Klarinet Archive - Posting 000948.txt from 1997/03

From: Don and Cindy Christensen <chr@-----.DE>
Subj: Re: String ligatures (was Re: New member alert (from the Clarin
Date: Fri, 28 Mar 1997 19:46:26 -0500

>Last weekend, doing "Traviata", it was rather warm in the pit, and my
>mouthpiece got stuck on the C clarinet (despite LOTS of grease!). I pride
>myself on being quick and efficient at switching the mouthpiece over, in
>the usual way, but I ended up missing an entrance (tutti) because the
>mouthpiece was SO stuck in the socket that I twisted the ligature right
>off in my hand! (Now it's horribly bent and I guess I'll be getting a new
>one soon!) I imagine that a string ligature would have caused me even
>more problems!

Actually if properly done and using the right material the string would
have been far less problematic. There is no screw mechanism sticking out
to twist off. The mouthpieces here are made for use with string. There is
a small protrusion around the entire mouthpiece (except where the reed
goes) just about where the upper border of a standard ligature is to
prevent the string slipping upward. There are also a series of small
concentric crevices around the mouthpiece in the area where the string is
tied to help prevent slippage. I've seen about 5 different kinds of
dedicated clarinet string on the market here in Germany. While the
glossier kinds are more pleasant on the hand to tie, they are more
dangerous to come undone under stress. I tie the string as tightly as I
can - with experience string wrapping becomes very fast, faster than
mounting a Rovner, for example. Only total fit metal ligatures like a
Harrison or French BG are faster.

>
>Also, if you decide that you want to nudge the reed over to the left or
>right, up or down, do you have to undo the whole thing and retie it? Does
>it take longer than unscrewing a metal ligature?

I just apply a great deal of pressure and work it in the desired new
position.

Don Christensen
chr@-----.de

Q: How many clarinetists does it take to change the light bulb?
A: Only one, but he has to try about 20 bulbs out until he finds one that
works!