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 Try before you buy?
Author: Riona 
Date:   2017-03-16 20:35

I'm somewhat interested in trying out a couple of new ligatures that the local stores don't carry, but they're a bit on the pricey side for me. I'd be able to buy one, but not all of the ones I'm interested in, and even so, if I liked one, I would not really need the others.

I know with string instruments, a lot of the stores will send you, say, a box of bows to try out for a week and allow you to buy the one you wish to keep, and return the rest to them. Are there any stores out there which offer a similar deal for clarinet accessories?

Also, just because I'm here, has anyone used either a Vandoren Klassik or a Silverstein Works ligature? I've been using a Rovner Light (the dark makes my clarinet quite fuzzy) and got to try a Klassik at a convention a couple years ago. I did like it, but that was also playing for about five minutes.

Edit: I'm in the United States.

Thanks!



Post Edited (2017-03-16 20:36)

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 Re: Try before you buy?
Author: ClarinetRobt 
Date:   2017-03-16 21:12

Brad Behn will let you try as many Ishimori's as you like for a few days, but you must keep one, return the rest. 5% restocking.
Muncy Winds will let you try three for 2 weeks, keep one, return the other two. They charge $3 cleaning for the each one returned.

I prefer dealing with small businesses. I'm sure Woodwind and Brass has a similar policy.

~Robt L Schwebel
Mthpc: Behn Vintage
Lig: Ishimori, Behn Delrin
Reed: Legere French Cut 3.75/4, Behn Brio 4
Horns: Uebel Superior (Bb,A), Ridenour Lyrique, Buffet R13 (Eb)

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 Re: Try before you buy?
Author: Riona 
Date:   2017-03-17 03:20

I'll check both of them out. Thank you!

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 Re: Try before you buy?
Author: sfalexi 
Date:   2017-03-17 07:27

Quote:

Also, just because I'm here, has anyone used either a Vandoren Klassik or a Silverstein Works ligature? I've been using a Rovner Light (the dark makes my clarinet quite fuzzy) and got to try a Klassik at a convention a couple years ago. I did like it, but that was also playing for about five minutes.
I'll try to give you MY thoughts without starting a "best ligature" war....

Ligatures make a difference, yes. But the amount of difference they make, in my opinion, are all very small and very personal. I've tried the ligatures you've mentioned, and all have worked for me.

What I WILL say, and I believe strongly in this, is to carry two ligatures at all times. One metal (think "non-flexible" ligature) and one string or leather (think "flexible" ligature). I use the metal ligature when I feel a reed doesn't respond quickly and I think a metal ligature gives me better articulation and response. If a reed response quickly and is on the verge of feeling too light, or I feel like I need more control over the quick response, I use a flexible ligature which I feel takes some of the harshness out of a light reed and dampens the "reedy" sound.

And on a second note, I DO also try to make sure my ligatures have the capacity to stay on when I twist the mouthpiece. So I personally would not use a string ligature since it's too easy for the reed to slip side to side. I would, however, use a rovner.

Just my thoughts. Best of luck on the ligature search, but don't fret over finding the "perfect" one. In my eyes, I have to look far and wide to find a ligature that DOESN'T work. I just have slight preferences for MINE (and honesly, I chose mine for ease and convenience of putting on - they are both one screw, and easy to crank down and line up properly).

Alexi

US Army Japan Band

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 Re: Try before you buy?
Author: gwie 
Date:   2017-03-17 11:26

I keep the same model of my current ligature as a backup. It's just a good idea, in case it gets stepped on, lost, etc. :)

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 Re: Try before you buy?
Author: Grabnerwg 
Date:   2017-03-17 17:36

I have tried all the new ligatures, Ishimori, Silverstein...etc.

My favorite ligature for a full, balanced tone, and crisp, clean attack is a Bonade ligature that is now probably 40 years old.

It's a great design, and very hard to improve on. Newer isn't always better.

Walter Grabner
www.clarinetxpress.com
World Class Clarinet Mouthpieces

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 Re: Try before you buy?
Author: richard smith 
Date:   2017-03-17 18:59

always !!!!

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 Re: Try before you buy?
Author: kdk 
Date:   2017-03-17 21:10

Grabnerwg wrote:

> My favorite ligature for a full, balanced tone, and crisp,
> clean attack is a Bonade ligature that is now probably 40 years
> old.

Inverted or non-inverted?

Karl

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 Re: Try before you buy?
Author: GBK 
Date:   2017-03-17 22:20

Grabnerwq wrote:

> I have tried all the new ligatures, Ishimori, Silverstein...etc.

> My favorite ligature for a full, balanced tone, and crisp, clean attack
> is a Bonade ligature that is now probably 40 years old.

> It's a great design, and very hard to improve on. Newer isn't always better.


And here I thought I was the only one.

My inverted Bonade is almost 50 years old. I have some spare ones in both nickel and silver, but the late '60s classic Bonade (which needed only a slight adjustment) is still the one which I compare all others to.

I've also tried almost all of them, and the only ligature that I found which was close to a Bonade is the Peter Spriggs floating rail.


...GBK


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