Ligature for wind instruments

Abstract

To improve tonal resonance by securing a reed (2) to a mouthpiece (1) with a minimal contact area, flexibly adapting to various mouthpiece shapes (Fig. 15), and achieving a uniform clamping force, thereby solving problems in conventional ligatures, such as distortion over time, inconsistent tightening balance caused by differences in mouthpiece shapes across manufacturers (Fig. 15), and the inability to completely suppress the ligature's own resonance in response to vibrations due to slight gaps or uneven clamping force.SOLUTION: A ligature of the present invention combines: two clamping devices (3)(4) in which protrusions having spherical and three-dimensional curved surfaces are formed in multiple or continuous configurations; and adjustable fasteners (Fig. 10) for each circumference. This ligature for wind instruments flexibly conforms to various mouthpieces (Fig. 15), achieves uniform clamping through point contact, and enables the reed (2) to be pressed against the mouthpiece (1).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a ligature for fixing a reed (2) (Fig. 3) to a mouthpiece (1) of a wind instrument. [Background technology]

[0002] Ligatures for wind instruments are generally known as fasteners used to secure the mouthpiece (1) and reed (2) (Fig. 3) used on saxophones and clarinets. For example, as shown in Fig. 11 (Patent Document 1), a ligature is formed into a ring shape by cutting a thin metal plate using a mold. As shown in Fig. 12 (Patent Document 2), not only is a thin metal plate formed into a ring shape, but it also has several protrusions on the inside, which reduces the contact surface between the mouthpiece (1) and the reed (2). Recently, ligatures made from a combination of string and plate, as shown in Fig. 13 (Patent Document 3), as well as those made from a combination of leather, synthetic rubber, or wire and plate, have also become available on the market.

[0003] Ligatures are not simply a tool for fastening the mouthpiece (1) and reed (2); each has its own unique characteristics, and different types affect the tone and feel of the instrument. Players often search for a ligature that suits them best. The developer of this ligature, as a saxophone player, focused on the balance of contact area and clamping force to ensure that nearly everyone can enjoy a comfortable playing feel and that the breath is converted into sound without loss. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2012-022055 [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication No. 2020-64133 [Patent Document 3] Patent Publication No. 2006-163382 [Patent Document 4] Patent Publication No. 2010-19948 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Incidentally, the source of sound from a saxophone, which is a single-reed instrument, is the vibration generated by the vibrating part (205) of the reed (2) (Fig. 3). This vibration vibrates the air, passing through the tube and producing sound. If the fixed part (206) (Fig. 3) of the reed (2) is not firmly fixed with a ligature, the fixed position will shift and the ligature itself will resonate. In other words, part of the vibration will not be reflected in the sound.

[0006] When using a thin metal ligature such as those disclosed in Patent Document 1 (Figure 11) or Patent Document 2 (Figure 12), distortion occurs over time due to the amount of force applied when attaching or detaching the ligature from the mouthpiece (1) or the impact of dropping the ligature. Even if the ligature appears perfectly round at first glance, if distortion occurs, the ligature will not perform as described in Patent Documents 1 and 2. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 15, the shape of the ligature attachment portion (204) of the mouthpiece (1) can be tapered (101), (102), or (103), a bulging barrel shape (104), or a cylindrical shape (105), (106), and the curves and angles of inclination vary. Therefore, when a thin metal ligature made to fit one model is used with a mouthpiece other than that model (Figure 15), the circumference of either the front part (201) or the rear part (202) of the ligature attachment area (204) will not match, resulting in a slight looseness or gap, which means that the resonance of the ligature itself cannot be completely suppressed. Also, when attaching the ligature of Patent Document 2, it must be attached at the correct angle to the mouthpiece (1) and reed (2), otherwise the performance described in Patent Document 2 cannot be achieved. For example, there is also the problem that the ligature of Patent Document 2, made for an alto saxophone, cannot be attached to a tenor saxophone mouthpiece because the thickness and angle of inclination do not match.

