 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: noland
Date: 2020-06-19 02:09
My current ligature is pretty old and beat up, I've had it since I've started playing (5+ years). It's a bonade inverted ligature. I need a new ligature so figured might as well upgrade. I've been looking at the Rovner Versa, Versa X, and Van Gogh, but I'm not sure which one is the best, also comment any other suggestions. My budget is around 75 dollars. Also what's the difference between the Versa and Versa X? I consider myself an advanced clarinet player, close to making texas all state band. I have an R13 with BD5 mouthpiece and V12 reeds
Post Edited (2020-06-19 02:12)
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Author: AAAClarinet
Date: 2020-06-19 03:40
If you like something vibrant like the Bonade, I would recommend that the Spriggs floating rail ligature. I haven't priced them in a while but it was about $80 when I bought mine. Can be a bit of an issue for some people if you have to switch between Bb and A.
AAAClarinet
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Author: Bonnie
Date: 2020-06-19 04:41
If you liked the Bonade inverted well enough to play one for five years, why not buy a new one, since the old one is "pretty old and beat up," maybe upgrade to a silver or gold (if you can find a gold one), then take it to a jeweler and have him/her cut out the middle piece that covers the reed. You will like the difference.
bdskees@comcast.net
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2020-06-19 05:16
I think you're on the right track with the Versa ligature. It is "Bonadish" in how it contacts the reed vertically. It also comes with an extra plate that you can insert within the main metal contact to add weight and influence the sound. Also there are the internal flaps that you can place across the insert so that there is no direct contact between the metal insert and the reed also changing the sound to a degree. All in all a very good ligature that allows a lot of experimentation.
The Versa X is a heavier insert version and does not offer all the slight variations the standard Versa offers.
................Paul Aviles
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Author: Bob Bernardo
Date: 2020-06-19 08:50
Try as many ligatures as you can. They are often all a bit different. Maybe try to test for sound and articulation at first then see if you feel a difference with the upper registers. You may find yourself favoring different types of reeds as well. Take your time before buying. Your Bonade is actually a pretty decent ligature and a wonderful starting point as a benchmark to deciding what feels best, your Bonade or maybe something else. Great question.
Designer of - Vintage 1940 Cicero Mouthpieces and the La Vecchia mouthpieces
Yamaha Artist 2015
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Author: Bob Barnhart ★2017
Date: 2020-06-19 18:39
I will say up front that I believe ligatures can make a difference for (1) some people and (2) for some mouthpieces, mostly because they can change the "feel" of the mouthpiece/reed combination and may therefore influence how one plays a particular setup.
I also believe a given ligature may not be the "best" on all mouthpiece/reed combinations. I have several favorite mouthpieces and may use a different ligature for each one for different reasons. For example, a bright-sounding mouthpiece might be best served with a ligature that absorbs high-partials somewhat, e.g., a fabric ligature or one that uses a soft contact patch. A free mouthpiece might be best served with a ligature that "compacts" the sound somewhat, e.g., a Bonade-style ligature. A resistant mouthpiece might be best served with a ligature that allows the reed to vibrate more, e.g., the Vandoren Optimum (with horizontal ribs) or M/O.
Several notable players play the BD5 and I recall that they play a variety of ligatures with it, including the BG Duo, Vandoren Optimum, M/O, and Leather, as well as the Silversteins.
Personally, I consider the BD5 (which is among my favorites) to be a rather "dark", "resistant" mouthpiece, so when I play it, I want something that encourages vibrational freedom/flexibility. I have tried a variety of ligatures with it and find that, for me, the Optimum (with horizontal ribs) and M/O work yield more freedom when I play it. I have both Black and Gold M/Os, and while the Black is "freer", I prefer the Gold as I find that with it, the sound feels rounder to me.
I have a number of colleagues who have/play Silverstein ligatures, but I don't have that kind of money any more. However, some years ago I began fabricating a VERY light ligature design from (18-20 gauge) hookup wire to test the Silverstein concepts. While this must be custom-fit to a given mouthpiece/reed combination, I (and others who have tried it) find it places minimal restriction on reed vibration and yields a very full/round sound. I actually prefer it to any other ligature I can afford, on any mouthpiece that I have. I recently made one to fit my Behn Prescott mouthpieces (whose large bodies required using one of my Rovners) and found that it significantly mitigates the resistance I felt when playing them.
Anyway, good luck in your search!
Bob Barnhart
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Author: Hurstfarm
Date: 2020-06-20 02:26
All good advice above. Although Silverstein ligatures are mostly well above your suggested budget, the Prelude isn’t, and would be worth adding to the list.
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2020-06-20 16:23
"Try as many ligatures as you can. They are often all a bit different." Bob B.
That's the best advise of anyone. No one but you can tell what you will like best in feel, response and quality. Just try as many as possible. Ask your friends to try theirs, go to a music store that stocks some and try them. Order a few from a mail order store that allows you to return them. In the end, only you will know.
ESP eddiesclarinet.com
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Author: Tom H
Date: 2020-06-21 04:45
My standard Bonade has served me well for decades (I play an R13). But so has the no-name one that came with the new student model Selmer I bought 2 years ago. I've always felt ligatures are one of the least important parts of the instrument, and I've tried all kinds (even twine & wax in the '70s, as suggested by Russianoff).
