Klarinet Archive - Posting 000867.txt from 1997/04

From: deerich@-----.net
Subj: Re: ligature questions
Date: Mon, 28 Apr 1997 21:33:06 -0400

John Verity 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
> 140 Eighth Ave. Apt. 5R
> Brooklyn, N.Y. 11215-1728
> 718-622-5680
> jverity@-----.com <=
>
>
>
>
The metal ligatures have been made in both styles (screws on bottom and
screws on top). I am not familiar with enough makes to be able to give
you any clues on what style it is. All that I can say, is that the
commonest one is with the screws on the reed side. Some of the ones
with the screws on the top may have special "runners" on the reed side
to hold the reed and maintain a good vibration.

As for myself, I have switched to one of the plastic ligatures with the
screws on top.