 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: ThatPerfectReed
Date: 2014-01-30 18:12
Ah the ligature.
It's quite possible that no other part of the clarinet has gotten as much attention, compared to the relatively small difference it makes in our playing from one brand to the next, as compared to other parts of our instrument.
I hear gasps. Product managers and players alike may now reach for their keyboards as they berate me with their life affirming stories of how "this ligature made them the great player they are," or how "that ligature solved everything bad in their playing," or how "1000s of hours went into the development of this ligature you so cavalierly dismiss!"
I plead guilty, even hypocracy: I care about my ligature. I want it to bring out the best in my playing, and as a side note, it would sure be nice were ligatures super easy to take on and off (not that they're so hard). I've tried many, there are definitely some I like more than others, and I don't mean to offend anyone's legitimate scientific research or use of said science to make a case for "that thing which keeps the reed on the mouthpiece." We devoted clarinet players care about EVERYTHING clarinet.
I just think the marginal differences between two decent ligatures are more likely to boil down to a matter of preference, and that maybe, just maybe, the ease with with the dang thing can come on and off (i.e. easy of ease) may be underestimated as a factor people would like. Again, I'm not saying to compromise ease of use for a ligature's effectiveness, but rather, say, "torn between 2 ligatures, the one easier to apply/remove might be the winner.
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Okay--with this preamble in mind. Check out the watch strap in the attached pictures. It's nothing remarkable for watches--we've all scene it--but serves as the starting point for a ligature idea.
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Author: Garth Libre
Date: 2014-01-31 00:55
No attached photos of the ligature were included.
Garth, 305-981-4705. garthlibre@yahoo.com
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Author: rtmyth
Date: 2014-01-30 21:41
Use Velcro; make your own; inexpensive but good; see my post of some years ago.
richard smith
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Author: ThatPerfectReed
Date: 2014-01-31 04:23
Sorry all, this was a draft sent by accident too soon.
When it's ready I'll republish. Until then, please ignore.
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Author: BobD
Date: 2014-01-31 18:08
I have used the colored "rubber" I.D. bands from Target Pharmacy. One, sometimes 2 seem to work as well as anything. I seem to always gravitate back to Rovners , tho.
Bob Draznik
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Author: Philip DeVries
Date: 2014-01-31 20:39
I have on occasion used a pair of #17 O-rings, available at any hardware store for about $0.30 each.
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Author: TJTG
Date: 2014-01-31 16:00
I've used an Optimum ligature for over 10 years. I can't switch, it's something I learned to play on and just feel out of place when I try other ligatures. I'm always coming back to it. Probably the same reason my undergrad teacher kept going back to his Bonade inverted.
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Author: William
Date: 2014-01-31 21:01
The only ligature that made a remarkable difference in my tone quality was the original Winslow model, by allowing more of the reeds overtones to be produced, most audible in the low registers. All other ligs including Rovner, Vandi Optimum, Bonade, Kaspar, Bay, Harrison and generic stock models are about the same. Funny thing is, they seem to make a difference at first, but after a few rehearsals, you're back to your old sound and articulation. Personally, regarding ligatures, mouthpieces, barrels and bells, a lot of "it' is in your head.
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Author: GaryH
Date: 2014-02-02 07:04
I have many different ligatures. I use them all from time to time, but I like the Luyben better than the others. I started using one in the 60s, and always seem to feel this is best for me. It helps me easily reproduce the sound in my head. I'm sure that if I were a more accomplished clarinetist I'd be more discerning.
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The Clarinet Pages
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