Klarinet Archive - Posting 000155.txt from 1994/10

From: NICK WINKLER <winkler@-----.US>
Subj: Re: Clarinet Ligatures fo
Date: Sun, 16 Oct 1994 00:33:00 -0400

To: TJT@-----.ORG
Subject: Re: Clarinet Ligatures fo

T>Well, anyway, why not try the shoestring? At that price, you don't have
T>much to lose!

The shoestring has an additional advantage. It serves as a medium for
mirth and entertainment for the other clarinetists in any group.

Seriously, if Shari wants a more conventional ligature, she could try
the Vandoren inverted black metal ligature ($14). I bought one of
these, which was suggested to me on this conference, and I like it a
lot. It holds the reed firmly, and does not tend to slip off the
mouthpiece. In addition, it uses the trendy technique of touching the
reed in only two narrow spots. I don't know if this makes any
difference, or not.

She might also consider a fabric ligature, such as the Rovner ($12).
Actually, I switched from the Rovner to the Vandoren, partly due to
trendiness, I think, and partly because of the recent discussion on this
conference in which the conferees appeared to agree that the fabric
ligatures dull the clarinet sound. If true, this should probably also
apply to a shoestring, shouldn't it?

The third factor that made me decide to switch was the fact that it
seemed very hard to adjust the reed once the Rovner was in place. The
Rovner held the reed in place almost too well. Sometimes it seemed that
I actually had to pry the reed off the mouthpiece.

Both these ligatures (but not the shoestring) can be mail-ordered from
The Woodwind (800)348-5003, or from Frederic Weiner (800)622-CORK.
Weiner seems slightly less expensive, partly because they offer you free
shipping if you send a check. However, they impose a service charge on
orders under $25. Perhaps Shari could solve that problem by including a
box of V-12 reeds in her order!

Of course, there is also another alternative--continue to use the
"student" ligature that came with the clarinet. Any "slipping" problem
could probably be solved with a strategically-placed piece of black
electrical tape.

-Nick-

* QMPro 1.53 * To avoid criticism, say nothing, do nothing,& be nothing.
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Views expressed by this individual are not necessarily
those of the Tulare County Office of Education
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