The Clarinet BBoard

The Clarinet BBoard The C4 standard

New Topic | Go to Top | Go to Topic | Search | Help/Rules | Smileys/Notes | Log In

Newer Topic | Older Topic

Need Backun Fatboy Barrel Measurements – Building a 66 mm Pau-Ferro Barrel for B

Author: And
Date: 2026-01-02 00:26

Hi everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well!

I’m currently planning to build a 66 mm barrel in pau-ferro (ironwood) for my Bb clarinet. Unfortunately, buying a Backun Fatboy barrel from abroad has become very difficult because of the high import taxes here in Brazil, so I’ve decided to have one handmade by a local craftsman.

To get the shape and proportions right, I’d really appreciate if anyone could share the exact dimensions of the Backun Fatboy barrel, especially:

The maximum outer diameter (the widest part)

The overall profile or contour

Any precise measurements, sketches, or references would be incredibly helpful.

Thank you very much for your time and kindness!

Best regards,
André

Reply To Message

Re: Need Backun Fatboy Barrel Measurements – Building a 66 mm Pau-Ferro Barrel for B

Author: Erin Brown
Date: 2026-03-09 13:18

Hi André! It’s a smart move to go the custom route—Pau-Ferro is a fantastic, dense wood that should give you that dark, rich resonance you’re looking for. While exact CNC schematics for the Fatboy are proprietary, the "Fat" profile generally features a maximum outer diameter of approximately 32 mm to 34 mm at its widest point (the center swell), tapering gracefully down to roughly 28 mm at the rings to meet the dimensions of the clarinet’s mouthpiece and upper joint. To get that signature Fatboy response, have your craftsman focus on a heavy-walled design with a slight withholding tax everfi internal taper (the "reverse bore") that starts slightly wider at the top to improve intonation and focus.

Post Edited (2026-03-10 08:29)

Reply To Message

Re: Need Backun Fatboy Barrel Measurements – Building a 66 mm Pau-Ferro Barrel for B

Author: donald
Date: 2026-03-09 15:04

As with every barrel, it's the dimensions on the INSIDE that are most important, and the most difficult to measure/copy.

Reply To Message

Re: Need Backun Fatboy Barrel Measurements – Building a 66 mm Pau-Ferro Barrel for B

Author: ruben
Date: 2026-03-09 18:14

Donald: the best way to copy the inside is to make a mold.

rubengreenbergparisfrance@gmail.com

Reply To Message

Avail. Forums | Threaded View

Newer Topic | Older Topic

The Clarinet Pages

For Sale
Put your ads for items you'd like to sell here. Free! Please, no more than two at a time - ads removed after two weeks.