Best Clarinet Barrels
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The clarinet is a woodwind instrument that is quite popular across the globe. It is used for performing a variety of musical styles, regardless if it is played in a band or for a solo performance. When played correctly, the clarinet can produce a wide range of impressive sounds and can be a great addition to very many songs. The clarinet barrel is one of the parts that compose this instrument. While clarinets are sold with a barrel already installed, changing the barrel will make the instrument sound different than before. So, it is worth doing some research before deciding which barrel will provide the desired results.
Read Also: Beginner Clarinet, Intermediate Clarinet, Professional Clarinet, Budget Clarinet, Bass Clarinet
What are the Best Clarinet Barrels to Buy?
It is worth knowing that there are several types of clarinet barrels available on the market. Each type will make a clarinet sound distinctly. As a general rule, a clarinet should produce sounds that are dark and rich, both in the low and high spectrum. Whether the clarinet should have or not overtones is more a matter of personal preference. The player will decide upon this aspect as he or she gains more experience in playing this instrument. However, the chosen clarinet barrel will certainly impact the intonation, tone, and the instrument’s ability to respond to inputs.
Clarinets made for students usually have shorter barrels, which will enable the student to play in tune easier. As one gains experience in playing this instrument, the desire to upgrade the barrel appears in the scene. Student grade barrels are made out of ebonite in most cases, while more advanced barrels are made out of metal alloy.
Related: Clarinet Ligature, Clarinet Book, Clarinet Stand, Clarinet Case, Clarinet Reed, Clarinet Mouthpiece
12 Best Clarinet Barrel Reviews
1) RS Berkeley Adjustable Clarinet Barrel
Those that are looking to get a product that is slightly more sophisticated, this clarinet barrel can provide a good number of features. But, in spite of its rather complex design, this product is not difficult to use at all. However, it will require a bit of knowledge when it comes to adjusting and using a clarinet barrel. An advantage of this product is that it is suitable to be used for medium and large clarinets alike.
This clarinet barrel is made entirely out of aluminum alloy, which makes it light-weighted yet very durable and resistant. It is also highly adjustable, giving the player the freedom to set the desired playing range according to her or his preferences. The barrel can be set at any point, below the 60 mm range and above the 70 mm range. So, it is a rather versatile product, capable of answering to a broad spectrum of preferences and playing styles.
While the player will tune the barrel, it won’t move from its set position, allowing for fine adjustments to be made. It is really easy to experiment and try new tones and playing styles with this clarinet barrel.
2) Clarinet Parts Metal Clarinet Barrel 65mm
Made out of metal, with a layer of rubber for extra protection and grip, this clarinet barrel will easily deliver as expected. The intonation and focus of your instrument will be visibly improved with the help of this barrel. Featuring a height of 65 mm, this clarinet barrel was made to suit most clarinets on the market.
Due to its construction, it is ideal for students and those that are just starting with the clarinet. In other words, if you have a Bb clarinet, which is one of the most common types of clarinet, you will have no problems using this barrel for it.
In comparison with other barrels of similar height, this product is slightly more accessible, which makes it so great for students. There’s no point in investing too much while learning to play an instrument, so an affordable accessory is more than recommended.
3) Buffet Crampon Gold Plated Clarinet Barrel
Another great clarinet barrel is manufactured by the Buffet Crampon brand, it can easily meet the demands of the pickiest. Made out of wood and featuring gold-plated metal rings, it is not that hard to stand out in the crowd with such a barrel. This model of clarinet barrel was released by the company back in 2013, so it is a modern piece that is capable of answering today’s requirements.
If you’re not too much into gold, it is worth mentioning that the metal rings can be silver or black. So, it is a matter of personal preference when choosing the finish of this clarinet barrel. But, apart from great looks, this product is also ready to deliver. Made to suit the needs of A and B-flat clarinets, this barrel will make an instrument deliver an incredible acoustic. A good amount of research was invested in the making of this barrel, so most certainly this is a fact.
4) Buffet Crampon Chadash Clarinet Barrels Bb (66 mm)
The clarinet barrel from Buffet Crampon is a great option for those looking for a product with a more classic appearance. Made out of Dalbergia wood, this item has a traditional look while providing contemporary quality and precision. For an improved use, the rings mounted on the barrel are silver plated. Also, it features a reversed cone taper as well.
It is rather easy to improve throat-generated tones and upgrade the focus of the instrument with this barrel. It is worth mentioning that the wood used for the making of this product is unstained, top quality wood. Thus, the clarinet will not fail at producing the best sounds when having this barrel mounted on it.
Also, the product is made in Paris, France, by respecting the highest standards. According to the manufacturer, this clarinet barrel is quite similar to the one produced by Moenning. However, the taper of the Buffet Crampon has a much slower progression.
5) Buffet Crampon Moennig Clarinet Barrels Bb (65 mm)
Are you a Buffet player? Then you should check this product out. Made to suit the needs of clarinet players of all stages, this clarinet barrel is very easy to use and tunes the sounds of the instrument beautifully. Made out of Grenadilla wood, the barrel will be fitted on your clarinet with the help of metal rings. These rings will ensure a secure position when you play the instrument, allowing the barrel to sit tightly on the instrument for best performances.
The intonation and tonal focus of your clarinet will be significantly improved with this barrel. This is due to the hour-glass shape of the product, which allows air to flow in a specific manner when you play the instrument. Because it is made out of wood, the barrel can be used for extended periods if kept in proper conditions. All in all, it is a great option to consider if you need a clarinet barrel.
