Klarinet Archive - Posting 000928.txt from 1997/08

From: "C Henderson" <chenderson@-----.au>
Subj: velcro ligature
Date: Fri, 22 Aug 1997 12:04:19 -0400

Wm Laubengayer wrote:
> Also, have seen a reed holder made of a length of Velcro-faced fabric. =
Any
> comments about this as a method that would seem to be sort of a modern
> version of the "wrap with string" of old?

You're right, it is a modern version of the string lig, but without the =
tediousness of wrapping the string. I use a strip of double-sided velcro=
as a lig after reading David Pino's book "The Clarinet and Clarinet Play=
ing". Pino argues that the tone of the clarinet is partly dependent on =
the reed vibrating, and therefore one should aim for the max length of =
reed free to vibrate. He says that metal ligs (and maybe some others, =
I'm not sure) clamp the reed too tightly for the vibration to continue =
down the whole length of the reed, and thus either velcro or string is =
a better alternative. I tried it and noticed a favourable difference in =
tone, so I use it all the time now. It does have one major drawback, tho=
ugh - there isn't a cap made that will go over it on the mouthpiece. Pin=
o deals with that too - but I'll leave you to discover it for yourself =
by reading the book :-)

Clare
*******************************************************
Clare Pascoe Henderson
variously clarinetist, writer/lecturer, herbalist
chook fanatic and menagerie manager
<chenderson@-----.au>
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