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Re: ligature

Author: Lorenzo_M
Date: 2012-09-16 05:27

I have a silver Harrison, and a Gold Rico H-ligature. I would probably need to try a Silver H-ligature to make a comparison, but they are not the same. Similar, but the original definitely feels more resonant, open, and centered. The Rico tends to be darker...I suspect because the H pressure plate is so much bigger and thicker than the originals (which I also suspect is why the originals tended to break in that thin area).

Is it a good copy? Yes and No. It's more robust, and it's cheap...but it does not feel the same. Whether this is good or bad depends on your expectations. Judging it on its own merit, they are good ligatures.

I have a ton of ligatures (which I suspect many here do too) but my overall favorite is still the Bonade Ligature. I like to adjust them so that only the rails touch the reed...but once adjusted, they feel great. You don't need to tighten them too much, they let the reed vibrate, but have enough dampening to center and balance the sound. It's also cheap.

For something that can be adjusted very quickly, I just use the Vandoren Optimum or the Spriggs Floating rail. The one screw adjustment is convenient. They help on weird reed days as you can adjust them up and down faster than the Bonade.

Anyway, these things are all preference. I know many here swear by Rovners (which I hate). I know many hear swear by the standard ligature that came with your clarinet (which believe it or not, isn't too bad). Lots of fun toys out there...try them all!

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