Obviously, for ‘us’ marching musicians, we know that a lyre is also an essential accessory. I know that I couldn’t remember over 30 different marches around the Lord Mayors Show! Mine enabled me to easily read and change my march cards whilst happily marching and playing! In this article, I will introduce you to the most affordable and dependable lyres on the market. The Sonata lyres. All will allow you to march and play to your hearts content, while keeping your music secure and at the perfect distance to read.
The Lyres
The Sonata 1691LS is a bent nickel for use with a trumpet or cornet. It is suitable for any instrument with a
lyre box fitted on the top of the instrument. Music books and cards will fit securely in the spring-loaded clasp, keeping it steady and readable. This is an essential accessory for brass players on the move, or even simply stood still on parade! (also available in gold lacquer)
Straight stem is suitable for attaching to vertically aligned cornet and trumpet lyre boxes (check your instrument before purchase for suitability!). Easy to attach and the ideal accessory for marching musicians. Nickel plated.
We often get enquiries from ‘want-to-be’ marching musicians who want a lyre, but don’t have a lyre-box. Simply clamp-on to the leadpipe of your cornet/trumpet, clip on your music card and away you go. This sturdy nickel-plated cornet and trumpet lyre, with a push-button clamp and a strong spring with clip to attach to the leadpipe, is a great solution.
I once saw a trombonist clamp on his lyre to his slide. Hilarious, watching him see his music rapidly flash backwards and forwards as he moved his slide!
We don’t sell common sense, but we do sell the most tried-and-tested lyres! Simply attach to the leadpipe of your Trombone, clip on your music card and away you go. The adjustable clamp will fit all medium and large bore sizes of trombone.
Designed to fit around the lower joint/bell of the clarinet with an adjustable ring, the Sonata 1708 Bb Clarinet Lyre will allow you to clearly look down at your music, as well as looking where you are going. It is nickel plated and the securing ring design is based on the similar principals of a ‘jubilee’ clip, therefore being suitable for all Clarinets, including student models. An affordable and reliable solution to keeping your music secure while on the move.
This style is great for a flute, it is a durable and reliable nickel-plated which simply clamps on to your flute. Ideal for marching musicians and Christmas carol players (!) as you simply attach one end of the lyre to your flute and the other end to your music. The lyre features vinyl coated clamps to protect your flute from scratch damage when clamping on. It is fully adjustable and is nickel plated so is durable and resistant to scuffs and moisture.
If your Saxophone has a fitted lyre-box (trust me, most do, you just haven’t noticed it!), this durable and reliable nickel-plated saxophone lyre is just for you. It simply attaches into the box on your saxophone to allow marching saxophonists the chance to actually read their music as opposed to the normal ‘improvisation’!! It features a strong spring mechanism which safely holds your music in place while in use.
Mainly used on Baritones/Euphoniums/Tubas, or any instrument with a box that requires a long-stemmed straight lyre. This solution from Sonata is 9” long (27cm), and will adjust to varying heights if your box allows.
No excuses now. Get your marching boots on. “By the centre…..Quick….March”!
