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 Ligature comparison
Author: Stewie Griffin 
Date:   2005-11-22 22:14

I used to use a BG Tradition ligature, but gave it away.
I use a Spriggs now, which I like better than anything I have tried.
Anyway, I have never tried a Bay ligature and am rather curious to know how it compares to the BG Tradition (not Revelation, Super, or Standard) and the Spriggs.




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 Re: Ligature comparison
Author: GBK 
Date:   2005-11-22 22:20

So...order one and try it.

If you don't like it - return it.

Are other player's opinions really going to satisfy your curiosity? ...GBK



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 Re: Ligature comparison
Author: Phurster 
Date:   2005-11-22 22:24

I spent $80 (Aus) on a Vandoren "Optimum" ligature. The blurb in the packaging promised me the world; "fluent tone, incredible ease of staccato......". At the end of the day none of my collegues noticed any difference. Same thing when I change instruments, barrells, mouthpieces or reeds. I now play on a $25 Vandoren Master ligaure. Its ok. To me the ligutures feel different its just a bit frustrating that no one else seems to notice.



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 Re: Ligature comparison
Author: Bnewbs 
Date:   2005-11-22 22:38

I definately agree with GBK here, but I will give you my opinion if want it. I just bought a Rhodium plated Bay, and I like it alot. I was never a fan of the BG tradition, I have tried them, and they over-hyped and overpriced in my mind. I always liked the bonade inverted more than the BG, however now I am using the Bay quite a bit. My pramary one is still a VD Klassik, which is the oppsite end of the spectrum, being a woven string ligature. It is what I like, particularly with slower pieces. With the Bay I am getting better projection and easier articulation than I had with the bonade. I can't speak for the Spriggs. But what I like you may very well hate, so give it a try if you want, they are most certainly returnable.

Ben

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 Re: Ligature comparison
Author: William 
Date:   2005-11-22 23:34

Just to add a bit of "fuel" to this discussion, I have been playing a VD Optimum (parallel rail) for about two years now but recently switched to my vintage Winslow lig--with the detachable band & larger platform--and am (re)amazed at how much more sound I am capable of, especially on my A clarinet. I will be using this weekend for a local production of Nutcraker (reduced orch version) to really give it a "test run" but as of now, it seems like the new/old ligature for me. By comparison, the VD--as well as the newer Winslow lig (black band) model seem less responsive and rather dull.

BTW & FWIW (etc....) the Winslows have always seemed to me to be more forgiving of reed inadequacies allowing more response and production of overtones which enhance the tambre.

Never liked the BGs or the Rovners, but do have a nice silver Bay lig that plays well. But the reed has to be "right". And if you do try a Bay lig, be certain not to tighten it too much. His ligs have a tendency (which he admits too) to break along the engraved lines if severly tightened. Just snug them up so the reed is secure but avoid "cranking" the screws.

.

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 Re: Ligature comparison
Author: larryb 
Date:   2005-11-22 23:46

I've never tried any of those ligatures - you can take that recommendation to the bank.



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 Re: Ligature comparison
Author: David Spiegelthal 2017
Date:   2005-11-23 00:00

Duct tape.

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 Re: Ligature comparison
Author: Hank Lehrer 
Date:   2005-11-23 00:27

Hi,

FWIW I like an old Luyben that I got in 1970 for $3, a Mitchell Lurie that I got as part of a used ligature grab bag, and finally a Gigliotti that I modified myself with a Dremel. My total cost was less than $15 for all three. They all play great.

HRL

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 Re: Ligature comparison
Author: DavidBlumberg 
Date:   2005-11-23 00:32

I prefer to play with my right thumb holding the reed down.


However, unlike Piano, there aren't many works written for the left hand only ........  ;)



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 Re: Ligature comparison
Author: clarnibass 
Date:   2005-11-23 03:21

"Duct tape."

I have better experience with duck tape  :)



Post Edited (2005-11-23 03:34)

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 Re: Ligature comparison
Author: Mark Charette 
Date:   2005-11-23 03:29

clarnibass wrote:

> "Duct tape."
>
> I have better experience with duck tape.

You mean Duck brand duct tape?  :)

http://www.octanecreative.com/ducttape/duckvsduct.html

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 Re: Ligature comparison
Author: clarnibass 
Date:   2005-11-23 03:44

Also with duck tape, even with a bad reed you don't have any squeaks, only quacks....  :)

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 Re: Ligature comparison
Author: Firebird 
Date:   2005-11-23 05:00

Try shoestring, got one of those from Germany.

Chan

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 Re: Ligature comparison
Author: Sonic12040 
Date:   2005-11-23 05:19

I used to use the Vandoren Optimum on my bass clarinet for a year a so, but ended up switching to the Eddie Daniels Rovner for Bass clarinet and using that when I finally got tired of the somewhat bright sound that the Optimum produced because it was a metal ligature. I still prefer the handwoven or other soft ligatures to the metal because of the tone color they tend to aid me in producing.

However, in the end, the ligature preference ends up being completely your choice. Everybody loves different things based on their preference or what they consider an ideal tone.



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 Re: Ligature comparison
Author: tictactux 2017
Date:   2005-11-23 08:06

> Try shoestring

Which brand? bama? Buffalo? Round or flat? Braided or threaded? Threaded left or right? Waxed or hollow? Industrial or hand-crafted? Black or blue?

OMG, yet another opportunity to show off with one's equipment. ;)

--
Ben

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 Re: Ligature comparison
Author: Brenda Siewert 
Date:   2005-11-23 13:58

I've used BG Super Revelation ligs for about 6 years now and was fairly happy with them until I played overseas with a player who used string. Her Klezmer stuff was amazing. So, I'm about to get the Pyne string lig. that I ordered. I'll let you know.



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 Re: Ligature comparison
Author: Bassie 
Date:   2005-11-23 15:24

Well, that big lump of rubber they call 'Rovner' definitely makes a difference for me, both on bass and sop. I like it. You might not... but it's probably worth a look.

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 Re: Ligature comparison
Author: Bnewbs 
Date:   2005-11-23 15:33

Waxed string can work really well for a lot of people, if you know how to tie it, or have a ribbed mouthpiece. When I was in Germany a couple years ago a number of people I talked to (who played German system clarinets) just used a piece of waxed string. They sounded good, but it was probably them and the instruments more than the lig. I think Howarth sell waxed string in a good length for like $1 or something, but any would probably work. I guess fancy Bay and Vandoren ligs really may not be that great for a lot of people.
And concering duct tape I may have to try making a loop of it, it will probably work as well as a rovner dark for me (hehe).

Ben

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