[0007] A ligature combining a string and a plate, as disclosed in Patent Document 3 (Fig. 13), fastens the mouthpiece (1) and the reed (2) by tying up two strings attached to the front and back of the plate, thereby pressing the plate against the fixing part (206) (Fig. 3) of the reed (2). However, in a mouthpiece with a non-model shape (Figure 15), the plate cannot apply uniform pressure to the fixed portion (206) of the reed (2). For this ligature to be effective, when tightening the two strings, the circumferences of both strings must match the front (201) and rear (202) portions of the ligature attachment area (204) of the mouthpiece (1). If even one string does not match the circumference, unless the string has elasticity like rubber or some other function for adjusting the length or tightening force, excessive tension will be generated in one string, and continued tightening may result in breakage. The full text of Patent Document 3 does not specify the elasticity of the string or the adjustment function of the tightening member (fixing member). In fact, commercially available ligatures of the type described in Patent Document 3, even for alto saxophones, are sold in multiple varieties to suit various mouthpieces (Figure 15). Therefore, when a string and plate ligature made to fit one model is used with a mouthpiece other than that model (Figure 15), there is a problem in that uniform pressure cannot be applied across the entire plate. Also, when attaching the ligature of Patent Document 3, it must be attached at the correct angle to the mouthpiece (1) and reed (2), otherwise the performance described in Patent Document 3 cannot be achieved. Another problem is that, for example, a ligature of Patent Document 3 made for an alto saxophone mouthpiece (1) cannot be attached to a tenor saxophone mouthpiece (1) because the angle is not correct.

[0008] The ligature disclosed in Patent Document 4 (Figure 14) uses a ball chain (Figure 17) to hold the reed (2). By varying the number (length) of balls on the ball chain at the front (201) and rear (202) of the ligature attachment section (204), it is possible to accommodate various types of mouthpieces (Figure 15) to some extent, and the balls can press the reed (2) with a very small area. However, because this ligature is mostly made of metal plates, it faces the problem of distortion that can occur over time, as mentioned above. Furthermore, while adjusting the length by changing the number of balls on the ball chain changes the length by about 2 to 3 mm, adjusting by just one ball can result in a significant change in the circumference of the mouthpiece (1), which requires 0.1 mm of adjustment. Therefore, a metal plate made to fit one model and its calculated number of balls cannot press the reed (2) evenly with various other mouthpieces (Figure 15), and vibrations are transferred to the deflection of the ball chain caused by the uneven tightening, causing the ligature itself to vibrate. Also, when attaching the ligature of Patent Document 4, if it is not attached at the correct angle to the mouthpiece (1) and reed (2), the performance described in Patent Document 4 cannot be achieved. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] By the way, the fixing device (Figure 10) in the ligature of the present invention refers to a composite of three parts: a pair of two mounting devices (5), a screw device (7), and a screw device knob (6).

[0010] Point contact here refers to the small contact area where the curved surfaces of the mouthpiece (1) and reed (2) meet with the curved surfaces of the clamps (3) and (4).

[0011] The fasteners (3) and (4) of the present invention use three-dimensional curved protrusions, including spheres, hemispheres, and semi-elliptical spheres, formed in multiple or continuous shapes to minimize the contact area between the mouthpiece (1) and the reed (2). The ligature of the present invention does not lose its functionality over time or with being dropped. This is because the fasteners (3) and (4) are not made of a hard, rigid material that does not return to its original shape once deformed, but rather are made of a flexible material such as a chain or rosary, or a pliable material like a belt, allowing them to flexibly conform to curved surfaces over almost the entire circumference.

[0012] The ligature of the present invention does not function only with a specific mouthpiece (1), but can be fixed with uniform force to various types of mouthpieces (Figure 15). This is because the circular or elongated hole (8) through the center of the attachment (5) is larger than the diameter of the threaded portion of the screw (7) that passes through it, with a gap of at least 1 mm. If the lengths of the two fasteners (3) and (4) are different, the gap (hereinafter referred to as "clearance") allows the pair of attachments (5) to be tilted in a V-shape as shown in Figure 19, rather than being perpendicular to the screw (7) as shown in Figure 18, allowing for greater angular freedom and adjusting for differences in circumference.

[0013] The ligature of the present invention is designed with a longer threaded portion of the screw (7) than commonly available commercially. The distance between the pair of mounting fixtures (5) can be adjusted by 17 mm or more using the knob (6) on the screw (7), allowing it to accommodate two mouthpieces (Figure 16) with a difference in diameter of approximately 5 mm and a circumference of approximately 16 mm. For example, a single ligature of the present invention can accommodate both an alto saxophone mouthpiece (107) (Figure 16) with a circumference of 86 mm and a tenor saxophone mouthpiece (108) (Figure 16) with a circumference of 100 mm. It is also possible to design a single ligature of the present invention to accommodate both a soprano saxophone mouthpiece (1) with a circumference of 73 mm and an alto saxophone mouthpiece (1) with a circumference of 88 mm.

