 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: leonard a
Date: 2003-02-06 04:04
I know there are lots of different opinions on this, but I am wondering if for a beginner a different ligature other than the stock metal one that comes with most clarinets would make a difference, either in terms of ease of play or tone quality. What are some favorite reasonably priced ligatures.
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Author: GBK
Date: 2003-02-06 05:09
For beginners, keep it as simple as possible.
If money is a factor, the stock metal ligature is fine.
When possible (and if affordable), I try to have my beginners use a basic Rovner ligature: Rovner ligatures are easy to fit on mouthpiece, they have less moving parts (only one screw to tighten), and the neoprene/polyester material will keep its shape and not get out of round as metal ligatures often do.
A more important factor is a quality student mouthpiece. Both the Hite Premiere and Fobes Debut have quality facings that will encourage proper beginning embouchure formation...GBK
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Author: Anon
Date: 2003-02-06 06:12
One of my teachers when I began years ago had me switch to a Bonade Inverted ligature. Currently, you can by one for around $15 and with the inverted style the student will be less apt to choke the reed to death. Put the litagture on the mouthpiece for them (to ensure not to over tighten) and then have them slip it on and off with out touching the screws. This worked for many of my students.
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Author: beejay
Date: 2003-02-06 12:56
I find the Rovner is a bit stuffy and the metal ligs a bit harsh sometimes. A good compromise is the Lyuben lig -- made of plastic, quite elegant, very strong and less than $10.
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Author: jez
Date: 2003-02-06 13:01
Where can you get ther Luyben? My local shops don't seem to do it anymore (UK) Is it still available?
I had one years ago but it broke. I seem to remember liking it though.
jez
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Author: beejay
Date: 2003-02-06 13:15
Jez,
Here, in France, it's handled by Glotin reeds. If you can't find it in UK try Musique et Art, or the Brasswind and the Woodwind in Paris, both of which have Internet sites. Being in the EU, you would not have to pay duty -- only postage. I think I paid 11 euro for mine about six months ago.
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Author: beejay
Date: 2003-02-06 16:10
The web address is obvious. But partly thanks to the u.s. parcel service, which uses private contractors and charges outrageous sums for delivery, making small purchases from the United States is not worth the hassle any more.
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Author: Benni
Date: 2003-02-06 20:16
Before I took lessons, I used the standard cheapo beginners lig that came w/ the clarinet. At first, I used it the "right way," but then I saw a picture where Benny Goodman had his lig on backwards and decided I would try it. I liked it much better, and when I actually started taking lessons, my teacher informed me that that was a better way to put pressure on the reed than the "right way." Then she had me try a Rovner and I got one of those. After a while, I wasn't too fond of the Rovner's response on high notes (especially on more open mouthpieces), so after using a piece of Scotch tape for about a week, I got a Bonade inverted. I like it. :-)
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Author: RAB
Date: 2003-02-07 13:10
I use a Harrison ligature that has the indentation in the front and the two screws on the back. It doesn't strangle the reed to death, but allows for a bit of room for the reed to vibrate. When I went back to the "stock" version, I couldn't play very well, the tone was bad, I couldn't get the altissimo notes out, etc. But depending on your price range, you may not want this. It was around $25-$30.
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Author: Leonard A
Date: 2003-02-07 15:30
Yes, I read in The Clarinet and Clarinet Playing that David Pino, the author says he got the best results with shoe string. Not very appealing cosemetically, but I guess it's worth a try. And he points out that no mouthpiece cover will fit, but he thinks the trade off is worth it.
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Author: leonard a
Date: 2003-02-09 04:44
Thanks for all the comments. I bought a Rovner dark ligature and it does have a nice round tone and seems easy to blow.
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