The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Musikat
Date: 2021-07-15 16:38
What is the best Eb ligature to use with the Legere European cut reeds? I love the way they work on the Eb, but so many ligatures don't hold it securely.
I am currently using a Hite, which tightened down holds it securely, but may be dampening it a bit. A BG with rail inside sounds better but it slips side to side and can even be pulled off while the ligature is as tight as it will go.
I have ordered an Optimum to try, but I'm not sure that will work, either.
Alternatively, what are some of the hacks that have worked for people? Could I try adding a thin piece of cork to the rails of the Optimum insert, for example?
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2021-07-15 20:03
Ok, I haven't used Legere on Eb (haven't played Eb clarinet in many years), BUT the ligatures that work well with Legere European cut Bb that are also available for Eb are the BG Standard (rubber insert) and the Rovner Versa. Here's the thing though, you need to have them barely fastened at all to work their best. Since switching horns isn't the issue it just comes down to swabbing by pulling off at the barrel.
Worth the sacrifice!
Both the above are available at Frederick Weiner Music.
...................Paul Aviles
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Author: Musikat
Date: 2021-07-15 21:14
If you barely tighten them, though, doesn't the slippery plastic reed move from side to side at the tip? Of the two you mentioned, the Versa has more options/plates (like the Optimum), but is there only one configuration that works with Legere on this ligature? i.e. is it worth the extra price to get more options, or is the cheaper one just as good?
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2021-07-15 21:16
I'm using your basic Rovners as they offer excellent grip on the mouthpiece so the lot doesn't all come adrift when the ligature slips.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Hurstfarm
Date: 2021-07-16 01:22
The Optimum works OK - the plate with the 4 points of contact holds the Legeres adequately. My current choice on Eb is a Silverstein, and although it has to be quite tight to prevent slipping the reed still seems to respond very freely.
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Author: super20dan
Date: 2021-07-16 02:22
on normal sized eb mpc like selmer and vandy i am using bonade inverted. but my current fav hite mpc is a little smaller in diameter so i am using an antique french german silver no markes other than france on it. it plays great on the hite w/ legere
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2021-07-16 03:58
Yes, I forgot to mention that the Versa is best (for Legere European Signature) with the "flaps" OVER the insert. It is the most secure of the two, but yes when you use the ligatures loose, the reed moves if you try to take the mouthpiece off from the barrel. This is why I say you need to sacrifice the desire for that and just remove the mouthpiece along with the barrel for swabbing.
............Paul Aviles
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2021-07-17 21:37
Allow me to add one more. This one might be the best of the litter and I didn't realize that there was an Eb version:
https://www.thomann.de/gb/gf_ligature_gf_06m_nickel.htm
It is only available in Europe so the shipping doubles the cost.
Also, need to leave it really loose to experience the wildly resonant sound you can get.
..............Paul Aviles
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