Klarinet Archive - Posting 000309.txt from 1996/07

From: Matthew Romaine <mromaine@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: Ligatures
Date: Tue, 16 Jul 1996 11:43:18 -0400

damn, your teacher really said to get one just for looks? I'd look for
a new teacher. Yes the Bonade is currently most liked by professionals.
The black inverted one you saw, I forget what it's called, used to be
popular, but is not so any more. Gold ligatures are also popular, but
one will find that after a while, due to the softness of the gold, the
ligature will not last as long as one would like.
As for the differences....damn, one could almost write a book.
well, just briefly... if you invert the ligature, you get even pressure
along the reed face, and thus one particular sound/tone. But if you have
the screws on the face of the reed, then you can adjust the two pressures
(top screw usually a bit less tighter than the bottom screw), resulting
in another tone. As of right now, I have a reverse ligature (screws out,
thus even pressure on reed) but I plan to purchase the Bonade, if I like
it that is. Never buy a ligature (or any piece of musical equipment)
just because "everyone else is". I mean, c'mon, didn't your mother or
school ever teach you never to succumb to peer pressure? Go to a musical
instrument store and try them out. Don't worry about spending a whole
day or even 2 there. If it takes you only 15-20 min., then they'll think
your an amature. :) Also, READ COLIN LAWSON's Cambridge Guide to the
Clarinet. The latter half of the book does well in describing and
explaining important clarinet technicalities.