 The Clarinet BBoard
|
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)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Neil
Date: 2026-01-19 21:53
In my experience, the best value for the money is a 27" flat shoelace.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
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.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
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
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
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
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2026-01-20 03:26
Just as a bit of a correction to the above. The Rovner ligatures are made of a a vinyl rather than rubber.
As for the Luyben, you should be able to get more grip if you score the interior with a coarse sandpaper.
……………Paul Aviles
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: lydian
Date: 2026-01-20 04:01
My vote is the Selmer 1719. Half the price of the Luyben and the threads probably won't ever strip. Seems like Luyben would last about a week with plastic threads. Amazon reviews seem to back this up.
Post Edited (2026-01-21 00:49)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: JTJC
Date: 2026-01-20 16:08
I think I'd have to agree with Neil, not that I've ever used lace. From all the different styles of ligature we see top soloists and pros using, it's patently obvious there is no single best ligature or way of holding the reed. So it doesn't really matter what you use, so use the cheapest thing to get best value. That's so long as you feel it gives you the best results.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Philip DeVries
Date: 2026-01-20 18:24
In terms of $$, I also think a shoestring is a clear winner. And, I prefer playing on a string ligature too. But they are time consuming to tie, so I don't usually bother.
I use a luyben every day, quite happily, so overall, I'd have to say it is my best value.
I want to like the Rovner more, because they are clever and simple, but I don't like playing on them.
Just an amateur
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: SecondTry
Date: 2026-01-20 20:05
IMHO string is not a practical choice for a ligature in the same way, for opposite reasons, that the Vandoren Optimum or M/O ligatures are: ease of assembly/disassembly with their forward and reverse threads.
Certainly the cost of string, and from what I read, the excellence of play it produces would normally make it a contender, especially in the synthetic reed world where the removal of reed material is frowned upon, but with cane, the need to try reeds, adjust them, and try again, or even move their position near microscopic amounts at the tip to compensate for symmetry issues makes them impractical at least for this player.
Kudos to Silverstein for trying to merge the best of both worlds: string and ease of use, if not for the fact that their chosen string, developed quite literally for NASA with its minimal elasticity make it more like a metal than string ligature, while its price makes it more like a platinum than less expensive metal one.
Never having tried a Rovner many people hear have had good things to say about it here and I'm glad it made the list.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: paulyb
Date: 2026-01-20 20:21
I think a basic two screw ligature (that fits properly) is a really good cheap option - like the 1719 Lydian suggests.
The vandoren optimum is pretty well engineered and lasts a long time but is a lot more expensive.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: graham
Date: 2026-01-20 23:48
I mainly use Luybens. I tend to change instruments at the barrel rather than mouthpiece, or just use dedicated mouthpieces and thereby avoid changing anything other than swapping between instruments. So I don’t know about them slipping, but mine don’t show any signs of slipping.
I’ve tried Rovners from time to time, but I think the sound and response are inferior.
graham
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: mddds
Date: 2026-01-21 00:48
i have experience w the string and the corset ligatures (Vandoren Klassik and Vientos) - and i keep returning back to the string.
for me, the string has the best $ value, however not the best time value.
so i use it only after i select out a good Legere reed.
if i am short on time or in a hurry, i will use the GF system III that i bought at Thomann.
-CK
Post Edited (2026-01-21 00:50)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Ed
Date: 2026-01-21 04:14
When I saw the title, my immediate thought was Luyben. They are great ligatures. I do find it works quite well with a Legere but also with cane. I have no issues with slipping, in fact, one of the the things I like is that compared to just about any other ligature I have used, it is one of the best holding. I can remove the mouthpiece to swab and have no issues. Perhaps tightening it down and getting it to mold a bit more to the mouthpiece might help?
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: JTJC
Date: 2026-01-21 13:52
I find the Vientos Bambu Nova has a tendancy to slip a little.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Tony F
Date: 2026-01-21 19:09
Some years ago I scored a Luyben ligature as part of an EBay purchase. When I tried it I came to the realization that my search for the ultimate ligature was over. It performs (for me, YMMV) better than any other ligature I have ever tried. I immediately bought 10 and they will probably see me out.
Tony F.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Ed
Date: 2026-01-21 22:58
FWIW- to add another inexpensive option, the standard Bonade also works well
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: donald
Date: 2026-01-23 16:38
The clarinet version of THIS....
