 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: SecondTry
Date: 2026-01-19 21:47
For those of us old enough to remember, political commentator John McLaughin use to have a round table talk show in the US where the best political minds would offer opinion that he would (somewhat tongue in cheek) respond to with "wrong," or "the correct answer is," as if any of his panel experts had a crystal ball.
His approach is satired here: https://youtu.be/QOLF_D7JVZM?si=nJJPImfHAfj_BzAM
I raise this because I think it the likely comedic scenario to the question above, in which "5 people will offer 7 opinions" let alone will we agree.
So I'll cut you all off with a preemptively "wrong, and " the correct answer is"..
the Lyben Ligature--which in full disclosure is not my regular choice.
And the reason this is the "correct answer" (ha) is for the price, no ligature works better with both cane and synthetics (IMHO.)
Ok, that said, what's your best value ligature...meaning offering the best bang for the money?
(Sorry, Silverstein is incorrect. It may be a fine product, but when its quality is divided by its price...well, in fairness neither is Vandoren's Carbon Fiber or an Ishimori) lol
Post Edited (2026-01-19 21:50)
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Author: Neil
Date: 2026-01-19 21:53
In my experience, the best value for the money is a 27" flat shoelace.
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Author: NOLA Ken
Date: 2026-01-19 22:16
Ok, I'll bite.
I like the sound I get with the Luyben. I have several. But I just can't get them to stay on. Slips off of at the drop of a hat with both synthetic and cane reeds. Same thing with the Vinson ligature.
I would have to nominate the Rovner Dark or Light (depending on the sound one wants in the players ear). Not that much more expensive than the Luyben and hold solidly and seem to work with any kind of reed.
But I'll have to admit that I've not tried a shoe lace. Sounds like it would be more work.
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Author: GoatTnder
Date: 2026-01-19 22:46
The Luyben is the exact ligature I recommend for anyone who needs a replacement. It's a great sound and feeling for something so inexpensive.
I haven't had issue with the Luyben falling off, but I also haven't used it in an orchestra where I'd need to swap ligatures. I lost mine like 20 years ago now, so I can't test it.
Andres Cabrera
South Bay Wind Ensemble
www.SouthBayWinds.com
sbwe@sbmusic.org
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Author: David H. Kinder
Date: 2026-01-20 03:01
I like my Vandoren Optimum. Optimum reed vibration with it. The Rovner dark and Versa - probably by the nature of the rubber material - smother the reed for me and prevented vibration. Curious about other equipment, but I'm very pleased with the Optimum.
Ridenour AureA Bb clarinet
Ridenour Homage mouthpiece
Vandoren Optimum Silver ligature (plate 1)
Vandoren Traditional #5 reeds
ATG System and Cordier Reed Trimmer
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