Clarinet barrels
Each clarinet barrel at Vaccaro and Stevens Woodwinds is handmade on a lathe and then hand-tuned and voiced to bring out the maximum quality of each piece of wood and to provide superior intonation and stability in the upper register and throughout the clarinet.
The lathe process goes on until the wood is well dried and holding its position. The hand tuning is done a minimum of 3 times to voice the clarinet barrel to its finest sonic beauty.
Because of our manufacturing process, we obviously do not mass produce our clarinet barrels, though we do have a stock on hand of most sizes all the time.
We will make a barrel for you personally when ordered if we do not have one of your size in stock. There will be a slight waiting period for the clarinet barrels we custom make for you.
Although our barrels work on most clarinets, talk to us about sending your clarinet so we can match specifications exactly.
Clarinet barrels are generally available from 64mm to 67mm including half sizes. Other sizes are available by special request only.
Please remember that each clarinet barrel will have its own individual personality and will play richer as it ages and as you play it. Also, each clarinet barrel will have its own "sweet spot", where it plays the best.
Finding the Sweet Spot
In testing your barrel or bell, turn it by 1/16 turns and test, listening for the position that gives you the best results, or "sweet spot". If you want to mark the barrel, bell or your clarinet, use only masking tape. Other types of tape will mark the wood and void your warranty.
Handcrafted Clarinet Barrels
Remember, these are not stock clarinet barrels that have been drilled once and left for you to play. Our clarinet barrels are custom tuned by hand so the interior might not be exactly round which is to your advantage when you find the sweet spot.
Of course the best customization results can be obtained if you can bring or ship your clarinet and mouthpiece to us so we can match the barrel exactly to your instrument. This allows exact measurement of your equipment and allows us to craft a clarinet barrel to fit your instrument.
If you want a clarinet barrel by mail we will send you some to try. Remember that we will invoice you for the clarinet barrels we send you and refund the difference when you return them. See “sales, terms, and conditions.”
Prices for Clarinet Barrels
Clarinet Blackwood Barrel $265
Clarinet Cocobolo Barrel $265
Please contact us directly to discuss how our clarinet bells might benefit you or to learn more about our product line and availability of products.