 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Van
Date: 2007-03-23 17:02
Earlier posts have mostly advised not to tighten the ligature too much; avoid "strangling" the reed. I'm playing a Buffet R-13, Bay MP with Daniels #3 reed. Ligature is a standard metal type with two screws; I believe it came with the Buffet. I've noticed that tightening the ligature (beyond just holding it minimally secure) brings more stability in higher registers, more precise attacks on higher notes (high C and above) and cleaner transitions from low notes to higher notes. Anyone else experienced this? Results of a tighter ligature have been positive so far but I am concerned that I may be over-tightening and perhaps risking damage to the ligature. Advice appreciated.
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Author: skygardener
Date: 2007-03-23 17:23
I also prefer to tighten the ligature a bit to help it vibrate 'with' the mouthpiece as opposed to 'on' the mouthpiece. I haven't found any damage to the reed or lig, but I only tighten a bit more than I was taught. Here's an easy way to check- if there are dents on the reed then you have tightened too much.
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Author: John O'Janpa
Date: 2007-03-23 17:39
Tightening the ligature, and higher placement of the ligature, cause the reed to vibrate less which can be helpful for getting cleaner high notes.
Many players choose a looser and lower ligature, and use embouchure control for damping the lower vibrations when they are playing the high notes.
It's a complicated system involving your oral cavity, tongue position, air support, reed, ligature, mouthpiece, and embouchre. (Not to mention barrel, bell, and bore size.)
The secret is to practice, practice, practice, and use whatever combination of these things work best for you.
Post Edited (2007-03-24 12:40)
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2007-03-23 21:02
No two players put on the ligature the same way. Elsa Ludewig-Verdeher puts hers as high as it will go. Stanley Drucker puts it as low as it will go.
The Buffet stock ligature has a metal plate below the screws. I've never liked this design, since for me it damps the reed's vibration. If yours is like that, try turning it so that the screws are at the side, and only the two thin metal bands touch the reed. (Reginald Kell did this.)
For me, a ligature works best when I tighten the screws quite snug and then back them off 1/4 turn.
Your results will certainly vary, depending on your ligature, mouthpiece, reed and the shape of your lips and teeth.
Ken Shaw
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