The Clarinet BBoard

The Clarinet BBoard The C4 standard

New Topic | Go to Top | Go to Topic | Search | Help/Rules | Smileys/Notes | Log In

Previous Message | Next Message

Bonade Inverted Ligature - recent quality? Poor

Author: GBK
Date: 2008-08-14 03:26

Since a new school year is starting, it was time to replenish my supply of reeds, ligatures and assorted other items to have on hand for my private students who need things in an emergency.

I received 5 new Bonade inverted ligatures.

The good news: One was absolutely perfect. No adjustment was necessary. Inside ribs were perfectly parallel and of uniform thickness. No sharp edges and the screws did not bind.

Now - the bad news: The other 4 were horrible. Even though they were new and in unopened boxes, all were misshapen. The inside ribs were not even close to parallel, with one ligature having ribs that grew progressively wider apart. The inside ribs on 2 of the ligatures were not of uniform thickness. One ligature had ribs that were embarrassingly dissimilar. (isn't anyone even watching to see if the parts match?) All of these ligatures had screws that did not turn freely (probably from being soldered on crookedly) and had bands with sharp edges which would inevitably scratch the mouthpiece.

I know I have said this numerous times before, but the Bonade ligature is such a great design and when made properly will function as was originally intended, letting the reed vibrate to its fullest potential.

It is a shame that Leblanc has thrown the quality control of this ligature completely away.

BTW - I'm keeping the perfect Bonade ligature for myself. [wink]