Can't recall what my Bonade cost back then, but don't think I'd lay out $75-$80 US for a ligature even in 2020 dollars.
The Most Advanced Clarinet Book--
tomheimer.ampbk.com/ Sheet Music Plus item A0.1001315, Musicnotes product no. MB0000649.
Boreal Ballad for unaccompanied clarinet-Sheet Music Plus item A0.1001314.
Musicnotes product no. MNO287475
Post Edited (2020-06-21 04:47)
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Author: Matt74
Date: 2020-06-21 10:13
You are right to ask the question, but my advice is to spend a little less (or use the Bonade) and put the rest towards play conditioning with a good tech, a nice mouthpiece, or trying some new reeds. Ligatures make a negligible difference in the sound. They make some difference in the feel. Getting rid of all your horn’s leaks, finding a great mouthpiece, or getting a new box of reeds will make a world of difference. See Michael Lowenstern’s video demonstrating various ligatures, and “ligature-like objects”: https://youtu.be/6ghMCiV8hTg
The only real requirements for a ligature:
It keeps the reed secure.
It doesn’t damage the reed.
It fits and doesn’t damage the mouthpiece.
It’s convenient.
It doesn’t break with normal use.
My requirements:
I can remove the mouthpiece without the ligature moving.
It’s made well.
It costs no more than $25. (I would say $20, but...)
If I R-E-A-L-L-Y liked it and had the cash, and it was really well made, I might pay up to $50, but they’re so overpriced. I always wanted a BG ligature or a Harrison, because I thought they were so cool, but I just couldn’t do it. A new box of reeds makes a bigger difference in my playing. I’ve always used a Rovner or Bonade - pros use them and they work great.
- Matthew Simington
Post Edited (2020-06-21 23:17)
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2020-06-21 15:24
I can't let this go.
Mike Lowenstern has some remarkable videos such as practicing for smooth technique, looking at Rose etudes as collections of various scales, or bass clarinet excepts.
However, his sophomoric video regarding ligatures could have been done by any of his students on a bender and is beneath his obvious talents.
Though sonic differences regarding the "accessories" (and there are others besides ligatures) is a matter of debate, I think those of us who wish to explore that realm should feel as free to experiment as their spare change budget allows (said as one with multiple ligature drawers).
Stay inquisitive.
That's the opposite of close-minded.
................Paul Aviles
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Author: Jimis4klar
Date: 2020-06-22 00:40
I use same setup (BD5+V12 3.5 reeds) and I strongly recommend you to use Vandoren M/O(I use pink gold).. I own a Rovner Versa, a Van Gogh and a light, but I use the M/O exclusively because It's the most free blowing, the others add resistant and this praticular mouthpiece-reed combo doesn't need more resistant at all, just something to keep the reed without affecting the feeling much.. I chose the pink gold because It keeps the sound dark and also projects It clearly without much brightness.. You can go with gold or silver for a brighter sound, there's also a black M/O which I'm not sure what It does to the sound..
Post Edited (2020-06-22 00:42)
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Author: marsheng
Date: 2020-06-22 02:03
Love the video.
See Michael Lowenstern’s video demonstrating various ligatures, and “ligature-like objects”:
I would like to see him do a review on an beginner, intermediate and professional clarinet justifying the price difference on any well known brand.
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2020-06-22 02:13
Lowenstern has a video where he compares plastic clarinets of different colors set up by a good technician.
Not as infuriating but also quite flawed.
My favorite and one of the more informative ones is "Drunk Mouthpiece Testing."
.............Paul Aviles
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Author: Matt74
Date: 2020-06-22 21:09
Paul, I liked the mouthpiece video.
I agree that the ligature video is juvenile, but that’s why it’s entertaining. I thought the most informative part was the 2 clamps. The cord clamp is essentially the same thing as those fancy ring ligatures they sell. They work!
My intention was not to say that it doesn’t make any difference whatsoever. It’s that you don’t need an expensive one to sound great. There is an infinite amount of hype about that sort of thing. I just can’t believe the prices, even if you consider design, marketing, and demand - most of them are essentially mass produced widgets. It may play great, but it’s still a widget.
It’s like sports cars or something. “You ONLY have an old Porshe, I’VE got a new Ferrari.” It goes the other way too, my Juilliard alum saxophone professor preferred we use the cheap Selmer standard ligature, which in my case was misshaped and didn’t quite fit. LOL
- Matthew Simington
Post Edited (2020-06-22 21:11)
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Author: Tom H
Date: 2020-06-23 01:01
There is one important thing about ligatures. Tell young (or any) students that if they drop them don't step on them. Almost impossible to fix....
The Most Advanced Clarinet Book--
tomheimer.ampbk.com/ Sheet Music Plus item A0.1001315, Musicnotes product no. MB0000649.
Boreal Ballad for unaccompanied clarinet-Sheet Music Plus item A0.1001314.
Musicnotes product no. MNO287475
Post Edited (2020-06-23 01:02)
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Author: EbClarinet
Date: 2020-06-27 03:16
I tend 2 agree with Ed. I would recommend the Pyne twine legs, s they r adjustable and they come in different colors. I have 1 for my Eefer and it works great on my 3.5 reeds. What strength of V12s r u playing?
https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/mbtldsongministry/
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