Klarinet Archive - Posting 000574.txt from 1997/03

From: "Frederick S. Sterns" <fssterns@-----.NET>
Subj: Re: Suggestions for B.clar lig?
Date: Mon, 17 Mar 1997 17:52:40 -0500

>Hi!
> I'm borrowing a middle school's bass clarinet (Vito) for a show I'm
>playing in, and the ligature is on it's last screw! Our musical director
>is going to replace it, and I wanted to get some suggestions on what we
>should get that might work better (if possible) than the band of rust that
>was on it originally. I don't want to spend a lot of money, as it is not
>mine (the money OR the instrument), but if we could get something better
>for not to much extra, that would be great! The mouthpiece is a Selmer C.
> Any suggestions? What should I expect to be charged for it? (My
>musical director ia planning to get it this coming Saturday at Chuck
>Levin's, for those of you in the DC/MD area).
>
>As always, thanks in advance for any info!
>
>-Scott

Hi Scott...if you subscribe to the theory that the investment in a
"borrowed" instrument should be minimal...why not simply got your local
hardware or plumbing store and buy three or four "O" rings that fit the
mouthpiece. You will be amazed [I think] at how well these will serve as a
ligature and the total cost should not exceed $1. If you try this make sure
the ring size is such [small enough] that it holds the reed reasonably
tight to the facing. "O" rings are alot like a string ligature, if sized
right, but can be taken off and put on easily.Using them will also save
your music director a trip to Wheaton...unless he has other business there.

If you want to buy a "real" ligature...a Rovner regular has stood me in
good stead on a Bay mouthpiece..and Chuck will probably charge you $13 -
$15. His prices are as good as you can get almost anywhere.

Cheers...Fred S.