[0014] The function of the ligature of the present invention does not change even when it is attached at an angle (Figure 20). This is because the flexible fastening devices (3) and (4) can tighten uniformly with point contact over almost the entire circumference of the curved surfaces of the mouthpiece (1) and reed (2). [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] Now, let me explain what I mean by "comfortable playing feel." A comfortable playing feel is "a state in which the ease of sound production, breathability, volume control, and tone preferences are all combined to make the instrument feel comfortable when playing."

[0016] The blowing feel of using the ligature of the present invention will be explained specifically using an alto saxophone as an example. The instrument body is a Selmer Series III, and the mouthpiece is a Selmer S90 180, a tapered mouthpiece (102). The reed type is a Vandoren Blue Box No. 3 (a relatively thin reed made of reed material for wind band and classical music). From the lowest note of the saxophone, B♭, to the highest note, F♯, approximately two and a half octaves higher, I was able to play it with a light, even breath, almost at the same speed. The response to the sound was fast, and it felt like the sound was produced instantly upon inhalation. The tone, whether playing low or high notes in a chromatic or scale scale, is consistent. While tone preferences vary, it provides a comfortable blowing feel. This is due to the firm fixation of the fixed part (206) of the reed (2), which allows the vibrations generated by the vibrating part (205) of the reed to be converted into sound without any loss.

[0017] Next, when playing a note on the saxophone, the mouthpiece (1) is typically held in place without changing its shape and the player breathes into the instrument while maintaining that position. However, here, we intentionally change the shape of the mouth while breathing into the instrument, resulting in a technique that would normally result in the sound cutting off midway through the note. The main technique involves playing a high E using the side keys, while simultaneously relaxing the vertical pressure of the mouth on the mouthpiece (1) and reed (2). At the same time, imagine lowering your Adam's apple at the back of your throat, expanding the volume of your mouth vertically, lowering the pitch by a semitone or a whole step. Normally, when lowering a high E, with a conventional ligature, the sound cuts off before the full full step. However, with the ligature of this invention, the sound remains intact and can be lowered a whole step to a full D. This represents an improvement in the technique of varying the volume of the mouth and contributes greatly to mastering the extended playing technique known as portamento. The developer of this invention was able to use the portamento technique, which he had not been able to master until now, to play by changing the pitch in a gentle gradation from the mid-range A to the highest F#.

[0018] Next, we tried playing sounds and changing the pitch without using the instrument itself, using only the alto saxophone mouthpiece (107) and reed (2) fitted with the ligature of the present invention. We held the mouthpiece in our mouth, breathed in, and changed the volume of the mouth to change the pitch. Compared to the ligature we had previously used, the range of pitch was wider, achieving a one-octave range from the highest note to the lowest note, which had not been possible before.

