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 Ligature upgrade
Author: Brittbritt213 
Date:   2013-07-17 03:43

I had recently upgraded my mouthpiece to a Vandoren M30. My private teacher also suggest to upgrade to Rico Grand Concert Select Evolution. I looking to upgrade my ligature but I have no idea which ligature would be "best".

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 Re: Ligature upgrade
Author: AAAClarinet 
Date:   2013-07-17 05:51

Its practically free to experiment with a home made string ligature. You can try it out with a shoe string. there are online videos that show you how to tie it. It will cost you a string and maybe a minute of your time. I have one of the expensive ligs commonly mentioned on this board, but for me string works best. good luck in all things clarinet.

AAAClarinet

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 Re: Ligature upgrade
Author: Paul Aviles 
Date:   2013-07-17 09:14

Well if you are talking about the "H" ligature, this is a pretty decent one. The points I like about this design (and others like it) is that there is minimal contact with the reed itself, and the contact is more central (mid-reed). If the reed is warped in a typical way were the mid-section might tend to bend up and away from contact with the mouthpiece, these designs tend to tamp that down a bit.

There is no "best," just different ones with the differences on the EXTREME ends being rather slight (don't expect one to totally change your world).

But another thing worth trying (with the one you currently have as well) is to just place the ligature on the reed and just BARELY tighten (stop as the screw just begins to grab). This also allows much more vibration from the reed and kinda takes most ligatures (in terms of effect on sound) "out of the equation."



...................Paul Aviles



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 Re: Ligature upgrade
Author: Vova Doob(UA) 
Date:   2013-07-17 09:50

I`ll recommend to try Rovner Versa ligature.
It`s good one. You have six positions to change and find the best to you, also It gives good overtones in all registers.
I use this ligature myself and 50% of clarinetists in my city use it also.

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 Re: Ligature upgrade
Author: rtmyth 
Date:   2013-07-17 13:32

Velcro; it's cheap and good. Make your own.

richard smith

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 Re: Ligature upgrade
Author: Ed Palanker 
Date:   2013-07-17 18:33

Just like all things clarinet wise everybody has their favorite. YOu ask ten clarinet players you'll get at least eight, sometimes ten opinions. I'd suggest the Rovners as well, theri my favorites. Go to his website and check out all of them. They arer all quality ligatures. The best way of course is to try as many as possible. Some on line stores will send you several different ones on a trial basis.

ESP eddiesclarinet.com

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 Re: Ligature upgrade
Author: Paul Globus 
Date:   2013-07-18 11:49

Mr. Palanker is right. Everyone has their favourite. One of mine is the Vandoren Klassik. Not ideal if you have to change from B-flat to A in an orchestra context but otherwise a very good ligature, in my view.



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 Re: Ligature upgrade
Author: Chris P 
Date:   2013-07-18 12:00

I like traditional Rovners from a practical point of view - they stay put when you remove/replace your mouthpiece and won't crush your reed when done up.

Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010

The opinions I express are my own.

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 Re: Ligature upgrade
Author: Ed 
Date:   2013-07-18 15:19

Ye, Ed P makes a valid point about player preference. To further illustrate the point- while he and others like the Rovners, I have never cared for them. I generally prefer various metal ligatures, and tend to lean toward a well adjusted Bonade.

The choice is very personal. It depends on your own sound/response preferences and can be influenced by the rest of your set up, your physique, where you play and what style of music you play.

The only way to know is to try a few and see if one stands out.

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 Re: Ligature upgrade
Author: jack 
Date:   2013-07-19 05:37

The Ishimori Silver is undoubtedly as wonderful as exists on planet earth. Feel free to disagree, but if you try one, you may be out $350. Notes pop out beautifully. Articulation a breeze. Feeling of control and flexibility is so natural and lends a feeling of absolute power. The sense of "color" in the tone is very rewarding. Anyway, that's my take on my favorite lig.



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 Re: Ligature upgrade
Author: curlyev 
Date:   2013-07-22 20:43

I like all the Rovner ligatures and switch back and forth from time to time. Right now I'm using the Rovner MK3.

Clarinet: Wooden Bundy 1950s
Mthpc: WW Co. B6 refaced by Kurtzweil
Lig: Various Rovners
Barrel/Bell: Backun
Reeds: Legere 3.75
OKC Symphonic Band (just started this summer)
*playing 22 years (with a 5 year hiatus) and counting*


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 Re: Ligature upgrade
Author: Taras12 
Date:   2013-07-24 01:05

+1 for Rovner's Versa. It's very versatile and has a great sound.

Tristan

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 Re: Ligature upgrade
Author: GBK 
Date:   2013-07-24 01:17

Taras12 wrote:

> +1 for Rovner's Versa. It's very versatile and has a great
> sound.


That's odd .... when I hold mine up to my ear I don't hear a thing.



BTW -There is no "best" ligature. Try a basic inverted Bonade and a basic Rovner as a first step. Gravitate towards the one you find the most comfortable to play and then find others in the same category to try (metal or fabric)

...GBK (who still frequently uses either an original gold plated Harrison, a Bonade, or an older Rovner "lite" ligature)

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 Re: Ligature upgrade
Author: gemini-clarinet 
Date:   2013-07-24 02:05

I have many ligatures and I do switch from time to time, but my absolute favorite is my Spriggs Floating Rail. There is a noticeable improvement in my tone when I use it. The only possible downside is if you switch from Bb to A in an orchestra. It has a tendency to twist off when you remove your mouthpiece. I just switch both the mouthpiece and barrel so it is not an issue for me.

The other thing I like is that it has only a single screw so that the "rails" fit on the reed with equal pressure. My main requirement when I bought it was that the screw be on the topside of the mouthpiece. I have a beard and the screws on most regular ligatures pull the hairs out under my lower lip - AND IT HURTS!


Barry

Tucson, AZ

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 Re: Ligature upgrade
Author: Paul Aviles 
Date:   2013-07-24 09:39

Hey Barry,


I too love the Floating Rail, but if you need an alternate that will do the same job (sound/response) you could try the Lomax Kangaroo Leather ligature.


As God is my witness, this simple pouch design (ala Rovner) offers up ALL the benefits of the "Rail" without either the slipping or the beard-pulling aspects.......pricey ($120ish) but worth it !!!!





..............Paul Aviles



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 Re: Ligature upgrade
Author: orangeclarinet 
Date:   2013-07-25 07:01

I like the Charles Bay inverted ligature. It's made of thin metal that is not too heavy on the reed. I have the silver "unfinished" one- meaning it is unpolished. I find that it creates a darker tone than the polished ones.



Post Edited (2013-12-21 23:14)

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 Re: Ligature upgrade
Author: Slowoldman 
Date:   2013-07-28 23:51

I agree with the suggestions; and my personal favorite (this week) is the Rovner Versa, because I can "experiment" with it.

CAUTION: If you plan to order ligatures online, make sure you find out their return policy! Some sources do not allow returning of ligatures!! (I speak from experience, unfortunately.)

Amateur musician, retired physician
Delaware Valley Wind Symphony, clarinet 1
Bucks County Symphony Orchestra, clarinet 2 (sub)

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