 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: fskelley
Date: 2017-08-15 05:39
At Clarinet Fest I chatted with a nice lady about Rovner ligatures. I showed her my Legere European reed under my Versa X and asked what ligature would be easier to position initially (center both reed and lig on mouthpiece), and more stable while playing (not allowing reed to shift sideways). She suggested the Van Gogh. I worked with it a while, should have bought one then and there and saved a few $.
My Van Gogh arrived today. First impressions are good. Easy to center initially. Rock solid thereafter even with light screw tension. More later maybe about how it plays, but I had a good session with it.
I'm sure there are cheaper good lig choices for the Legeres, slippery devils that they are. But these days, perhaps even $53 has to be considered a bargain for a ligature.
Stan in Orlando
EWI 4000S with modifications
Post Edited (2017-08-15 05:40)
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Author: Fuzzy
Date: 2017-08-15 07:16
Hi Stan,
I've never played Rovner ligatures before. Do you happen to know the differences between the Van Gogh and the Star Series? Looking at the pictures, it appears the Van Gogh is more "cloth-like" but I couldn't really tell about the texture of the Star Series and was curious if there were other differences that I'm not seeing too.
Thanks,
Fuzzy
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Author: fskelley
Date: 2017-08-15 07:29
Fuzzy,
I've had several Rovner ligatures, and they've all seemed to me to be mainly made of a similar rubbery clothy material (somebody correct me if I'm wrong)- including my Versa X and new Van Gogh. I do not know the Star Series, and perhaps the Van Gogh is unique in size (big! tall!) and grip (edges only of a lot of the reed). The rep said that it is much less restrictive than it might appear.
My suggestion is to buy with return privilege, and perhaps only lose shipping cost, maybe not even that. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Playing characteristics are tough to pin down without living with an accessory for some number of days. But easily knowing my reed is always well centered and aligned (I don't know whether that really matters but I suspect it does)- should be worth something.
Stan in Orlando
EWI 4000S with modifications
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Author: zhangray4
Date: 2017-08-15 07:50
Can you comment on your impressions on the Van Gogh in terms of playing? I heard its very free blowing. On the Rovner website, it says its good for jazz even. Claims the sound color as being "neutral" and shapeable. How would you compare it to the Vandoren M/O, Rovner Versa, and Rovner Platinum?
-- Ray Zhang
Post Edited (2017-08-15 07:51)
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Author: shmuelyosef
Date: 2017-08-15 23:47
I have had very good experience with the Bonade Inverted ligature on the "thin" Legere Signature (both original and Euro). They have the 'range' to tighten down the reed on most mouthpieces. I have one that I have added thin strips of cork to the inside (away from the reed clamp) for a mouthpiece I have that is somewhat smaller diameter and it works quite well.
These are reasonably affordable...$18 at weinermusic.com
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2017-08-16 03:56
Does your Van Gogh have the V at the top of it where the Reed sits? (so the legere is even easier placed)
That is brand new from Rovner, and the debut was at ICA. If you didn't get it from Rovner directly, you probably didn't get that version.
The V is quite obvious.
http://www.SkypeClarinetLessons.com
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Author: fskelley
Date: 2017-08-16 04:23
Thanks for comments.
Ray- a bit early to comment on sound, so many variables. But I am pleased so far.
Jeff- I also recently got a Bonade Inverted (came with a clarinet) and have used it a few time with Legere European. I agree it is a good stable combination, and inexpensive.
David- mine (fresh from Musician's Friend with 10% coupon)- does have a small cutout at the top, and a hole in the center. I agree it would be harder to align without it- I'd probably mark it with white paint or something.
Stan in Orlando
EWI 4000S with modifications
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Author: fskelley
Date: 2017-09-24 03:23
Another month+ in I am still pleased with the Van Gogh.
Mostly I have it aligned with the bottom line of my HS** mouthpiece, which puts the top of the VG well into the vamp. My lower lip often brushes the ligature. And I find this is the most responsive playing position. Is this backwards or is it not?
In any case, some of you who play or have tested Van Goghs (or other ligatures?) may have never tried such a high position. Try it, maybe you'll like it.
Ligature lines are useful only as an aid to consistent placement day after day.
Stan in Orlando
EWI 4000S with modifications
Post Edited (2017-09-24 03:24)
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