 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Bombusbombus
Date: 2021-01-02 00:56
Hello! First post here. I’m looking for a new ligature, and after reading the boards here, I’ve decided on the Luyben.
I’ve seen a few people say to order directly from them because the new design is even better than the original. But looking at their website makes me a little nervous as there’s no secure ordering option.
I’ve seen many people recommend them on here, but I would love to hear about any firsthand experiences. I found a lot of posts about the ligatures but not as much on the actual ordering process. I guess it must be good if people keep recommending them right?
Thanks so much!
(Clicked Edit to turn on emails for replies)
Post Edited (2021-01-02 02:53)
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Author: Ed
Date: 2021-01-02 02:34
I ordered one a while ago with no issues.Everything went smoothly
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Author: Bombusbombus
Date: 2021-01-02 02:45
Thanks Ed, glad to hear it! Did you order through the phone or email? How was the turnaround time? I’m wondering if it would be better to wait until we’re further away from the holiday shipping rush.
Post Edited (2021-01-02 02:51)
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Author: Fiveyearsleft
Date: 2021-01-02 03:45
I don't know about a new design. I have one I got in 1968 on the recommendation of my teacher who was in the KC Phil and a friend of Luyben. The threads on that one finally stripped out so I bought new one from Amazon in August. Looks totally the same to me (except no stripped threads).
For the money it's a great ligature. I haven't tried shoelaces (ala Pino) but it's probably the same effect and easier to use.
USPS is very slow. I ordered several items from small shops at the first of December and they all took at least 3 weeks to get here.
Sherry Packer
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Author: Bombusbombus
Date: 2021-01-02 04:50
Thanks Sherry!
According to their website the original mold they used for decades was slightly off compared to how they wanted it and after CAD became more available they re-did it. Apparently you can only get those new ones on their site but they’re supposed to be a little better than the original.
Maybe I’ll get a Rovner or something off a third-party site for now and try ordering the Luyben in a month or so when shipping isn’t as bad. I am a very casual clarinetist but I finally took a good look at my current ligature and it looks pretty rough ^_^;
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2021-01-02 05:22
The main difference is a "slight" change in the formulation of the plastic. The new version is a little less malleable. Also, my preference for the ones within the last year or so are that they come with rounded, knurled turning screws........easier; faster.
I ordered directly over the phone. They are very nice and get the product in the mail that day. And no, they don't have the slickest website in town but still maintain a large catalogue of music as well.
................Paul Aviles
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Author: jim sclater
Date: 2021-01-02 07:01
I've done business with Luyben Music for many years with great results. Wonderful folks, easy to deal with.
jsclater@comcast.net
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Author: nellsonic
Date: 2021-01-02 07:33
I've recently ordered from them. I just made a list of what I wanted from the website and called. My items arrived quickly and just when I was told they would. Annette is lovely to speak to. Sometimes it's nice to do business the old-fashioned way. 
Anders
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Author: Max S-D
Date: 2021-01-02 21:40
I just bought a Luyben from Woodwind and Brasswind a couple of weeks ago and it has the knurled turning screws, not the flat ones that are pictured in the product photo. Is that one of the new ones?
I don't really care in this case, since the ligature seems quite nice and I'll be keeping it, but if knurled screws = new design, then WWBW seems to have them. Though if I'd known a purple one was available, maybe I would have gone that route.
But someone please fact check me!
As an aside, I would implore any and all of you to absolutely NOT email your credit card number to Luyben. I'm not suggesting any malice whatsoever on their part, but email is not secure and sending your credit card information via email is extremely risky. One email password getting compromised could mean every credit card number that has been sent in would now be accessible along with all of the necessary information to use it.
Better to call in and order. Might also want to verify that they are not storing that credit card information electronically, since it seems likely they lack the capability to store the number safely, as would any small retail store I've ever worked at.
Again, no malice implied on the part of Luyben. I suspect they are simply better at sheet music and ligatures than cybersecurity.
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Author: Bombusbombus
Date: 2021-01-03 01:26
Max, I was admiring the purple one too! I would also rather support them directly, just not used to paying without PayPal or something. I would definitely call, not email, and I was thinking I could just pay with a card I don’t use very often in case they do store it. I think Paul Aviles said the new ones have the knurled turning screws, so maybe they do have the new design at WWBW
Not implying they would do anything malicious either, just worried about security. But I have shopped at storefronts that punch in the card numbers manually so I imagine that’s about the same as doing it over the phone.
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2021-01-03 01:31
I don't think any one would actually put their credit card number down in an e-mail.
JUST CALL
Yes, that is the current model. The new design/formulation is the only one out there since that has been around for quite a few years. The knurled thumb screws are a much more current difference. The reason I'd still recommend ordering direct and making sure that is the one you're getting is that many retailers still have "new old stock." Just to be clear, I don't mean to suggest there is anything wrong with the flat thumb screws, just that the newer version is a lot more convenient.
You got lucky
Oh, and don't forget, a little key oil will make the turning a lot easier. AND, I wouldn't take the suggestion to tighten with pliers too seriously, particularly if you use Legeres.......the plastic of the ligature itself is the key to the great results.
................Paul Aviles
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Author: Bombusbombus
Date: 2021-01-03 01:44
So glad to hear about people’s good experiences with them, thank you Paul, Jim, and Anders!
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Author: Bombusbombus
Date: 2021-01-03 01:54
Paul, thanks for the tip about the pliers. I was a little confused by posts about that. I will look into using key oil with them, although I know oils and plastics don’t always play well together and I’m not very well versed on how to pair them correctly. The knurled screws do sound preferable for tightening. Directly through Luyben sounds like it may be the best way to go.
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Author: Max S-D
Date: 2021-01-03 03:13
> I don't think any one would actually put their credit card number down in an e-mail.
Luyben's ordering page says this:
"To place an order, by phone, fax, or e-mail please give the following, along with the complete description of the items you request:
NAME
SHIPPING ADDRESS
PHONE
MC,VISA or DISCOVER CARD NUMBER w/expiration date & last 3 digits in the signature strip on back of card
BILLING ADDRESS FOR CARD IF DIFFERENT FROM SHIPPING"
While it may seem like common sense to many of us, I also know many less technically-oriented people who might not know that this is a bad idea, particularly when dealing with trustworthy people like Luyben. Better to spell it out than have anyone in our community have to deal with identity theft or whatever else if someone managed to get ahold of that password.
Anyways, Luyben have always been great. My teacher growing up always ordered sheet music from them and I remember it would always be a treat whenever the order came in and we had a fresh new crop of music to sight read together.
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