Klarinet Archive - Posting 000287.txt from 2005/01

From: Fred Jacobowitz <fbjacobo@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Ligatures--Important?
Date: Tue, 18 Jan 2005 22:30:13 -0500

Jane,
Ligatures CAN make a large difference both in your sound and in
improving response. In general, my experience has been that there are
three kinds of ligatures: 1) ones that damp down the high frequencies
2) Those that free up the high frequencies and 3) Those that simply
hold the reed on and are pretty neutral.

All those band ligatures (whether leather or rubber) such as the Rovner
and BG are the first kind. You tend to sound "darker" but really they
just eliminate the highs so that one's sound is rather heavy. if you
feel your sound is overly bright, and light, this is for you.

Most plastic ligatures, such as the Luyben or the Gigliotti, tend to
do just the opposite. They free up the reed to vibrate more. If you
like a very live, bright sound, this is for you.

Most metal ligatures, to me, seem to be more neutral. Some emphasize
articulation or response, etc. They are pretty individual so you want
to try many to see what each one does. For example, the Bonade inverted
is different from their 'normal' one.

Luckily, most ligatures are under $30 and my favorite one, the Luyben,
is only ~$8.
All things being equal, however, a new mouthpiece or brand of reed
makes much more difference than a ligature.

Fred Jacobowitz

>
Kol Haruach Klezmer Band
Ebony and Ivory Duo

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