 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Roger Aldridge
Date: 2004-07-03 14:13
Several years ago when I purchased my first silver FL clarinet ligature it came from Roberto's. Several months later I purchased an additional one for another clarinet from Dave Hoskins (junkdude.com). I discovered that the two ligatures were slightly different. The most noticable difference is in the size and shape of the screw head. The lig from Roberto's has a thin wheel-shaped head and the one from Dave has a large oblong head. I then understood that the lig from Roberto's is an earlier version of the FL clarinet ligature and the one from Dave is the current production version.
I've found the oblong screw head to be easier to use. My thumb and finger sometimes become sore with the thin wheel head. Never the less, I definitely prefer the early FL lig with respect to my clarinet's sound and response. It sounds cleaner and more alive -- for want of a better description. The most obvious difference between the two ligatatures is on my Patricola C clarinet. For some reason, it appears that the new FL lig contributes to a buzzy quality in the mid-range of my C clarinet. In particular, around middle C and B. When I switch to the older FL lig my sound is clear....no buzz. Thus, I'm wondering if the heavier weight and greater mass of the oblong screw head may be an unintended problem.
I'm curious if other FL lig users on the Forum have noticed these things with the old and new versions of the FL lig.
As an experiment, I going to take both ligs to my repair tech next week and have him grind down the oblong screw head of the new FL lig so that it approximates the thin wheel shape of the old lig. I've already spoken with him on the phone about this and he thinks that it should be a fairly easy thing to do. I'll then give both ligs a play test on my Bb and C clarinets. I'm most curious to see how the modified lig works on the C clarinet.
I'll let you how I come out with it.
Best Regards, Roger
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Author: John J. Moses
Date: 2004-07-03 14:25
Hi Roger:
Check my earlier posts on the FL ligature.
I also purchased my FL ligature from Roberto's, it was his first experiment with the clarinet version, which features the screw on the top instead of on the bottom near your chin. We found that it worked beautifully, but needed some tweaking, perhaps even trying silver or gold plating. I've stayed with the prototype brass version, but insisted on the larger screw you describe. For that reason, FL is using the improvements, including the gold & silver ones, and the larger screw. I'm sure if you are able to go back to Roberto's, he can retro-fit the smaller screw on the ligature you prefer. I've exchanged 3 or 4 old smaller screws for the new larger ones, so he has some around in his shop in NYC. Some of my students do prefer the smaller ones, as you do, so get what works best for you.
Good luck,
JJM
Légère Artist
Clark W. Fobes Artist
Post Edited (2004-07-03 14:29)
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Author: Roger Aldridge
Date: 2004-07-03 15:31
John,
I appreciate your quick reply. After reading your message I contacted Matt at Roberto's. He rummaged around and found a bag with 20 old-style ligature screws. He's sending two of them in today's mail. This is great! Thanks so much for your suggestion. Several months ago I asked the folks at Roberto's if they could get an old-style FL clarinet ligature for me and they said it wasn't possible. It looks like I didn't frame my question in the right way. All I needed, really, was the old-style lig screw to go on the current ligature.
Thanks again for your help. It looks like I'll be all set.
Roger
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Author: John J. Moses
Date: 2004-07-03 15:38
Hi Roger:
I'm glad it all worked out for you.
I'm grateful to Mark for making this BB available to all of us.
My purpose has always been to help others, and this BB offers a great way to do that.
Thanks Mark!
JJM
Légère Artist
Clark W. Fobes Artist
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