Jazz Ligs

**andrewwmyers** · 12-21-2011, 06:46 PM

Would it be appropriate to put dark lig such as a fabric rovner dark lig on a jazz mouthpiece such as a jody jazz or meyer metal jazz mouthpiec? If so, what case would it apply or what field of jazz, concert, or performing in general?

**Buck Laughlin** · 12-21-2011, 06:54 PM

Appropriate? If it works for you, and gives you the tone and control you're looking for, then it would be downright upright!

**Nobby Keys** · 12-21-2011, 06:54 PM

If you like the lig and it suits you and your style, then its appropriate. What suits me might not suit you, so try as many ligs as you can and use the one you like.

**dexdex** · 12-21-2011, 06:56 PM

Fortunately, there are no rules or laws (yet...). You could be willing to do this to slightly baffle the high harmonics (edge) of a given mp/reed combo. It might also be that it improves the control in the low range of the horn, making subtones or dynamics easier. I used to do it for those 2 reasons to play a Dukoff D7 on my alto.

**shotgun** · 12-21-2011, 06:56 PM

I think you'll find quite a few different types of ligatures used on jazz mouthpieces. There are no "inappropriate" ligatures, only inappropriate sounds, and the ligature is simply not that critical — two people, playing the same jazz mouthpiece and using the same ligature may, and probably will, have their own individual sounds. It's up to you to determine if your setup is giving you the sound you want — witness the endless combinations of pieces and ligs used by professional players.

**andrewwmyers** · 12-21-2011, 07:14 PM

Maybe I should have rephrased that question. But using a dark lig may sound best in a certain field of jazz. Or it could defeat the purpose of having a jazz mouthpiece.

**Dagvei** · 12-21-2011, 07:54 PM

Don't be fooled by the marketing tricks; usually a lig giving you an open and bright sound would be reffered to as a lead/jazz lig, but Shotgun is of course right: what YOU think sounds cool is your jazz lig!

**eugeneherman** · 12-21-2011, 07:55 PM

While there may be some general character to certain ligs... You are still chasing after a generality @ligs applications etc... All the advice here is to simply find your 'own' specific remedy/recipe and 'cook' on!

**dexdex** · 12-21-2011, 08:02 PM

Keep in mind that ligatures don't make SO much difference in the sound perceived by the audience. They do more in the way you perceive the horn's response. So make sure that you feel and play ok with the one you choose.

**andrewwmyers** · 12-21-2011, 10:12 PM

Alright thanx guys.

**Agent27** · 12-22-2011, 05:24 AM

Originally Posted by andrewwmyers

Maybe I should have rephrased that question. But using a dark lig may sound best in a certain field of jazz. Or it could defeat the purpose of having a jazz mouthpiece.

A dark ligature isn't going to make your jazz mouthpiece sound like a classical one if that's what you're asking. The characteristics of a mouthpiece have a much greater impact than those of a ligature.