6) MagiDeal Adjustable Clarinet Barrel (50mm)
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This clarinet barrel from MagiDeal is an ideal option for those owning a Bb clarinet. This type of clarinet is among the most popular versions of clarinet and easiest to find on the market. Students prefer it for this accessible price and its versatility, which allows them to play a wide range of musical styles. So, for Bb clarinet owners, this zinc allows barrel may be just the thing they need.
The barrel is adjustable, giving the player the chance to adapt it to his own needs. With a total length of 50 mm, it can be positioned on the clarinet with ease and made to fit in a matter of seconds. At this length, it is suitable for clarinet players that are still looking to improve their skills. It will make the clarinet sound slightly different, but without posing any considerable difficulties. When looking to invest in a clarinet barrel but wish to avoid any risks, this is a product to consider for sure.
7) Clark W Fobes Cocobolo Rubber Clarinet Barrel
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When shopping for a clarinet barrel, it is very important to pay attention to the height of the barrel. It should be able to fit the instrument well, without being too tight, as it is impossible to install, or too large, as it will allow air to flow by. This particular clarinet barrel has a height of 67 mm, being suitable for clarinets that require this size.
The product should easily suit a Bb clarinet, but it is always recommended to check heights first, to make the best decision. The barrel will positively impact the tone of the instrument and will make it more responsive to the commands of the player. The barrel is lined by rubber and featuring a body made entirely out of wood.
The bore has the style of an inverted cone and will impact the tone and pitch of the clarinet. Accessible in terms of price and very easy to use, this product can represent a great choice for a student. It works best with a Fobes mouthpiece with a medium to large bore.
8) FidgetKute Clarinet Barrel – 66mm
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Another ringless clarinet barrel made out of wood, this one from FidgetKute is a beautiful and practical piece. As a one size clarinet barrel, the product will easily fit most Bb clarinets. It will improve the tonality of the clarinet and make it more responsive.
Further, it will be easier to play or learn to play the clarinet with the help of this barrel. So, for any clarinet player, this barrel can be a great addition and help in acquiring best playing practices. If the size is correct for the clarinet owned by the player, the barrel will conveniently fit the instrument and its installment will be a piece of cake. Just position the barrel on the clarinet and the instrument will be ready for performance in just a second.
9) Wesley Rice Ringless Clarinet Barrel
While most clarinet barrels have metal rings attached, this particular model comes without rings. A clarinet student should know that this is not a defect. There’s nothing wrong with the barrel and it will be able to perform without an issue. Even with this shape, the barrel will improve the resonance of the clarinet and will clearly make it sound better.
The focus provided by the reverse taper bore will also be much better and the player will sense the difference while playing with this barrel. It will be very easy for the player to tune his instrument with the help of this product. Made out of Grenadilla wood, this barrel looks elegant and provides a great intonation for B-flat clarinets without a doubt.
10) Clark W Fobes HDP Clarinet Barrel
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Besides wood clarinet barrels, it is also possible to find synthetic clarinet barrels. This one from Fobes is a synthetic clarinet barrel. But, even so, it is more than capable to provide an amazing sound and tone. Made to suit Bb clarinets, this barrel will improve their tone, make the clarinet more responsive, and add to its resonance.
Due to its construction, this clarinet barrel is a much better choice for players living and performing in dry and cold climates. The environmental conditions will not affect the properties and features of the barrel. It is a good, long-term investment, as it is the kind of clarinet barrel that can be used for many years in a row.
The tone of the instrument will be more colorful with this barrel. The performance of a clarinet player will certainly enjoy a positive impact with the help of this product.
11) Ridenour Ivorolon R Bore Clarinet Barrels
Clarinet barrels that are made out of hard rubber look elegant while providing a rich tone. Ever since back in the days, hardwood was used for the making of these items, as synthetic barrels are a more modern finding. So, for clarinet players that like to stick to a tradition, barrels made out of wood can represent an ideal choice. At the same time, if the player looks for exceptional quality, Ridenour is one of the brands that can deliver it.
Made out of natural rubber and equipped with retro Ivorolon tenon rings, for contrast and improved fitting, this barrel will make the throat tones more focused and bright. To ensure the best fitting between pieces will make the clarinet perform as its best. It is highly recommended to always check the size of the clarinet barrel before purchase.
12) Clark W Fobes Tapered Barrel Silver Rings Bb 66 mm
Clarinet players looking for more elegant barrels will certainly have their attention grabbed by this particular item. Made out of blackwood and adorned with silver rings, which also have a practical purpose, this item is something special for sure. The product is of the highest quality, an aspect that can be met in all Fobes products.
Made out of solid wood, this barrel will be able to perform in the same manner for a very long time. With its help, the response and resonance of a clarinet will be much better. What to expect when using this clarinet barrel? The tones available in the upper register will have a lowered pitch. At the same time, the instrument will react much better to the commands of the player. It is definitely the kind of product that will not disappoint.
Choosing the Best Clarinet Barrels
Buying a clarinet barrel is not a challenging task. But, it is worth taking playing skills, budget, and the performances one wishes to achieve into consideration. Those that are just starting out with playing the clarinet, getting a rather short clarinet barrel will make the transition easier. It’s possible to pass onto longer barrels as one gets used to the instrument’s sound and acquire better stability and playing skills.
As playing style refines in time, the player will get a clearer view of what to expect from his or her clarinet. This way, it will be easier to select the ideal clarinet barrel that will help improve tone and intonation. Investing in one barrel at a time is not a bad thing. A collection of various barrels that will allow the player to get the best out of the clarinet each time. This is how the instrument will adjust to the performed musical style and requirements, for best performances.