Why does my Bonade Ligature need a doctor?
Most metal ligatures (especially Bonade ligatures) come out of the factory as a relatively perfect circle looking from where the tip of the Mmouthpiece is. This would be really nice… if the combination of reed and ligature was, in fact, a perfect circle. Daniel Bonade was very particular about 2 things when he invented his ligature.
The first is that the only part of the ligature that is meant to touch the reed is the rails of the ligature.
The second is that AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE of the rail is meant to touch the reed.
Its worth noting that if the rails are in full contact with the reed, the risk of your ligature slipping or moving at all becomes a thing of the past. Quickly swap between your Bb and A clarinets using only the ligature to hold as you pull the mouthpiece off with no worries that you will have to redo your reed/whole setup.
My job as the ligature doctor is to make sure that your ligature is treating you and your reeds as Daniel Bonade intended.
What exactly can/do you do?
Adjust just the rails of your ligature so that they properly make contact with the reed
Adjust the band of the ligature to ensure that it is not touching the sides of the reed.
Both processes above (recommended)
Sell correctly shaped and formed ligatures directly to you.
Future Services:
Silver and Gold plating of ligatures, both pre- and post- editing work
Ligature holders that keep the ligature in shape every time you are done using it (in progress)
Once these are available they will be available for sale and will come with new ligatures and work done on your already owned ligatures.
Holding of stock of ligatures that have most of the work already done but can be finished faster for rush jobs.
Hand Engraving