Klarinet Archive - Posting 000398.txt from 2002/10

From: notestaff@-----.de (David Glenn)
Subj: [kl] string
Date: Mon, 14 Oct 2002 18:53:01 -0400

Still not read all my e-mails even tho I stopped the klarinet mails
while I was gone for the clarinet symposium. Will write about that when
I have time......

One variant to the string which I did not notice - please ignore this if
it was mentioned - is as follows:

Run the string up the reed from bottom to top, then wind twice around
very lightly (so as not to disturb the reed) then continue winding quite
tightly now from top to bottom, tucking the rest under the last loop.
This is different from the methods I saw in that the string is no
running up the back of the mouthpiece. I find this method gives some
added flexibility. I don't know how historically correct it may happen
to be - or not. Another point is that clarinet string will loose its
elesticity after a month or two depending on how much you use it and the
quality of the string. It makes a difference at this point to use a
fresh string. Another advantage of a string over a ligature is that you
can put more or less pressure on different regions of the reed. Try
experimenting!

Having said all this, I must admit that I've gone back to ligatures. My
latest is GF System (from Alling near Munich) It has a left-right screw
so that tightening the nut will move both sides of the ligature in
approx. equal movements towards the center instead of pulling to one
side like the Rovner or BG ligatures. It seems to help. I'm very fond
of the ligature (not being paid!) and they come in every size so Boehm
players can also enjoy them.

Best,
David

---------------------------------------------------------------------