 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Ebclarinet1
Date: 2006-06-16 13:00
Did a concert this week and about half the clarinets were using BG ligatures and about half using Van Doren Optimum, although the numbers seem to be shifting in favor of the latter. I've been very happy with my BG but went ahead and ordered one of the VanDoren's for each of my clarinets. Have any of you made the comparison or done the switch? Is the preference mouthpiece-dependent, or instrument brand-dependent?
EEfer guy
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2006-06-16 14:30
I've been very happy with my BG but went ahead and ordered one of the VanDoren's
...and we wonder why our kids suffer from peer pressure re name brand apparel. :-/
I'm happy with my Rovner. Should I switch to BG before I swich to VD?
--
Ben
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Author: William
Date: 2006-06-16 15:17
Regarless of your ligature, you will eventually develop the tonal quality that your have stored in your brain under, "best clarinet sound". Having said that, however, most amature and professional clarinetists around here use the VD Optimum lig with the parallel bar insert. I use it because it responds or articulates easiest for me and allows me more dynamic and tonal flexability than the BGs or Rovners (which I have also briefly tried). Other ligs that work well for me are the Mitchell Laurie ("Magic Window") and the Charlie Bay medium silver and gold models. But for now, the lig of choice is the VD, perhaps because for years I used a Bonade reverse (which I liked) and parallel rail is quite similar.
But really, if there were not so many choices in the music stores, I could play with any ligature, mouthpiece or reed. It is all about learning how play the equipement in your hands (and mouth) and developing the sound that you think is "best". Rely more on your practice than on your equipement.
Just thought I'd add that I use a VD (parallel rails) on my bass clarinet mpc as well and like it a lot (although I am looking for a Winslow bass lig to try)
Post Edited (2006-06-16 16:46)
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Author: Ryan25
Date: 2006-06-16 16:26
I use the rovner EdII and an inverted Bonade. I tried the VD Optimum and thought it was good but not the best for me. I agree with William that they dont make a whole lot of difference. When I bought a new clarinet recently, I tried the stock buffet lig that came with it for fun and it really was not that bad. I think you should play what ever feels best for you and what ever gives you security in your articulation. The Brancher and Equatone also have parrallel rails like the VD and I have heard some good things about the floating rail lig as well. Bays are also good and so is your thumb!
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Author: TheCheeseMaker
Date: 2006-06-23 14:33
I have used both BG and Vandoran Optimums and they are both very good, but I think that there is alot to be said for the Vandoran Leather Ligature. It gives a beautifully smooth and nice tone aswell as good projection and response.
I think anyone would be wise to try this Ligature. Its also a bit cheaper then the Optimum.
It seems to couple very well with a Vandoran B40 mouthpiece and V12 reeds to give a nice smooth tone.
I agree with the thumb thing, I have had to use an elastic band before and had great results.
Its definitely important to develop your own tone and I think the smooth tone is the one for me.
Peter
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Author: Ebclarinet1
Date: 2006-06-23 18:16
Well I did buy the VanDoren Optimum for both my Eefer and bass and LOVED them. The articulation is much easier and the sound is really nice too. It made the bigger change on my bass as the low notes really sing with it coupled with the new Grabner bass mouthpiece. That mouthpiece is light years better than the others I've played. Was too timid to use it in my last concert as I had just received it, but now I wish that I had just bitten the bullet and started playing it. It really is so much better.
Eefer guy
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2006-06-23 18:29
I've played the Vandoren Optimum and a BG fabric/leather (which is it?) ligature for a few years. I also tried many other BGs. For me the Oleg (borrowed it from a friend, don't own it), the regular Vandoren, and when I'm not lazy a shoe lace, work a lot better.
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Author: Sean.Perrin
Date: 2006-06-23 19:40
I love my Bonada reverse ligature. It helps me produce my ideal sound as mentioned above.
Either way, I think that the Vandoren Optimun ligatures are overpriced AND overrated. But, they do look cool and serve their purpose.
Try one, and if you like it, buy it... but don't buy it cause it looks cool or because your 'friends have it. For all you know they were looking at your ligature and wondering when they should switch to BG!!
Founder and host of the Clarineat Podcast: http://www.clarineat.com
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