The innovative creators behind Aidoni clarinet barrels are Håkan Lundström, a skilled craftsman and experienced woodwind repair specialist, and Per Johansson, solo clarinetist with the Helsingborg Symphony Orchestra since 1997. Together, they bring craftsmanship and performance insight into every Aidoni barrel.
Their collaboration began in 2009, driven by Per’s concepts and hundreds of detailed design sketches. Håkan meticulously handcrafts each barrel, and Per rigorously tests them during rehearsals, recordings, and live performances. Through careful analysis and refinement, they have honed the barrels for optimal tonal quality and performance. This development process is slow and deliberate, ensuring every Aidoni barrel meets the highest standard – a commitment that continues to this day.
During the early days of Aidoni, renowned clarinetist Martin Fröst served as an exclusive guide and test pilot. His sky-high standards for perfection and creative ideas have been invaluable, elevating Aidoni barrels to new heights of precision and quality.
The Aidoni Concept – Craftsmanship and Innovation
Aidoni Barrel Key Features
Each Aidoni clarinet barrel embodies expert craftsmanship and innovative design, ensuring optimal sound quality and stability. Here are some essential features:
- Premium Grenadilla Wood: The barrel body is made from high-quality grenadilla wood for a rich, resonant tone.
- Precision-Milled Plastic Bore: An internal plastic tube with a reverse taper, factory-milled to the highest precision, ensures consistent intonation.
- Four Unique Bore Options: Choose from the Original, Medium, US, or XB bore (exclusive to Model #499) to match your instrument’s unique needs.
- Enhanced Stability with Brass Ring: A thin brass ring at the lower end of the plastic tube helps focus sound and add stability.
- Crafted in Sweden: All Aidoni barrels are proudly crafted and assembled in Sweden.
Why Use a Plastic Tube?
The plastic tube used in Aidoni barrels brings several key benefits that enhance playability and consistency:
- Stable Intonation Across Registers: The synthetic bore ensures stable intonation across all registers, offering a reliable sound.
- Resistance to Temperature Changes: Unlike wood, the plastic bore is less affected by warm airflow, making it easier to maintain pitch—especially valuable for quick clarinet changes.
- Moisture and Temperature Resilience: Plastic resists moisture and temperature fluctuations, keeping the bore dimensions constant and reliable.
- Natural Wooden Feel: Despite its material, the plastic bore provides a playing experience remarkably similar to that of traditional wood.
Barrel Bore Options for Aidoni Traditional Model
Each Aidoni Traditional model offers different bore types, tailored to various playing preferences and clarinet models:
- Original Bore: This bore has a wider upper dimension for A and Bb clarinets, delivering resonance and an open, free-blowing feel.
- Medium Bore: Slightly narrower at the top, this bore type offers a more focused sound and a bit more resistance, available for both A and Bb clarinets.
- US Bore: Designed with a narrower inner dimension throughout, the US bore offers extra focus and resistance, ideal for Buffet R13 and popular among clarinetists in the USA.
Introducing the XB Bore
– Exclusive to Model #499
The XB Bore is an advanced evolution of the Medium bore, refined through extensive research to optimize design and performance. Available exclusively on the Aidoni Model #499, the XB bore features design modifications that enhance airflow and tone, offering unparalleled focus and response across all clarinet registers.
Why Choose Aidoni Barrels?
Aidoni clarinet barrels are the product of expert craftsmanship and detailed testing, created for musicians who demand excellence in tone, stability, and precision. With options tailored for every clarinetist’s unique style and needs, Aidoni barrels provide a distinct advantage in both orchestral and solo settings, bringing superior resonance and control to every performance.