 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Maestro_6
Date: 2010-07-20 05:56
Though I've not tried it, it may be a questionable fit to some reeds as wood can't change shape to mold to the shape of the reed. But the tone may be interesting...
For me, the standard Rovner Dark is a very fine design, and it fits me well! Flat distribution that molds to to the reed with a convenient 1-screw tightening system, all at a low price. It gives a mellow tone, not muffled at all (Again, for me), and the response is actually good!
Besides, I can get about 10 Rovner 1R ligs for 1 of those $200 wooden ligs.........
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Author: davetrow
Date: 2010-07-20 13:05
Many years ago my teacher at the time made ligatures that were a simple wooden ring. They were unfortunately quite fragile, but if memory serves, had a wonderful tone.
Dave Trowbridge
Boulder Creek, CA
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2010-07-20 14:26
What's the clarinet world coming to? Some mouthpieces $500 to $750, pro reeds $20-40 a box, sometimes only for 5 and now a $200 ligature. It's getting so that one has to be wealthy to play the clarinet. I know, there are many less expensive alternatives, good thing too. ESP http://eddiesclarinet.com
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Author: Bob Phillips
Date: 2010-07-20 14:56
The instructions call for a slight twist of the ring to lock it. That has to rotate the reed to one side of the mouthpiece, and that would drive me nuts. With my Rovner, I'm very conscious of the reed's left/right balance on the mouthpiece.
Also, for clarinet swaps, it looks iffy to keep the assembly together unless you take the barrel from horn to horn.
Bob Phillips
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Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2010-07-20 15:18
Ed, you musn't discourage people from stimulating the economy by purchasing expensive clarinet-related products. I can't afford a Porsche or Ferrari automobile myself, but I'm glad someone is buying them so I can drool when they pass me by as I tool around in my 1970s Fiats.
Someone has to counterbalance the cheapskates of the world (e.g. Dr. Hank and me).
Besides, people like Morrie Backun, the Brannens, etc. who provide expensive products or services have families to feed too, I suspect.
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Author: skygardener
Date: 2010-07-20 15:42
Ed P-"What's the clarinet world coming to? Some mouthpieces $500 to $750, pro reeds $20-40 a box, sometimes only for 5 and now a $200 ligature. "
I know! At this rate, instruments used by principal clarinetists of major orchestras might soon be close to the prices of the violins in community orchestras!! ![[hot]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/hot.gif)
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Author: cigleris
Date: 2010-07-20 16:00
I have this ligature and it's quite good. It vibrates with reed and let's the reed vibrate. The tone is quite pleasing. I've added it to my collection having moved back to Vandoren Klassik. One of these days I may put a sound clip comparing all the ligatures
Peter Cigleris
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2010-07-21 19:21
OK guys, expensive clarinet equipment is helping the economy so I guess that's good. After all, you gotta make a living don't you? Oh the good old days when I bought a box of 25 Vandoren reeds, yes they used to come in boxes of 25, for about $3.25, may have even been cheaper, it's been a long time, a very long time ago. Of course the first year I played in the BSO, 1963, I only made $128 a week for 28 weeks.
On a more serious note, if I was able to find a mouthpiece or ligature for those prices that made me sound so much better then I do now, is that even possible, don't answer that, I would buy them. The thing is, even as a professional player that can probably afford it, my 4 kids are out of college and my mortgage is paid, I probably won't even try it for fear that I might actually like it just a tiny bit more than what I'm using now. (Oh yes I would).
It is a shame though that so many people and companies make a good living from musicians that don't. But there are many items out there that are reasonably priced. Three years ago I bought my new Selmer Signature Bb clarinet for $3000, in Delaware, no taxes. And of course there are many many excellent mouthpieces and ligatures that are priced very reasonably. Even reeds, if you know how to adjust and treat them you don't have to spend a weeks salary every year on reeds. What the heck, a good string bow cost more than all my five clarinets put together, mouthpieces, cases, ligatures included. ESP http://eddiesclarinet.com
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Author: srattle
Date: 2010-07-21 19:47
Ed, if you can easily afford the top of the market (or price) products, why not try them, and buy them if you like it a little more? Shouldn't someone who is in your position in the music career be a perfect candidate for sounding a little better, and being even happier playing, even if the price raise is exponential?
I am very frugal with my spending, I almost never spend money on myself. However, I am willing to put down almost anything (and save accordingly) when it comes to my profession.
Anyway, to the topic. I have tried this ligature. I did like it quite a lot, it let the reed sing quite freely, while keeping my sound relatively focused (at least to my ears). I, however, like my vandoren string lig more, for all the same reasons, and I decided that $200 could go somewhere better at the time.
