Klarinet Archive - Posting 000206.txt from 2005/08

From: "Lacy, Edwin" <el2@-----.edu>
Subj: RE: [kl] Not pure gold or silver (was: Ah, ligatures....Gold vs. Silver)
Date: Fri, 12 Aug 2005 12:26:17 -0400

The "Harrison gold" ligature is not made of gold, and the silver one is
not made of silver. I think the so-called gold model is actually an
alloy of brass, and I'm not sure at all about the silver one, but I
think it is probably nickel-plated brass.

I don't attribute any particular playing characteristics to gold,
silver, brass, nickel or solidified oatmeal. All I know is that many
years ago, a dealer sent me two Harrison gold ligatures and two silver
ones. I tried all of them in side-by-side tests, and found two things:
(1) They sounded and responded differently, and (2) I preferred the gold
ones.

It is very difficult to describe the differences in the characteristics
of various ligatures, mouthpieces, reeds and instruments. But, when you
get one that works well for you, you are likely to know it. Probably
many have had the experience of playing on a mouthpiece or reed which
just feels more comfortable to play. You feel that it helps you play
near the top of your ability. Somehow the instrument feels more
resonant.

So, that is the thing on which I based my preference for the Harrison
"gold" ligature.

Ed Lacy
University of Evansville

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