lefreQue

leFreQue – resonance accessories for wind and string instruments

leFreQue specialises in accessories designed to influence vibration transfer at selected points of an instrument. The Dutch brand is best known for its Sound Bridges. They are attached at transitions between individual instrument sections, for example between the mouthpiece and leadpipe of a trumpet, between the mouthpiece and neck of a saxophone or between sections of a flute. According to the manufacturer, this additional connection is intended to support vibration transfer and can influence response, intonation, projection and resonance.

Sound Bridges for different wind instruments

The concept behind leFreQue Sound Bridges can be used with numerous woodwind and brass instruments. These include flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, euphonium and tuba. The instrument itself is not the only factor: the specific joint and the distance to be bridged are equally important. leFreQue therefore offers Sound Bridges in several lengths. The chosen version should always match the construction of the instrument so that the bridge can be positioned correctly and securely attached.

Carbon, brass, red brass, silver and gold

In addition to length, leFreQue differentiates its Sound Bridges by material. The range includes carbon, brass, red brass, silver-plated red brass and fine silver as well as gold-plated versions and models made from solid gold. This allows musicians to try different materials within the same basic concept. The manufacturer attributes different tonal characteristics to the individual materials. Since the instrument, mouthpiece, playing style and personal perception also play an important role, accessories of this type are best compared directly on the players own instrument.

Standard, Special and Ultimate Bands

leFreQue offers different mounting systems for attaching its sound bridges. Standard Bands cover many common applications, while Special Bands are intended for particular instrument areas and dimensions. Ultimate Bands provide another mounting option and are also available in different sizes and versions. When putting together a Sound Bridge setup, length, material and the appropriate band should therefore be considered together. Only when the components match the intended position on the instrument can the system be used correctly.

IntoniQue – resonance adjustment for additional instrument areas

With IntoniQue, leFreQue extends its approach beyond the traditional joints of wind instruments. The compact elements are magnetically positioned on suitable areas of an instrument and, depending on the version, can be used with instruments including violin, viola and semi-acoustic guitar as well as selected areas of wind instruments. IntoniQue can therefore also be interesting for musicians whose instrument does not feature a typical plug-in joint for a conventional Sound Bridge or who want to experiment with a different resonance area.

Free Reed Ligatures for clarinet and saxophone

For clarinet and saxophone, leFreQue also offers Free Reed Ligatures. Their concept differs from conventional ligatures: the reed is intended to be positioned on the mouthpiece without being unnecessarily clamped at the contact points. The flexible construction is available in several sizes and therefore covers different clarinet and saxophone types. For players who want to include the way the reed is secured in their tonal setup alongside mouthpiece and reed choice, the Free Reed Series offers another option within the leFreQue system.

Which leFreQue Sound Bridge suits your instrument?

The first step is to determine which joint of the instrument the Sound Bridge will be used on. This establishes the required length and the appropriate mounting band. The material can then be selected. A controlled comparison with and without the Sound Bridge under otherwise identical playing conditions is useful. Long notes, scales, octaves and challenging slurs can help assess perceived changes in response, intonation and sound. Because such differences can be experienced individually, testing the accessory on the players own instrument is more useful than relying on a general material recommendation.

Buy leFreQue at Kirstein

leFreQue offers specialised accessories for musicians who want to explore and adjust the resonance, response and tonal behaviour of their existing instrument. From Sound Bridges in different materials and lengths to mounting bands, IntoniQue, Free Reed Ligatures and Q Booster, the concept extends well beyond conventional wind-instrument accessories. At Kirstein, you also benefit from a 3 Year Kirstein Warranty and, when required, knowledgeable specialist advice on wind instruments and suitable accessories.