 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Roger Aldridge
Date: 2003-10-06 11:59
Hi John!
In your messages about Francois Louis ligatures you mention that you're using an early version of the lig. I'm curious if you've tried the current production version and whether you notice a difference in your sound between the early and current ligs.
The silver FL clarinet lig that I received from Roberto's last year has a different type of screw head than the current version of the lig. It's thin and flat. Interestingly, I've noticed some tonal differences between the ligs.
When I used the older lig on my Patricola C clarinet I would sometimes hear a subtle buzzy quality around middle B, C, and C#. This problem disappeared when I switched to a new silver FL lig. On the other hand, my tone on Bb clarinet sounds more resonant to my ears with the older lig.
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Author: John J. Moses
Date: 2003-10-06 18:58
Hi Roger:
You've asked a series of interesting questions about the FL ligature.
I still use the FL original prototype a got from Roberto's in NYC over a year ago. It's the "brass" version, although I've advised many friends and students to try the "silver" model as I believe it better suits most players.
1.) The newer models are different
a) The adjustment screw is much large (as per my suggestion) to facilitate tightening. The smaller screw just hurt my fingers!
b) Some of my friends prefer the older small screw because they believe it aids in the way the reed vibrates. My feelings are mixed.
2.) A big problem with the older FLs were a "whistling" effect caused by air passing into the small open tubes which hold on to the mouthpiece.
a) I solved this problem early on by having Roberto fill-in the hollow tubes with beeswax. Worked just fine. I believe FL was supposed to change that design flaw with the newer models. As yet, I have not seen a change.
3.) If you have an older FL, keep it, it's probably quite good. Try many different models...the "brass, silver & gold" are all very different. Also, with all ligatures, they are all unique in themselves, so if you find one you like, have it altered with beeswax or a larger screw to accommodate your needs.
Roger, the most important things to remember are:
How does it sound? To you? To other?
Does it record well? (at home or in a studio)
Does it feel good to play?
Does it knock your socks off!!
Continue to play it for a while, if it doesn't work for you, or you find a new and better ligature, go for it.
PS I do not work for, or get a remuneration from either Roberto's in NYC, or FL in Europe.
Good luck,
JJM
Légère Artist
Clark W. Fobes Artist
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Author: Roger Aldridge
Date: 2003-10-06 22:42
John,
Thanks! I definitely like the sound of the older lig on Bb -- even though, like you said, the small screw sometimes hurts the fingers. I haven't noticed any whistling. So, perhaps my lig is between your prototype and the newer ones.
I haven't tried any gold FL ligs. But, the silver and brass ligs have received a good work out on each of my horns. In terms of saxophones, I found that silver FL ligs work best on my vintage silver plated horns (Buescher soprano & alto and Conn c-melody). The sound is fuller and more vibrant than with a brass lig. However, I recently acquired a Buescher tenor with lacquer finish and discovered the brass lig works much better than the silver lig. Very noticable difference! This appears to confirm the advice I received from Tim Price about using a FL lig that has the same metal plate as your horn.
By now I have a drawer full of FL ligs in silver and brass for each horn. Every now and then I'll try a different metal lig on a particular horn. But, it normally just tends to confirm the set up I've settled on.
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Author: Ed
Date: 2003-10-07 01:04
John- you stated "I've advised many friends and students to try the "silver" model as I believe it better suits most players."
Would you care to elaborate on why you think this is the case?
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Author: John J. Moses
Date: 2003-10-07 04:42
Good point, Ed:
I'm often asked why a recommend something different than I play on.
There are a few reasons:
The "silver" FLs are a bit "darker" and more mellow to the ear than my prototype "brass", but I do a lot of recording work and I need some of the brilliance that my FL gives me. My particular FL is unique because it was one of Louis' first clarinet models, as he was very successful with his Sax models and he was encouraged to try his hand at one for clarinet. We encouraged him to continue to experiment, and I believe the latest model is his most consistent model. My "brass" prototype is not like the current "brass" models, but it's also not like the "silver or gold" either.
Of all the dozens of FLs I've tried for friends & students, I believe the "silver" offers the best all around results. That is; a warm, rich, vibrant sound, with great control of the reed, and good flexibility.
Again, as I mentioned to Roger, the FL isn't for everyone, and you must find a good one that suits your purposes.
Simply: the "new brass" is a bit bright, the "new silver is as I described, and the "new gold" is a bit dull and tubby. That's my opinion, take it for what it's worth.
Best of luck on your search, just keep searching.
JJM
Légère Artist
Clark W. Fobes Artist
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Author: Roger Aldridge
Date: 2003-10-07 12:04
John,
Are you familiar with David Zagar's work on developing new saxophone mouthpieces? I heard some really interesting things about his mouthpieces earlier this year from Ralph Morgan. However, I only recently had an opportunity to try out two of his models. They are excellent. But, my point in bringing this up is that Zagar is using FL ligs for his mouthpieces. Given the extraordinary levels of research going into these mouthpieces, it speaks highly that FL ligs are being shipped with orders for Zagar mouthpieces
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Author: John J. Moses
Date: 2003-10-07 12:54
Yes, Roger, FL ligatures are being used on a number of custom Sax mouthpiece. I've seen FLs on almost all of the "customs" here in NYC. The Sax guys really love them. Personally, I only use my "brass" prototype on clarinet. My other horns all have ligatures that are "old timers."
Good luck with the Zagar's, they're quite good.
JJM
Légère Artist
Clark W. Fobes Artist
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Author: Roger Aldridge
Date: 2003-10-07 13:55
John,
Yes, the Zagar pieces are superb. However, I found that I prefer Ralph Morgan's hard rubber mouthpieces. For me, Zagar doesn't match the rich tonal qualities of a Morgan.
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