< https://www.musicworks.co.nz/rico-ras1ln-ligature-nickel-plated-alto-saxophone-ras1ln?srsltid=AfmBOopU0vFjgCc55jDY5ztI0mulpd_To1-kKPP8QTvSLhIhTeiQ87BL > is pretty unbeatable value for money (price shown in NZ dollars, so even cheaper in US$). I've linked to the alto sax version as the stock photo used for the clarinet one does it no justice.
The next best value ligature is the bog standard Rovner - a revolutionary product when it first came out, it's not my choice to play BUT it does the job, doesn't slip, doesn't "cause any problems", you can drop it and stand on it and it still works just fine. Plenty of players who still use this sound perfectly fine, my original Rovner given to me on my 15th birthday lasted 10 long years before I replaced it with a Bonade, but if I pull it out another 30 years later it still works just fine.
Post Edited (2026-01-23 16:40)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Erez Katz
Date: 2026-01-23 20:05
lydian wrote:
> My vote is the Selmer 1719. Half the price of the Luyben and
> the threads probably won't ever strip.
> Seems like Luyben would
> last about a week with plastic threads. Amazon reviews seem to
> back this up.
>
I might try the Selmer out of curiosity, thanks for the tip.
I have had my Luyben ligature since 2018.
No stripping whatsoever.
It is not a regular plastic.
The few amazon reviews where someone somehow managed to strip the threads are proof that these are not fool-proof.
One could also destroy an all metal ligature if they crank it until it breaks, it would be harder but I knew a person that half the keys on her key chain looked like fusilli.
Post Edited (2026-01-24 00:42)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Ed
Date: 2026-01-23 22:56
Quote:
One could also destroy an all metal ligature if they crank it until it breaks,
I have seen plenty of students break the screws or the ligature on a standard ligature from over tightening
Post Edited (2026-01-24 06:29)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Dan Shusta
Date: 2026-01-24 04:36
Attachment: R.H.C. Clarinet Ligature.jpg (211k)
Disclosure: The following is a total spoof about ligatures and is written with my tongue tucked firmly into my cheek.
Introducing the New & Exclusive R.H.C. Clarinet Ligature!
After many years of research and development, our esteemed engineers and scientists at Kant Break, Inc., have accidentally stumbled upon a clarinet ligature which is, without comparison, absolutely indestructible!
Just think of it! A ligature capable of withstanding 500 pounds of clockwise torque! The 3/16 inch stainless steel bolt and threads of this highly unique and futuristic ligature are absolutely incomparable!
The only drawback of this space age strength ligature is that at 500 pounds of torque, your cane reeds will absolutely be crushed. However, the R.H.C. Clarinet Ligature will still be in perfect condition!
Great news about availability! The R.H.C. Clarinet Ligature is actually found everywhere! It has been hiding in plain sight...just waiting to be discovered. Just go to your local hardware or auto parts store. Be sure to bring along your mouthpiece for a proper fitting.
With the R.H.C. Clarinet Ligature, ordinary metal or plastic ligature breakage due to stripped threads is a thing of the past!
(Just in case you haven’t figured it out by now, R.H.C. stands for Radiator Hose Clamp.)
p.s. I certainly hope somebody out there has a sense of humor...
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2026-01-24 18:22
Hi Dan,
Does Kant Break, Inc. plan to offer an inverted model? Also, a gold-plated version might be an option in the future.
I commend your valuable contribution to the BB.
Hank
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: SecondTry
Date: 2026-01-24 19:30
Attachment: hoseclamp.jpg (77k)
Dan Shusta wrote:
> Disclosure: The following is a total spoof about ligatures and
> is written with my tongue tucked firmly into my cheek.
>
>
> Introducing the New & Exclusive R.H.C. Clarinet
> Ligature!
Joking aside, as a "goof" at one point I had also tried to make a hose clamp, only the kind not loosened through a "worm drive" assembly and screw (a.k.a. your example) but finger pressure against against its inherent spring design, (here's where the attached picture helps explain) into a ligature.
The pressure to open the ring was too much for my fingers and I didn't pursue it further.
Post Edited (2026-01-24 19:31)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: SecondTry
Date: 2026-01-24 19:36
I've brought this up before but a ligature that I believe truly has market potential (albeit given the limited market size of any clarinet venture) is an entry level bare bones ligature with a mouthpiece cap open at its side, not base, affixed to the (left's say right, as opposed to left...it makes no difference...side of the) ligature by a light spring.
The player moves the cap out of the way with their face/mouth and plays, and when they put the instrument down the spring finds the cap instantly covering the reed.
Elementary school reed budgets will be cut in half because reeds "won't be!"
Post Edited (2026-01-24 20:27)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