[0019] The developer of this invention owns over four different mouthpieces (1) for alto saxophones alone, and has tried all four, with the same results as described above. One ligature can be used correctly with all of these mouthpieces, and the functionality remains the same. For example, using the ligature of this invention not only provides a comfortable blowing feel, but also improves the player's playing techniques and techniques that were previously difficult to achieve. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of a ligature according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of parts illustrating the configuration of a ligature according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is an overview of the reed and mouthpiece. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic view showing a state in which a ligature according to a first embodiment of the present invention is attached to a reed and a mouthpiece. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a top view of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 5 is a side view of FIG. 4. [Figure 8] FIG. 5 is a rear view of FIG. 4. [Figure 9] FIG. 5 is a front view of FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. [Figure 11] This is a representative diagram of Patent Document 1. (Representative diagram (cited) from JP 2012-022055 A) [Figure 12] This is a representative diagram of Patent Document 2. (Representative diagram (cited) from JP 2020-64133) [Figure 13] This is a representative diagram of Patent Document 3. (Representative diagram (cited) from Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-163382) [Figure 14] This is a representative diagram of Patent Document 4. (Representative diagram (cited) from JP 2010-19948 A) [Figure 15] 1 is a diagram of various types of mouthpieces. [Figure 16] This figure shows the size comparison between the alto saxophone mouthpiece and tenor saxophone mouthpiece of the same model. [Figure 17] A ball chain and its cross-sectional view to explain the crimping structure. [Figure 18] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the function when the clearance between the mounting fixture and the screw fixture is small. [Figure 19] This is a diagram explaining the function when the clearance between the mounting fixture and the screw fixture is large and the fixture is in the form of an elongated hole. [Figure 20] This is a view of the ligature of the present invention attached at an angle to the mouthpiece, as seen from the front. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is an exploded view of parts illustrating the configuration of a ligature according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a ligature according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a top view of an exploded view of parts illustrating the configuration of a ligature according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a side view of an exploded view of parts illustrating the configuration of a ligature according to embodiment 3 of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] [Embodiment 1] Now, let us explain the characteristics of the ball chain (Fig. 17). The ball chain (Fig. 17) is a chain made of balls connected by a crimping structure (9). This ball chain normally bends like a string and exists in an amorphous state. It does not have the elasticity of rubber. Pulling both ends creates tension, making it hard and immobile. In explaining the first embodiment of the ligature of the present invention, the fasteners (3) and (4) will be explained with reference to the drawing using a metal ball chain (Fig. 17).

[0022] In the first embodiment (Fig. 1), a brass ball chain (Fig. 17) is used for the fasteners (3) and (4). However, the material of the ball chain (Fig. 17) is not limited to brass. Ball chains made of iron, stainless steel, titanium, or other materials with hardness equivalent to or greater than that of iron can be used. The ball size is 3 mm. However, the size of the balls in the ball chain (Fig. 17) is not limited to 3 mm. Due to the strength of the crimped structure (9), a ball chain (Fig. 17) with balls of 2.5 mm or larger can be used. Both ends are attached to the attachment (5). The distance (203) between the two chains is 15 mm. However, this distance is not limited to 15 mm. A distance between 12 mm and 18 mm is appropriate, as long as it fits within the fixed part (206) of the lead.

[0023] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the ligature body of the present invention. Figure 2 is a parts diagram of the screw device (7) with the knob (6) removed. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the ligature body (Figure 1) of the present invention attached to the mouthpiece (1) and reed (2) of Figure 3. Figures 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 are views of Figure 4 from various angles.

[0024] As shown in Figure 4, when the ligature of the present invention is attached and the knob (6) is turned to tighten the screw (7) while narrowing the gap between the pair of attachments (5), one of the two clamping devices (3) and (4) will first begin to tighten the mouthpiece (1) and reed (2). At this time, depending on the type of mouthpiece (Figure 15), the second clamping device (let's call it 3) may still be bent. Further turning of the knob (6) causes the first clamping device (let's call it 4) to become taut, simultaneously acting as a fulcrum. The clearance between the through-hole (8) of the attachment (5) and the threaded portion of the screw (7) is then adjusted, and the pair of attachments (5) tilts in a V-shape, and the second clamping device (let's call it 3) also begins to tighten the mouthpiece (1) and reed (2). If the clearance is small, as shown in Figure 18, the angle of the attachment (5) is small, and the difference in circumference between the two fasteners cannot be adjusted. If you forcefully turn the knob (6) in this state, the tension of the first fastener (let's say 4) will reach its limit, and there is a risk that it will break.

[0025] The clearance between the through hole (8) of the attachment device (5) and the threaded portion is approximately 1 mm. However, the clearance is not limited to 1 mm. The shape of the ligature attachment area (204) of the mouthpiece (1) is to have a gap that allows for a V-shaped correction, from a tapered shape to a cylindrical shape. However, if the cylindrical rod of the attachment device (5) itself is thin and a circular hole with a gap of approximately 1 mm cannot provide the clearance, the shape is changed from a circular to an elongated hole, as shown in Figure 19. By making the hole elongated, the V-shaped inclination can be more effectively achieved by using the vertical gap without increasing the width of the hole. Furthermore, the shape of the attachment device (5) is not limited to a cylinder; it can be any shape, such as a rectangular pillar or a semi-cylindrical shape, as long as it has a through hole (8) in the center to accommodate the two fasteners (3) and (4) and through which the threaded portion of the screw device (7) passes. The distance (203) between the two fasteners (3) and (4) is 15 mm. However, this distance is not limited to 15 mm. Since the sizes of the mouthpiece (1) and reed (2) vary from soprano saxophone to baritone saxophone, a distance of 12 to 18 mm is recommended, depending on the instrument.

