Question:
Omar Henderson's "Power Barrel"
Friends,
I first learned about the Power Barrel for Bb clarinets, developed by Omar Henderson (AKA, The Doctor), by seeing a a thread about it on the woodwind.org clarinet forum last week. I couldn't help but think that it sounded like "snake oil". However, several clarinetists who spoke highly about the barrel on the clarinet forum are known to me and I respect their opinions.
The barrel arrived in today's mail and I gave it a good workout for a couple of hours. My first impressions are extremely positive. It does extactly what The Doctor said it would -- increase one's clarinet volume by around 15 DB. He designed it for clarinets used in big bands, marching bands, and outdoor gigs.
Besides the increase in volume, the barrel brings a new level of life and "sparkle" to my sound. Intonation is good. And, response in the high range is significantly better than with my clarinet's original barrel.
I have to tell you that its appearance is really strange. The outside of the barrel is covered in metal and the metal has holes of several sizes all over it. Apparently, this does something to modify the clarinet's higher overtones -- which, effectly results in a louder sound. With the metal and holes, I've come to think of it as my "Biker" barrel! ha ha ha With the Power Barrel and a Francois Louis ligature I have one strange looking clarinet.
Anyway, for those of you who know me, you know that I don't jump on every fad that comes along. I'm very particular about my equipment and about my sound. With that in mind, I can honestly give The Doctor's Power Barrel my Stamp of Approval. Oh, the cost of the barrel is $99. The Doctor as a website: . Information about the barrel is under accessories.
Roger

Answer:
And for those of you that are not familiar with Dr. Omar Henderson, you are missing a treat - especially if you even occasionally dabble in clarinet. He's a Ph.D. chemist that has done more to advance the SCIENCE of clarinet care products than anyone else I could even imagine. Lots of people say, "I use this", or "I like that". But the Doctor does the research, proves what works well and what doesn't, and formulates his products accordingly. His stuff is NOT snake oil, and he is a pleasure to work with as well. Check out his website - he's for real!

Answer:
Hey Fred!
Man, I wish that you could hear how the combination of my Morgan RM28 mouthpiece and the Power Barrel sounds. I'm in heaven! I wouldn't have any problem using this set up in classical settings as well as wailing away in big band and small group jazz playing. It's the icing on the cake that pulls it all together for me on clarinet.
Roger

Answer:
I guess I'm gonna haf ta git me somma dat.
(Is there no end to the madness?)

Answer:
Perhaps he could be talked into developing a power neck for saxes!
BTW I endorse Fred's comments.

Answer:
Okay, I'm gonna fess up. Five minutes after Roger posted his review, I ordered a power barrel for my wife. She returned to clarinet last Fall after a 20+ year break and is really making progress. I'm trying to get her to do the 'But not for you' solo this year with the concert band, but she thinks that's too ambitious. :D

She's got a Leblanc LL with a Vandoren 45. mouthpiece. She wants to get closer to the Benny or Artie sound. The Selmer C didn't do it for her. I love Ralph Morgan mouthpieces; maybe we'll give that a try.