you play and help you evaluate alternatives -- s/he may even have alternatives for you to try that save you from spending money on something that you aren't happy with.

Best regards,
jnk

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 Re: Making the best out of a bad deal
Author: as9934 
Date:   2014-06-30 04:17

Jack Kissinger wrote:
> Buffet pitches the E11 to play at A = 442 out of the box.
> However, according to Francois Kloc, they do this by giving a
> relatively short barrel to a clarinet that is otherwise
> designed to play at A = 440. For students with well-developed
> embouchures, similar to Paul, many teachers recommend a longer
> replacement barrel. Depending on how much you have to pull out
> to play in tune, you might benefit from a replacement barrel
> but you should be careful not to get one that is too long. In
> your case, I would not automatically assume that 66 mm is the
> right length. As far as tone quality is concerned, while you
> might experience some improvement from one particular barrel
> or another, in general, from my experience I would say don't
> expect a lot. If there is any improvement, it is likely to be
> subtle. I think an anecdote perhaps sums up my point of view.
> I was in Italy last summer, performing for a month as part of a
> summer program. A very good Italian clarinetist noticed my
> Backun barrels and bells and asked what they were for. I
> responded "mostly intonation, but also perhaps some effect on
> evenness of scale and tone color" and invited him to try them.
> He laughed and said, "My teacher (the principal at La Scala, I
> think) says if everything is OK here (and he pointed to his
> mouth to indicate embouchure and perhaps mouthpiece and reed)
> and here (and he pointed at his midsection to indicate air
> support), I don't need anything else."
>
> I will say that, if you want a longer barrel, the Backun
> ringless barrels are probably as good as any but why not wait
> on your teacher, who can actually listen to you play and help
> you evaluate alternatives -- s/he may even have alternatives
> for you to try that save you from spending money on something
> that you aren't happy with.
That was pretty much my plan. We don't have the money right now to spend but we will soon. I will not be getting the barrel until august anyway because I am going to Sante Fe NM for a month. As mentioned before, I will be able to see a professional clarinet player from the Sante Fe Opera while I'm there so I can ask her about my sound, but from what I've heard from my band director and from what I've seen on my tuner I am always a bit sharp. When I do get the barrel sometime in august, I will probably have already started lessons with my teacher and if worst comes to worst I could always just sell it to one of the other clarinet players in my band (considering most of them are playing on student yamahas I'm pretty sure they would love to have something to improve there sound). You mentioned that 66 could be to long. How am I supposed to know the right size to get without trying it? I could also order a 65 in grenadilla from the same seller on ebay. Which should I get? I really like the sound cocobolo makes but if the 65 makes more sense I will get that.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Wind Ensemble
Buffet E11 clarinet , Vandoren Masters CL6 13 series mouthpiece w/ Pewter M/O Ligature, Vandoren V12 3.5
Yamaha 200ad clarinet, Vandoren B45 mouthpiece, Rovner ligature

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 Re: Making the best out of a bad deal
Author: Tony F 
Date:   2014-06-30 06:49

"I really like the sound cocobolo makes"

Don't automatically think that a cocobolo barrel will improve your sound. What you heard was the sound produced by that particular combination of barrel and clarinet. Another cocobolo barrel will not neccessarilly produce the same sound.

Tony F.

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 Re: Making the best out of a bad deal
Author: Jack Kissinger 
Date:   2014-06-30 07:55

The short answer is to work with your private teacher after you start lessons to determine the appropriate make, length and material.

If you want to do some calculating on your own and you have or can get access to a chromatic tuner, you could try the following approach. Set the tuner to A= 440. Then, after warming up your clarinet thoroughly, tune open G, pulling out the barrel, if necessary. Play the note at a medium dynamic level, not too loud or unduly soft. Optional, try fingering "open" G as follows:

ooo oxx Eb

Once you have that note in tune, tune G one octave higher, pulling out the lower joint if necessary but not adjusting the barrel. (We'll hope this note isn't flat to begin with. If it is, let us know here.)

Now check the rest of the notes on your clarinet from bottom E to at least high C (two lines above the staff). If the notes that use the right hand consistently fall to one side of the tuner, try adjusting the amount you've pulled out the lower joint. If the notes that use only the left hand consistently fall to one side of the tuner, try adjusting the amount that you have pulled out the barrel.

When you are satisfied that your clarinet is as well in tune with the tuner as you can get it, measure the gap between the barrel and your upper joint. That will give you the maximum amount you can add to your barrel length. To be on the safe side, I would subtract 1.0 mm from the measured amount. In other words, if your gap is 3 mm and your current barrel is 64.5 mm, then a 66 or 66.5 mm barrel (if available) should be OK.

Since you're not in a hurry, I would recommend you go through this process several times and try different conditions of humidity and temperature.

Others may suggest different approaches or modifications to what I have suggested. Do what makes the most sense to you. Or try them all and see what results you get and how much they differ. Keep in mind that differences between makes of barrels and even within a particular make may cause some variation. Still, I think allowing a 1 mm margin of error will leave you OK.

Best regards,
jnk

P.S. When responding, you don't need to reproduce our entire post. That just wastes space.

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 Re: Making the best out of a bad deal
Author: as9934 
Date:   2014-06-30 08:08

Tony F wrote:

> "I really like the sound cocobolo makes"
>
> Don't automatically think that a cocobolo barrel will improve
> your sound. What you heard was the sound produced by that
> particular combination of barrel and clarinet. Another cocobolo
> barrel will not necessarily produce the same sound.
>

Your point is well taken that I may not get an equal or better sound to the barrel I tried but I think it's worth a shot, especially if it has the potential of improving my sound. I figure $37 is a pretty safe investment especially if I could resell the barrel if I don't like it.
Does anyone have first hand experience with these particular barrels and if so do you have recordings and/or reviews? What change did they make to your sound?

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Wind Ensemble
Buffet E11 clarinet , Vandoren Masters CL6 13 series mouthpiece w/ Pewter M/O Ligature, Vandoren V12 3.5
Yamaha 200ad clarinet, Vandoren B45 mouthpiece, Rovner ligature

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 Re: Making the best out of a bad deal
Author: DavidBlumberg 
Date:   2014-06-30 22:20

The sound that cocobolo makes would be terrible if the dimensions are bad.


Wood type can help, or whatever material that gives a good sound, but if the dimensions are bad, no material will help that at all - only a reboring to get the measurements to an acceptable spec.


And not all specs work. Just because the measurements are good, doesn't mean that the barrel will be better than another. Ya have to try and see.

http://www.SkypeClarinetLessons.com


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 Re: Making the best out of a bad deal
Author: as9934 
Date:   2014-07-01 19:24

Thanks jack, I will try that method sometime today. David I am unable to try these barrels myself because I cant try four hours to atalanta to the nearest backun dealer. Are you saying that the dimensions for these barella are bad? If so then why are they bad? What would you reccomend as a replacement?

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Wind Ensemble
Buffet E11 clarinet , Vandoren Masters CL6 13 series mouthpiece w/ Pewter M/O Ligature, Vandoren V12 3.5
Yamaha 200ad clarinet, Vandoren B45 mouthpiece, Rovner ligature

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 Re: Making the best out of a bad deal
Author: AAAClarinet 
Date:   2014-07-01 20:52

Ari: David was saying that the wood alone will not make a barrel sound great, or give you the tone you are striving for.

AAAClarinet

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