[0026] [Embodiment 2] In the second embodiment (Fig. 21), the fasteners (3) and (4) are made of metal beads or glass beads (12) threaded with a string or wire. Both ends are attached to the attachment (5). The distance (203) between the two is 15 mm. However, the distance is not limited to 15 mm. It can be any distance that fits within the fixed part (206) of the lead. When metal beads or glass beads (12) are used, combining large and small beads has the advantage that only the large beads come into contact, allowing the number of contact points to be adjusted.

[0027] [Third embodiment] In the third embodiment (FIG. 22), the fasteners (3) and (4) are formed into a metal belt (11) consisting of two fasteners (3) and (4), with several metal hemispheres (10) or protrusions with three-dimensional curves, including semi-ellipsoids. However, this belt is not limited to metal. Flexible materials such as leather can be used instead. The metal hemispheres are 3 mm in diameter. However, this is not limited to a 3 mm diameter. Hemispheres with a diameter of 2 mm or more or protrusions with three-dimensional curves, including semi-ellipsoids, can be used instead. Furthermore, if the fastener belts (3) and (4) are made of metal, they can be embossed into a three-dimensional curved convex shape and formed as a single piece. Both ends of the fastener are attached to the attachment (5). The distance between the two is 15 mm. However, this distance is not limited to 15 mm. It is sufficient if the distance fits within the lead fixing portion (206).

[0028] Figure 23 is a top view of the third embodiment (Figure 22) with the knob (6) removed and the two fasteners (3) and (4) spread apart. Figure 24 is a side view of Figure 23. If leather or metal belts are used as fasteners (3) and (4), they will retain their ring-like shape to some extent, which has the advantage of preventing tangling when putting on and taking off, making them easy to put on and take off. [Explanation of symbols]

[0029] 1... Mouthpiece 2...Lead 3...Front part of fastener (shorter) 4... Rear fastener (longer) 5...Mounting fixture 6...Screw knob 7...Adjustment screw 8...Through hole in the threaded part of the screw 9...Mechanism of the crimping structure and cross section of a ball chain 10...Three-dimensional curved surface protrusions including hemispheres or semi-ellipsoids 11. Leather or metal belt 12...Metal or glass beads 101...Ebonite mouthpiece A 102...Ebonite mouthpiece B 103...Ebonite mouthpiece C diagram 104...Ebonite mouthpiece D 105...Metal mouthpiece E diagram 106...Metal mouthpiece F diagram 107...A certain manufacturer's alto saxophone mouthpiece 108...Tenor saxophone mouthpiece of the same manufacturer and model as 107 201...The tip of the mouthpiece is the front part. 202...The bottom of the mouthpiece is the rear part 203...Distance between two fasteners 204...Ligature attachment range for mouthpiece 205...Vibrating part of reed 206...Lead fixing part 207...Adjustable range of spacing between a pair of attachments

Claims

1. This ligature for wind instruments is characterized by being composed of two fastening devices with multiple spheres formed on them, a pair of attachment devices to which both ends of the fastening devices are attached, and a screw device to adjust the distance between the pair of attachment devices, and each fastening device tightens over approximately the entire circumference by point contact that flexibly follows the reed and mouthpiece.

2. This ligature for a wind instrument is characterized in that it is composed of two fasteners with a plurality of three-dimensional curved protrusions formed on the contact surface, a pair of attachments to which both ends of the fasteners are attached, and a screw device to adjust the distance between the pair of attachments, and each fastener tightens over approximately the entire circumference by point contact that flexibly follows the reed and mouthpiece.

3. A ligature for a wind instrument as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the shape of the through hole of the mounting device through which the threaded portion of the screw device passes is circular or oval, the size of the hole is larger than the diameter of the threaded portion, and there is a gap of about 1 mm or more.

4. 4. The ligature for a wind instrument according to claim 3, wherein the threaded portion of the screw device can adjust the distance (207) between the pair of attachments by about 17 mm or more.

5. 5. The ligature for a wind instrument according to claim 4, wherein the fastening device is a metal ball chain.

Images