 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Bluesparkle
Date: 2009-03-06 00:16
For years I have used a Harrison ligature, which are now no longer in production. There are a few knock-offs out there that are a similar design, but not exact. A local clarinet tech saw my Harrison the other day, and said he had a couple of used ones in stock, one silver, one gold. I bought them both for $60, as I have never had a back-up. They are in good shape, but do not have the original screws in them. The screws they have match each other, and are the same gauge as the originals. Is anyone familiar with this ligature, and what would you expect to pay for a used one in good shape (with replacement screws)? Has anyone tried the Harrison copies?
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Author: cxgreen48
Date: 2009-03-06 01:05
I have a Rico H ligature (gold-plated) on trial right now.
The four contact points are on the edges of the reed.
I found it free-blowing, good articulation. To me, it seemed like just another decent ligature.
I really like the cap that comes with it. it's kinda squishy and soft, and it fits snugly. And it looks kinda cool too!
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2009-03-06 01:10
For clarinet, you got a fair price. If you were looking for an alto, BC, bari (just about the same is a BC), soprano ax, or a special tenor (Dukoff, Link, etc.) you'd pay a lot more (a whole lot more). There are quite a few clarinet Harrisons around.
Check eBay for current bid prices.
Post Edited (2009-03-06 01:12)
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Author: DixieSax
Date: 2009-03-06 05:30
I've played harrison clarinet ligs for 10+ years. I just bought a Rico H-lig, and it's ok, but not quite the same. Agree with the positive comment on the cap that comes with it though.
Wish that some effort was made for continuation of manufacturing after Mr Harrison passed on. My original Harrison gold is the best lig I've ever played.
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2009-03-06 14:26
Hi Bluesparkle { !!} - a Search [above here] of our archives will give you much more info re: the Harrison ligs, as we have discussed them earlier and I have posted the US patent number. Have one myself , yes, good, but still like the Bonades etcl. Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: stevesklar
Date: 2009-03-06 16:11
I love the harrison ligs. I have one for clarinet, alto and tenor sax.
Be careful not to overtighten them as some players have and had the thinner section which connects from the side bands to the thicker contacts bend (or worse, crack).
I never had a cap for any of them though ?
==========
Stephen Sklar
My YouTube Channel of Clarinet Information
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Author: Bluesparkle
Date: 2009-03-07 00:22
So far my gold Harrison has lasted about 25 years without damage. I just don't see many people playing these. When I last checked eBay, they were going for some ridiculous amount...around $130, so I couldn't pass two for $60 up. I'll check the search to see what everyone has to say about them.
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2009-03-07 12:17
BlueSparkle,
On the $130 price, you need to look a little closer as that auction is for a Harrison A2 for hard rubber alto sax. It is not uncommon to see high prices for some of the rare ligatures as I said above.
I stand by my comment that you got a fair price of $30 each since that is around the mean for clarinet Harrisons that I have seen on eBay over the years.
Two years ago I traded a BB pal a BC Harrison for a Moennig barrel that was reamed by The Man himself. Both my pal and I got good deals.
HRL
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Author: BobD
Date: 2009-03-07 18:15
I received a Harrison from a friend a few years ago and it resides in a safe place. I also have a few of the imitations which look great but tend to want to slip. I only play the real one when the donor visits.
Bob Draznik
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2009-03-08 14:14
Bob D,
Perhaps the donor will visit soon like on Saturday April 4th at about dinner time while on the way from St. Louis to Chicago. The word on the street is his wife will also be with him.
HRL
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Author: belmar45
Date: 2009-03-08 22:00
I'd like to weigh in on this. I have played a Harrison gold ligature since 1976, and it is still just fine. I bought a couple of copies a few years ago, on Ebay, for about $30 each.... they are definintely not worth it. They tarnish within a few months of use, and the metal feels harder and heavier than the originals. I would never bother with them again. But an original Harrison, I would say, is worth closer to $100 if the threads have not been stripped. It's a personal choice of course; but that's my opinion.
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Author: BobD
Date: 2009-03-08 22:24
I agree, the imitations are too stiff, but maybe some bending might improve them.
Bob Draznik
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