Klarinet Archive - Posting 000865.txt from 1997/04

From: Noreen Dertinger <Noreen_Dertinger@-----.com>
Subj: Re: ligature questions
Date: Mon, 28 Apr 1997 21:33:04 -0400

John,

There are inverted ligatures, which have their screws "on the
opposite side" from the reed. Some of these are manufactured
under the name "Bonade" (after the Clarinetist and clarinet
teacher Daniel Bonade". I am sure there are others too.

The "regular" style ligature does not work too well when you
try to use it in the manner of an inverted one (at least
in my experience).

With regard to how much you tighten your ligature, if it
is too loose you will notice that your reed does not
stay in its proper position well. If you can see indentation
marks in the cane of your reed, where the ligature goes over
it then you are making the ligature too tight. If it is too
tight you are also

Hope this helps.

At 06:20 PM 28/04/97 -0500, you wrote:
>Two questions, if I may:
>
> I use an oldish metal ligature, silver-plated, I think, from Selmer --
>to my untrained eye, it's the traditional clarinet ligature.
> Now, I wonder how this should be placed on the mouthpiece -- with the
>split-opening and two screws directly over the reed, or should it be 180
>degrees opposite?
> On one Benny Goodman album I have, he's seen with the screws on the
>other side of the mouthpiece from the reed. Yet, on another album, I see
>Jimmy Noone doing exactly the opposite. Or doesn't it really matter?
>
> Finally, how tight should this ligature be holding the reed? Just a
>light turn of the screw(s), or a something harder? Is there some sign of
>over- or under-tightening I should be looking or listening for?
>
>Thanks in advance,
> John
>
>
>
>
> @-----. Verity
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Noreen Dertinger Noreen_Dertinger@-----.com
http://www2.magmacom.com/~noreend
National Arts Centre Orchestra Association
http://www2.magmacom.com/~noreend/nacoa.html