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Woodwind Ligatures
The different combinations of reed and mouthpiece can produce a huge range
of sounds. However the ligature (the device which holds the reed against
the mouthpiece can also make a tremendous difference to the sound an instrument
makes - as it is a major point of contact with the reed.
It is useful to think of the mouthpiece/reed/ligature as one vibrating
entity. Changing any one of the components will change the overall playing
characteristics.
Conventional wisdom is that the more contact with the reed (as with a fabric
ligature) the darker the sound, whereas less contact produces a lighter
tone. Having said this nothing's quite that simple!
In addition, many players believe an inverted ligature (which feature the
screws on the top of the mouthpiece, opposite the reed) exerts a more even
pressure on the reed than a conventionally designed ligature, allowing
the reed to vibrate more freely.
Below is some information about some of the more popular professional range
ligatures. For more information, or confirmation that a particular ligature
will fit your specific mouthpiece please call or view our website. |
Rovner
Ligatures
Inverted fabric based ligatures for clarinet and saxophone made in the
USA. There are various size derivatives of the saxophone models to fit
different metal mouthpieces. All supplied with caps. |
| Rovner
Dark - The original Rovner with a warm, full, centred tone. |
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| Rovner
light - A free playing ligature with a broader, more open tone
quality. |
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| Rovner
Mark III - A big, solid, well-centred tone of great brilliance
without buzz or hash. Fantastic response and accuracy. |
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| Rovner
Eddie Daniels MKII - Can produce 12 distinct tones by way of switching
inserts and readjusting flaps. The tonal "centre" of a
good metal ligature with the flexibility of a Rovner. |
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| BG
Ligatures Designed and manufactured in Lyon, France BG ligatures
produce a range of fabric and metal inverted ligatures for all styles
of playing. As with Rovner there are various size derivatives of
the saxophone models to fit different metal mouthpieces. |
Standard
Clarinet
For ensemble work & chamber music, dark sound, free blowing. |
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Revelation
Clarinet
Soloist ligature, clear sound, easy staccato |
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Super
Revelation Clarinet
exceptional radiance, brilliant compact sound. |
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Tradition
Clarinet
Metal ligature for orchestral work with direct sound projection |
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Standard
Sax
For ensemble work and chamber music - rounded sound, free blowing |
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Super
Revelation
Sax Soloist ligature, exceptional radiance, brilliant compact sound. |
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Tradition
Sax
Metal ligature for soloists, brilliant colourful sound, free blowing. |
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Standard
Jazz
Sax For players seeking a rounded sound |
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Revelation Jazz
Sax For smaller groups or intimate venues. |
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Metal
Jazz Sax
Even sound, easy staccato, large low register, flexibility and control. |
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Vandoren
Optimum Ligatures Available for clarinet & sax the Optimum ligature
is a traditional style metal ligature that comes with 3 interchangeable
pressure plates to accommodate different playing styles: Plate
1 - Rich colourful sound with great resonance. Plate 2 - Compact
centred sound Plate 3 - Flexible sound with great ease of expression. |
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A
case must protect your valuable instrument when being transported
and stored, yet should remain lightweight and compact so
as to make carrying it around as practical and pleasurable
as possible. In addition a case should look and feel good
and hopefully have additional space for keeping music and
other spares and accessories.
Cases and bags can be divided into four main categories.
We’ve listed the popular makes of each sort.
Traditional Cases
Made from wood or moulded plastic frames, these are the cases your
new instrument will come in. Designed to fit your specific instrument
these are strong and safe - but sometimes a little heavy or cumbersome.
We’ve listed the replacement cases for popular instruments. |
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Gig
Bags
Made from either leather or synthetic material (with heavy padding
on the inside), these bags are designed for maximum practicality
for players on the move. They are lightweight and compact and can
be carried on the shoulder or as a backpack. The drawback is an inherent
reduced level of protection (even with the best quality bags).The
most popular gig bags available are the Vincent Bach range. These
come in either leather or fabric and offer both quality and value.
Hybrid case/bags
A number of manufacturers (notably BAM and Pro Tec) offer cases,
which combine the protection of a case with the practicality of a
bag. These are produced using lightweight moulded foam, which is
covered in a fabric or leather outer protection. The result is a
lightweight, compact, safe and stylish case.Case CoversThese are
designed to protect and enhance your case. For example a flutecase
cover enables your flute case to be carried “over the shoulder” with
extra room for music.
A
word about Colours!
A number of the bags and cases listed come in a variety of colours.
We generally only stock bags in black (as this is by far the most
popular option), all other colours are to special order.
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Woodwind Ligatures
There are a large variety of instrument stands available, however
Konig & Meyer stand out as offering by far the best quality,
safe and long lasting stands available.
Made in Germany they are a little more expensive than some makes
on the market, but investing in anything less is probably a false
economy. |
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Clarinet
Lyre |
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Moisture
Protection
The number one enemy of all woodwind instruments is moisture - deposited
in the instrument during playing. This can rot the keypads and with
wooden bodied instruments contribute towards cracked joints.
In order to rid your instrument of unwanted moisture there is a whole
array of “pull-throughs”, mops, swabs
and handkerchiefs that you should use immediately after playing.
Once dry, to keep your instrument dry a “padguard” or “padsaver” is
recommended to prolong the life of your pads.
Oils & Lubricants
Cork grease is a necessity to lubricate the joints of clarinets,
oboes and bassoons and the neck cork of saxophones.
This makes the assembly and disassembly of your instrument easier
thus preventing potential damage to keywork.
Bore oil and key oil should be used with extreme caution, if at all.
We generally recommend use only if you really know what you are doing
or have consulted with your teacher and/or our repair team. |
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Having
a comfortable sling that also aids correct playing posture
is
very important, particular with smaller players where the weight
of the
instrument may be quite straining. In particular a sling should
be well
padded and adjustable.
We list a number of popular quality slings. The BG range is particularly
good offering a number of different configuration options to suit
all
players such as harness, shoulder strap and yoke to aid a comfortable
playing position. |
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We’ve
listed a number of spares and parts regularly requested by
customers.
However if you need a replacement part not listed we should be able
to find it.
We’ve got comprehensive listings and technical drawings
of all the models produced by the major manufacturers
and should be able to find the right part for you. |
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