Our selection service for clarinet barrels generally covers Buffet Crampon-branded Moennig, Icon, Rondo and Chadash bore barrels, as well as Chadash Custom Ringless and adjustable barrels. Being the entry aperture for the instrument, we believe the barrel is extremely consequential in terms of the overall performance and responsiveness of the clarinet. There are gradations and inconsistencies that are a simple byproduct of the manufacturing process. Wood is obviously an organic material which varies from tree to tree and even within a single billet. The primary material from which they are made, variously known as Mpingo or Grenadilla (Dalbergia Melanoxylon) is a rare African blackwood that is very dense, very hard, and therefore very difficult to accurately machine. The manual components of the process and the wear and tear on the tools plus the variability of the wood means each barrel is a little different in some way.
Each model has its own core defining characteristics, but across the board we select and grade barrels according to the following:
- Responsiveness
- Pitch accuracy
- Consistency across the full range of the instrument
- Appropriate resistance without congestion
- Focused sound (e.g. no spreading) without being thin or strident
- Clearly defined core to the sound with an appropriate “halo”
- Energy in upper partials in proportion with the fundamental
- Ease and cleanliness of articulation
- Measurements
- Compatible with common mouthpiece designs
In other words, each model plays differently, but we believe there is still a universal standard for playing well. The difference in design should be the overriding distinction, and not accidental differences in machining and finishing.
We grade barrels into two categories: Reserve and Standard.
- Reserve: A small percentage of the barrels we grade we consider to be exceptional examples of their model and these we set aside for discerning players at a premium price.
- Standard: Barrels that do not make the first category are assigned a ‘Standard’ designation, with the exception of those that we deem too fundamentally flawed in some way which are removed completely from circulation. These barrels honor each model design but do not meet our exacting standards for superior performance, and we believe may be appropriate for younger or more casual players where cost is a bigger factor than nuances of articulation or overtone structure.
For those who have worked with us for some time, yes, we used to have a category called “Select”. Truth is, nobody wanted the middle tier. Either they want the best, or the least expensive, but not the middle of either of those scales. So, that means it is possible to find some pretty great mouthpieces in our lower cost “Standard” tier that didn’t make the Reserve cut, but that puts the work back on you as the player to find.
Available Makes/Models
Buffet Crampon “Moennig” Clarinet Barrels
Cut at Buffet Crampon from the same Grenadilla (Mpingo) as their Prestige-tier professional clarinets and to the bore specifications of famous craftsman Hans Moennig, this barrel design incorporates an inverted taper (wider at the entry than the exit). These barrels have sterling silver rings. As compared to the stock barrels that come with most clarinets, this design often improves the voicing of the instrument and provides a little more resonance and substance to the sound due to the unique internal acoustical characteristics. Bore dimensions are different between Bb and A options. Bb is available in 65mm, 66mm, and 67mm; and A is available in 64mm, 65mm, and 66mm. Shorter and longer lengths may be available on request but we do not consistently stock in quantity outside of the 65-67/64-66mm Bb/A ranges.
Buffet Crampon “Chadash” Clarinet Barrels
Cut at Buffet Crampon from the same Grenadilla (Mpingo) as their Prestige-tier professional clarinets and to the bore specifications of acoustician and instrument maker Guy Chadash, this barrel design also incorporates an inverted taper (wider at the entry than the exit) with a different slope of the taper as compared to the Moennig. These barrels have sterling silver rings. As compared to the stock barrels that come with most clarinets, this design often improves the voicing of the instrument and provides a little more resonance and substance to the sound due to the unique internal acoustical characteristics. The Chadash bore has a reputation for improving the pitch relationships of the 12ths and offers a sweeter “Golden Age” disposition to the sound in relation to the Moennig. Bore dimensions are different between Bb and A options. Bb is available in 65mm, 66mm, and 67mm; and A is available in 64mm, 65mm, and 66mm. Shorter and longer lengths may be available on request but we do not consistently stock in quantity outside of the 65-67/64-66mm Bb/A ranges.
Guy Chadash Custom Ringless Clarinet Barrels
Acoustician and instrument maker Guy Chadash makes these barrels himself in his workshop, and again incorporates an inverted taper (wider at the entry than the exit) with a different slope of the taper as compared to the Moennig. These barrels are made from aged unstained Mozambiquan Mpingo and do not have metal rings. As compared to the stock barrels that come with most clarinets, this design often improves the voicing of the instrument and provides a little more resonance and substance to the sound due to the unique internal acoustical characteristics. The Chadash bore has a reputation for improving the pitch relationships of the 12ths and offers a sweeter “Golden Age” disposition to the sound in relation to the Moennig. Bore dimensions are different between Bb and A options. Bb is available in 65mm, 66mm, and 67mm; and A is available in 64mm, 65mm, and 66mm. Shorter and longer lengths may be available on request but we do not consistently stock in quantity outside of the 65-67/64-66mm Bb/A ranges.
Buffet Crampon Icon Clarinet Barrels
Cut at Buffet Crampon from the same Grenadilla (Mpingo) as their Prestige-tier professional clarinets this barrel design incorporates an inverted taper (wider at the entry than the exit). These barrels have a variety of ring metals available, including silver plated, gold plated, or a black nickel finish. In our experience and considered opinion, the difference in the plating introduces minute playing differences that are more than swamped by inconsistencies in how the barrels are bored and differences from one piece of wood to the next, so it is largely a cosmetic choice. Also cosmetically, these barrels have a more slender outside profile as compared to the stock barrels that come with most clarinets. The Icon manifests some of the same acoustic properties of the Moennig and Chadash designs, but as a barrel with less resonant mass (less wood and thin rings) plays a little lighter and more nimble. The Icon is considered a universal bore, and so the same barrel can be used on either Bb or A clarinet, and covers the typical range of 64mm to 67mm.
Clarinet Barrel Trials
Our curation process makes it possible through our grading and notes to match an artist’s required attributes or address an artist’s stated issues. We are proud of our track record of successfully fulfilling a player’s request on a first try. We do, however, recognize in some cases that in-hand trials are of interest, particularly when making decisions across different barrel models. Our policy on out-of-studio trials is as follows:
- We only ship what has been paid for in full up front. No trials on account.
- Trial period is one week in-hand.
- Returns are accepted if barrels are returned in pristine condition (no scratches, chips, cracks, etc.).
- All returns are subject to a $30/barrel trial fee which covers transaction costs as well as cleaning and sterilization. Shipping fees are non-refundable.