Why do clarinets have 2 barrels

While some manufacturers and models of clarinet use different barrel lengths, the Bb clarinet typically uses a 66 millimeter barrel, while the A clarinet typically uses a 65 millimeter barrel.

If you play on a vintage mouthpiece then it may not be designed to play at the typical American pitch level of A, and trying a different length clarinet barrel may fix your intonation problems without requiring you to change mouthpieces. Barrels can also help the intonation of some notes on your clarinet that are often problematic. Many clarinetists find that the written E and F at the bottom of the treble clef staff are often low in pitch, while the B and C above the staff are often sharp.

The shorter one will play sharper - useful if you are playing in a cool room and the clarinet wants to play flat. As you progress on clarinet , you will likely acquire a collection of mouthpieces.

Some mouthpieces just work better for certain types of music. The clarinet is no harder or easier than any other orchestral instrument that a beginner may learn. It is the usual case with an instrument that you blow that arguably the hardest part of learning is getting a sound out in the first place. A firm embouchure is very important to producing a good clarinet sound, but avoid using too much jaw pressure. If you bite into the reed, you will squeak.

Keep your bottom lip over your bottom teeth. Tonguing too hard can cause squeaking as well, especially if your reed is not properly set on the mouthpiece. The bell is the flared section at the end of the clarinet from which the sound projects. The bell is the last of five sections of the clarinet where the sound projects out from the instrument. Tone Range and Sound The clarinet's tone range is wider than that of all other wind instruments.

All instruments play the E E3 - some go lower and most players can reach a high c7, that means nearly 4 octaves. The E-flat Clarinet , also called as Piccolo Clarinet , is the small brother of the Clarinet and is the highest instruments of the Clarinet family.

The only difference is that it is smaller than the B-flat Clarinet. It is played like the Clarinet and is made of the same materials. It's because, in fact, this system makes things easier for clarinetists. Try the Bb without them and then add them while playing the note and you will hear it well.

The middle B is flat because the bell ring on your clarinet keeps it from vibrating, and also because you problably hold the instrument between your knees, which flattens the b somewhat. The low e is similarly flat, about which one can do nothing save playing the note very softly. The newer selmers are tuned better, these problems having been successfully allieviated.

Some of the most expensive instruments made have these very same problems. A combination of your really good ear and knowledge of the clarinet and its acoustics will be able to help. This entry was posted on Sunday, August 26th, at am and is filed under Clarinets , Opinion , Repertoire , Uncategorized. The length of the barrel determines what pitch how high or low you'll be playing throughout your entire range. Since clarinets and players are all different, our barrels are available in a wide variety of lengths to meet most demands.

Generally, you'll want to make sure you order the same length as your current barrel if you're happy with the intonation. Tip: When in doubt, order the 1mm smaller size.

It's always easy to pull out a little bit if it's too short, but very difficult to make the barrel shorter if it's too long! Most clarinet brands will be Standard fit, but please note that handmade instruments or very old instruments may have subtle sizing differences that our outside of our control. Selmer Paris instruments for the most part have a slightly different socket depth, and you must be sure to order the Selmer fit.

Tip: Generally, Selmer fit uses increments that end in 0. If you're not sure, please contact us before ordering.