Also, I am pretty clumsy with my ligatures, and I know I would end up sitting on it, and snapping it. That was actually my #1 reason for not buying it. No matter how reinforced it may be, it would be no match for my butt (it's already cost me at least 1 ligature)
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Author: Plonk
Date: 2010-07-22 05:57
Before you all start moaning about prices:
You might be interested to know - regarding the price of playing the clarinet - In Bulgaria where I live, the average monthly salary is $200. In my town there is only one music shop and they only sell reeds individually (and they only stock Vandoren 2.5's) and one reed costs $4.50 so $45 dollars a box, although you can't buy a box because there is only one in the shop and it's not full.
Needless to say, I get my reeds over the internet and then brought over from the UK (and I do earn a bit more than the average salary).
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2010-07-22 16:24
I should have looked at the image awhile ago. This is a different approach in that the material is a carbon fiber/wood combo in an inverted, screw design.
Over the years we've all done metal, most have tried the leather/leatherette styles and some (including myself) have delved into string as a material. Since I have found a passion for the SOUND of a wooden mouthpiece, it seems possible that this 'wooden' material may offer up a unique sound/response that could be noteworthy.
Fortunately for me I am broke from Summer vacation, but perhaps someday down the road it would be worth a try.
...............Paul Aviles
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2010-07-22 17:24
Srattle, if you read my post more closely you will notice that I said, "Oh yes I would". I will try anything if I think it will make life easier for me to get what I want but I already get what I want. I just think that somethings are getting a little pricey for the average player. Yes, if I thought spending $750 on a mouthpiece that would make me a better clarinet player I'd buy it in a second. I just don't think it's necessary to spend that much on a mouthpiece when there are literally hundreds to choose from for less than 1/4 the price, some really good ones for under $100. But yes, I'd try it out of curiosity. The same goes for a $200 ligature when there are dozens of great ones on the market for 1/4 that price, and even 1/8 the price. ESP
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Author: davetrow
Date: 2010-07-22 17:53
This thread got me thinking about string ligatures, and then velcro (search on "velcro ligature" for threads on the topic.
So I tried a velcro cable tie in place of my Rovner Eddie Daniels ligature. Seems to work pretty well, maybe better--time will tell. Best thing is, it short-circuited, for the time being, my yearning to try another ligature and refocused me on the really important task: practicing and listening.
Dave Trowbridge
Boulder Creek, CA
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Author: srattle
Date: 2010-07-22 20:57
Hey Ed,
I kind of meant my comment to you to be tongue in cheek, but now re-reading it, my writing after a couple of glasses of wine didn't come across that way at all. . .
I'm definitely not one to say that you should be looking for something different. You have enough experience to know what you like, and know what you need to get it.
Dave, Velcro does sound like a good idea. The one thing that bugs me about my vandoren string is how uncomfortable it is to tighten (and needs to be tightened a lot) Maybe velcro is the key.
I've also tried various rubber bands which (although not the easiest things to get on and off) sound surprisingly nice! Those are very cheap too, and don't break when I sit on them!!!!
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Author: davetrow
Date: 2010-07-22 23:04
Sacha, check out the various threads on velcro on this board. It's certainly cheap: a bag of a dozen cable ties is just a couple of dollars. I haven't used it long enough to know how well it holds its adjustment, but then, tightening it is pretty darn simple!
However, I suspect that velcro wouldn't work as well with synthetic reeds, since my understanding, from what I've read on threads about them, is that they're slippery compared to cane.
Dave Trowbridge
Boulder Creek, CA
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2010-07-23 02:24
srattle, no prob. I didn't take it the wrong way. Just wanted to set the record straight. ESP
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2010-07-23 17:06
Just a simple search coughed up this link
http://jazztimes.com/articles/16582-paraschos-and-lebayle-wooden-ligatures
that provided a better picture of the design (the two screw alto sax version) showing a simple saddle design sans Bonode style bars interior to the ligature (perhaps Paraschos' next model down the road?).
There is also "one man's review" that sheds some light along the lines of Mr. Ed Palanker.
Personally, I really think I'll wait to for the next generation albeit a beautiful ligature to look at.
.....................Paul Aviles
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Author: cigleris
Date: 2010-07-23 19:42
It plays well this ligature, if you can you should try it.
Peter Cigleris
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2010-07-24 11:17
Dear Peter,
Is it as it appears in the photo, sans "Bonade style" support for the reed?
Do you get anything similar to the saxophone review in terms of "highs" vs. "lows?"
...........thanks,
........................Paul Aviles
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