Author: tylerleecutts
Date: 2014-12-05 09:31
So, I'm thinking about switching ligatures. I've tried out everything, and have a few all-time favorites:
1. Buffet Crampon stock ligature. Surprisingly, it is very vibrant, responsive and resonant. Only drawback is that the metal is rather thin and bends rather easily.
2. The Masters M/O ligature, ONLY in the black plating. Somehow, this plating gives the cleanest response with the best overtones.
3. Bonade regular orientation ligature. I have tried one, but I do not remember if it was properly shaped- the sides of the reed may have gotten contact from the ribs.
4. Vandoren Optimum Ligature, modified: I took my Optimum and smoothed out the plate with 4 nubs in it. Essentially, I created a Penzel-Mueller ligature, with a smooth curved plate to fit the reed. It plays great, but tends to scratch the mouthpiece.
Now, my biggest concern with these ligatures (and metal ligatures in general) has NOTHING to do with how they play. However, it has everything to do with my mouthpiece. I am concerned that in storage or in setting up the ligature, I may scratch the mouthpiece table or any other component of the mouthpiece, excluding the body. Body scratches are almost unavoidable, but thankfully don't effect anything.
What I would really like to try is a gold plated Bonade, in the regular orientation. However, only Taplin Weir carries these ligatures, and there are no trials offered. . . Also, the Buffet ligature is the best one, but the hardest to find and purchase, since it is technically a "replacement" item.
I'm playing on several different ligatures right now, mainly a Versa X and a Rovner light. I just want more ping and a cleaner response, as well as more highs in the sound.
Post Edited (2014-12-05 09:32)
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The Clarinet BBoard
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