Klarinet Archive - Posting 000315.txt from 1996/07

From: "Daniel A. Paprocki" <dap@-----.US>
Subj: Re: Ligatures
Date: Tue, 16 Jul 1996 15:46:52 -0400

As far as ligatures go, it does matter what type is used. The ligature
basically dampens the reed or frees up the reed to vibrate. In general, a
metal ligature gives a cleaner articulation than a fabric or plastic
ligature. The non-metal ligature will allow the reed to vibrate more, so a
stiff reed will be somewhat less stiff with non-metal.
I've used almost all types of ligatures (Sumner, Harrison,
Giglioti, Luyben, Vandoren, Giokas, Bonade, BG, etc). My working ones now
are a silver Bay and 30" of heavy string ($1). The Bay does dampen some
high vibrations and gives clean articulation and the string works on stuffy
reeds or new ones. I usually try both on a certain reed or if the weather
changes. I also sometimes use a Super Revalation BG - this really frees up
the reed. I've tried the Winslow but didn't like how it made the clarinet
top heavy - the clarinet seemed to always want to tip towards my lip when I
was holding it.
I went to a fabric store and bought two yards of this very thick
string for $1/yard. Use scotch tape to seal off the ends so that they
don't fray. It takes me a couple of seconds more that a normal ligature to
tie it and I can easily tighten or loosen the winding.

Dan

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Daniel A. Paprocki
dap@-----.us

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