Martin Freres, LaMonte, Coudet, Jean Martin Brand Clarinets and Other Woodwinds
Clarinet Barrel Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What does it mean to say the barrel is ‘tuned’ to a clarinet?
A. Our technicians and play-testers hand tune each clarinet barrel for YOUR clarinet model. The bore diameter and shape is specific for your clarinet model. On checkout, we generate an email asking for your clarinet model and serial number (which gives us the date of manufacture so we can properly match the bore and receiver diameters & depths to the original barrel).
Q. What are the clarinet barrel dimensions?
A. The exact dimensions of the barrel are dependent upon YOUR clarinet model and year of manufacture. The mouthpiece receiver is 22.5mm in diameter with a depth of 18mm for US/UK/FR mouthpieces and 22.15mm for German style and many vintage mouthpieces. The bottom tenon receiver, to seat properly on the upper joint of your clarinet, is reamed to match your clarinet model to one of following diameters: 22.75mm; 23.00mm; 23.25mm; 23.50mm; 23.75mm; 24.00mm with a depth to match the upper joint tenon of your clarinet.
Q. What is the shape and diameter of the bore of the barrel?
A. The bore diameter and shape is specific for your clarinet model. For each model (new and vintage clarinets), Martin Freres Company has designed a bore to provide optimal intonation.
Our default bore and shape is the Martin Freres Dual-Taper (hour-glass) center bore which has been fine-tuned by our engineers over years of research. The Dual-Taper design uses a reverse taper from the top of the barrel and then part way down the bore (depending upon the target clarinet make/model), the taper reverses slightly in taper to open as it reaches the bottom of the barrel bore.
In keeping with vintage and other traditional designs, we also offer straight bores, reverse tapers and custom bore styles upon request.
Q. How do I know what length to purchase?
A. There is a one-to-one relationship between our clarinet barrels and the original barrel that shipped with your clarinet. So, if you play a 65mm barrel currently, please purchase a 65mm replacement. If you would like to have your clarinet play a bit sharper, select a shorter barrel (of course, to flatten you can always pull-up).
Q. What do I do if the clarinet barrel doesn’t fit?
A. When you receive your new Martin Freres barrel, test it right away. If you have any issues simply contact us and we will make it right for you!
A. Each barrel is hand made by a clarinet maker operating various hand tools and power equipment such as a lathe, drill press, reamers, sanders, polishers, etc.
Q. The barrels have no maker's mark. Why not?
A. Because we do not have the clarinet we cannot determine the proper orientation of the barrel on the clarinet for optimal performance. Without knowing the proper barrel orientation, we cannot ensure that the best acoustic quality will result with the stamped logo facing outward, in alignment with the makers marks on the upper joint and bell. So, the best place for a logo, is on the box!
Q. How are the clarinet barrels made?
