Production of clarinet barrel

            Due to the preferred musical trends and the frequent use of Vandoren BD5 mouthpieces and the new Licostini mouthpieces, it is necessary to compare the intonation of the clarinets, which are rather designed for the older type of mouthpieces. This can be achieved differently for each clarinet model.

One of the parameters is the keg.

            The function and importance of the barrel is determined by its very location on the body of the clarinet. It transmits the vibration of the blade from the nozzle to the entire tool. The barrel is therefore the closest "carrier" of sound.

           The barrel not only transmits the sound, but at the same time significantly influences it intonation. Here it is necessary to mention a very widespread mistake. The intonation height is related to the total internal (hollow) volume, not just the length of the barrel! In this regard, it can be drilled in different variants, according to the needs of a specific instrument, so that the intonation is as balanced as possible throughout the entire range of the instrument.

           For this purpose, several test sets are available in my workshop in different lengths and types of drills for the most optimal diagnosis in relation to the construction of the instrument and the way of playing of the individual player.

            The barrel is made in its basic form from grenadilla (Dalbergia melanoxylon) without rings, its drilling gives it an unmistakable color which gives the clarinet tone the appropriate sonority. Its advantage is easy articulation and easy resonance. It is suitable for chamber, orchestral and solo playing. Since there are a lot of variable parameters during the production of a keg, we cannot talk about a universal keg. That's why I recommend testing the barrel and fine-tuning it directly with us.

             You can choose the production from several types of wood:

• African blackwood – Grenadill (1270kg/m3)
• Ebony (1030-1050kg/m3)
• Exotic ebony (1030-1050kg/m3) 
• Cocobolo (990-1250kg/m3)

      We also make copies of barrels that are no longer commercially available (Selmer 9, 9 *) or a replacement for a cracked barrel. Barrels of the required length can be prepared on request. 

Procedure for making a barrel:

• It is necessary to have a nozzle and a tool with which the keg will be made. For one thing, even model lines vary over the years as manufacturers keep trying to improve their tools. It is also necessary to fit the barrel correctly on the top pin to avoid the so-called curling. So we try to fine-tune and adjust the barrel every time.
• To speed things up, it is advisable to fill in the intonation table a according to her, we can orient ourselves better. Download: HERE.