 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: SecondTry
Date: 2025-09-03 21:20
In my opinion, the discussion of ligatures consumes a disproportionate amount of space relative to positive changes that the right ligature can have on performance.
Before anyone breathes fire down my neck for making this statement I wish to make the following observations:
* By no means am I saying all ligatures are alike. First, there's crap and non-crap, crap being defined as a device that mechanically fails to reliable secure the reed with relative ease of application and removal.
* Then, within the realm of non-crap there are certainly subtleties based on materials, craftsmanship, method of attachment, type of reed being played, and a dozen other attributes that maybe if I were a better player, that only then would I have the refinement to appreciate.
* People should absolutely feel free to discuss and use whatever device they like to affix their reed. That is their right and not my business to challenge.
The only reason for my post is the curiosity that this topic has for me on a psychological level and what I see as the disproportionate discussion of same relative to its impact.
FWIW I posed this question, whose wording is both my own and imperfect, to two AI engines and linked their response. I concede that the very nature of the way I posed my question can present bias in the answer.
https://iask.ai/q/clarinet-ligature-impact-discussion-e8da1s0
https://chatgpt.com/ "Why does something that has as little effect on clarinet play like the ligature choice consume so much of a player's discussion relative to the small impact it has on play?"
I admit that one of my favorite explanations from the engines above was
"...the ligature is one of the few components of the clarinet setup that is relatively inexpensive and easily interchangeable, allowing for frequent experimentation without significant financial commitment. "
Thoughts?
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Author: Ed
Date: 2025-09-03 22:26
I agree that the phrasing can shape the response you will get. It is much like the old joke of asking someone "do you still beat your wife?" The premise already makes certain assumptions.
I have played around with more than my share of ligatures over the years, in part because I find it fascinating. Ligatures are by no means the most important part of the equation. In many cases the difference between ligatures may not be anything that most listeners will hear. It is often very subtle.
In my experience, the ligature can affect the response and the feel by the player. There is also a slight difference in the harmonics that one might hear from the set up and reed. Again, not sure that it can be heard by many listeners, BUT it may affect how the player and the comfort might be detected by the listener.
Thinking of using the ligature as a way to fine tune the mouthpiece-reed-ligature equation is valuable. Some ligatures naturally seem to dampen response which may be great for a brighter or more responsive mouthpiece. Similarly, some ligatures are very responsive and lively, which may help a more covered type of mouthpiece.
These days there are a crazy number of ligatures on the market at all price points and made of endless materials. It is best not to get too crazy or spend too much given the small effect, but it is worth exploring.
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Author: hans
Date: 2025-09-04 00:58
I liked AI's comment: "The pursuit of marginal gains is a common phenomenon in highly refined technical fields, where even small advantages can be sought after". That would seem to justify experimentation.
Maybe we could also ask AI what the optimum torque should be for consistency in tightening our ligature screw(s)? My dentist has a tiny torque wrench for installing implants; maybe there is a business opportunity for its manufacturer to market it to clarinet players....
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