LefreQue sound bridge
The Lefreque is a simple looking, but very clever designed soundbridge that enhances the sound transmission between different sections of your wind instrument.
The lefreQue consists of two metal plates and is simply attached to the instrument with a specially-developed elestic band. Nothing needs to be changed on the instrument itself. The LefreQue can be used with almost any wind instrument! Below you will find our range Lefreque's that you can order online. You are very welcome to come try out the LefreQue in our store.
How does the LefreQue Work?
The aural vibrations that are produced by blowing in a wind instrument, not only move through the air inside the body of the instrument, but also through the material of the instrument itself. Sound is best passed by solid, continuous material, and therefore a wind instruments would ideally be made in one piece. However, from a practical point of view and in order to replace and exchange parts, almost all instruments consist of multiple parts.
At the places where the various components are connected, the sound transmission is disrupted. Sound vibrations are inhibited here and partly reflected. This has disadvantageous effects on the transfer of, in particular, the higher frequencies.
The lefreQue improves sound transmission by forming a "sound bridge" on the connection. Through the use of materials that conduct sound well, the sound travels with much less disruption to be passed on to the next section. The smart design with two plates, the lower of which can move substantially freely, prevents the silicone strap that keeps the LefreQue in place, from obstructing the vibrations. The sound vibrations will pass from one part to another much easier and with less reflection.
The result is a dramatic improvement in the sound quality of your instrument, cleaner overtones, more accurate tuning, brilliant response and improved dynamics.
Which LefreQue to Buy?
Materials
The lefreQue is available in many different materials and material combinations, all of which have their own characteristics. We recommend that you choose a LefreQue that suits the material and quality of your instrument.
Brass: Bright tone, a lot of 'core' in the tone and quick response.
Red brass: Rounder sound, a lot of 'core' in the tone and quick response.
Red brass – silver plated: The silver plating will give the upper harmonics more brilliance.
Red brass - (rose) gold-plated: The (rose) gold plating will give the upper harmonics more depth and warmth.
Solid Silver: Pure, warm sound abounding with overtones, more mass, speed, brilliance and increased flexibility in dynamics.
Solid Silver - (rose) gold plated: The (rose) gold plating will give the upper harmonics more depth and warmth.
Solid (rosé) Gold: Unequaled purity. Warm and fluid tone production in the whole range of frequencies. Incredible overtones.
Suitable for all wind instruments:
LefreQue for flute:
The sound of a flute can be enhanced the sound in two places: an acoustic bridge over the connection between the head joint and the body and on the connection between body and foot joint. Most can be gained on the first link. For flutes we recommend the 33mm or 41mm lefreQue and the 70 mm elastic band.
LefreQue for Piccolo
On the piccolo, the lefreQue is placed to bridge the connection between head joint and the body. We recommend a 33mm lefreQue with a 55mm band.
LefreQue for Sax
On a saxophone, the mouthpiece is connected to the body of the instrument by means of cork and much improvement can be made in sound transmission. For soprano saxophones and sopranino saxophones, the 33mm lefreQue with a 45mm band is best. For alto saxophones, tenor saxophones and baritone saxophones, a 41mm lefreQue is often more suitable, especially when the cork is longer. Order the 55mm elastic bands for these saxophones.
LefreQue for Clarinet
The clarinet has four different connections in which the transfer can be improved with a sound bridge. The biggest improvement is achieved with a 33mm lefreQue between the mouthpiece and the barrel. Furthermore, 33mm LefreQues can be placed between the barrel and the upper section, and between the upper section and the lower section. Finally, a 41mm lefreQue sound bridge can be placed on the connection between the lower section and the bell. Choose in all cases the 85mm elastic bands.
LefreQue for Trumpet and French Horn
The sound of trumpets and French horns can be improved by placing a lefreQue between the mouthpiece and the body of the instrument. Choose the 33mm version of the sound bridge with 55mm elastic bands.
LefreQue for Trombone and Tuba
For trombones and tubas, we recommend to buy the 41mm version of the LefreQue with 55mm elastic bands. The sound bridge is placed over the connection between the mouthpiece and the instrument.
LefreQue for Oboe and Bassoon
There is a special version of the lefreQue developed for bassoons and oboes with a higher curvature, making it possible to place the sound bridge over the connection of the reeds and the instrument. The version is called lefreQue double reed and can be fixed with an appropriate band.
A second lefreQue can be attached on the connection with the bell. In this case, choose a 41mm sound bridge for oboe with a 85mm strap and for the bassoon buy the 76mm LefreQue, with the specific bassoon-band.