 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: libertango
Date: 2013-12-03 01:33
I was just wondering if anyone had any suggestions for a new ligature. I'm a high school student and I currently play on a standard metal ligature. I play on an Evette-Schaeffer E-13 with a Vandoren M13 Lyre mouthpiece. My pitch normally tends to be on the sharp side, so I wouldn't want anything with a bright tone. Any help is appreciated. Thanks!
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Author: Ursa
Date: 2013-12-03 02:17
The Rovner "Dark" ligature would be an excellent model to start with. These tend to dampen the high-frequency response of a reed--an effect that I find to vary from mouthpiece model to mouthpiece model--and certainly won't sound any brighter than a traditional 2-screw metal ligature. At about $20 with matching cap included, they're a great value.
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Author: bbillings
Date: 2013-12-03 03:30
My first thought is that you shouldn't confuse "sharp" with "bright vs. dark." I think the sharpness is likely either your embrochure or the barrel length if judged against a tuner. I find most newer clarinets tend to play sharp and the barrel, and possibly the middle joint, needs to be pulled out a bit to play in tune.
At one time I used a Rovner dark ligature for awhile but was unhappy because I thought it stifled the ringing quality that I wanted with my sound. I currently use a Vandoren Optimum and prefer the sweetness to the sound that I perceive with it. Its also more durable and stays in position better than the less expensive Bonade ligature. Those, however, are my experiences with my desired sound. As always, trying for yourself is a good idea and bringing someone with you who has a "good ear" to help is also a good idea. The price of the Optimum is on the higher end. The other ligatures I considered were made by BG but hopefully someone else can chime in regarding theirs as I ended up going for the Vandoren. I know BG's most expensive model is well recommended and is also an all metal ligature but they have some that seem like a nice medium between the metal and fabric/leather options. Good luck with your search!!
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Author: Bob Barnhart ★2017
Date: 2013-12-03 06:56
For years I've played Rovner ligatures (light,dark,MkIII,versa). I recently bought a (great!) Kessler-Backun Model III mouthpiece that came with a Rico H ligature. After re-evaluating all my ligatures on this new mouthpiece, I must say that it performs very well. It lets the reed vibrate without constraint, blows freely and and facilitates production of a clean, round, dark sound. In contrast, my Bonade feels restrictive and the Rovners seem to color the sound to varying degrees. Only my old Harrison (after which it is modeled) my play better.
After playing them for a couple of months , I am convinced that this is a fine ligature, particularly given its low price. It also comes in silver/gold plating.
With respect to playing sharp, that is more likely a problem with your embouchure, instrument or reeds ( which can play ether low or high).
Bob Barnhart
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2013-12-03 10:17
I vote for the Rovner Light. This simple pouch design has an opening in the middle of it so it does not dampen the sound much at all. It is a single screw design and will never bend when dropped or smashed in a case. For me, it's a perfect step to trying out the world of new ligatures.
As a side note though, you can also just try varying the amount that you secure your ligature to the mouthpiece. If you really clamp it down, then play - note how that sounds and responds. Then just release the screws to the point just before they are giggley loose, then play. You should experience a difference in sound and response just with that and can decide where in that spectrum is best for you.
..................Paul Aviles
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Author: Bob Barnhart ★2017
Date: 2013-12-03 19:40
Paul,
I played the Rovner Light for many years and I agree--it is a fine ligature, perhaps more "faithful" to the reed than some of the other Rovners. My "reference" ligature is still a German string ligature which I think is still the best, but may be problematic to use in some circumstances. I must say though that, to my surprise, the Rico H ligatures (I favor the gold one for my CSG) yield very similar results to the Rovner Light (perhaps a somewhat "smoother" or more "velvety" sound than the Light) and have a feel very similar to string.
Bob
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