[Wildboy1983]

I'm using the stock Yani ligature which has no discernible difference to the standard 'free' ones that come with a £20 mouthpiece. As a beginner, upgrading my mouthpiece to an Otto link 5* has made a significant improvement but I wonder if changing the lig will also be a meaningful upgrade?

I realize that there are two camps in regards to this and my uneducated impression is that anything more than a stock ligature is vanity but without anything to compare to I'm not really sure and I wouldn't want to pass up on an opportunity to +1 on my sound if that's really possible.

If there are better ligatures out there that really do more than hold the reed I would be interested in suggestions.

 

[turf3]

I guess you must be talking about an Otto Link hard rubber, as few ordinary two screw ligatures will fit a metal Link.

The only improvement I can suggest is the ordinary Rovner (nowadays they call it "the Dark"). It won't do anything to the sound, but it's real easy to use, it holds the reed really well, and it doesn't dig little divots into the top of the reed.

You'll get the most improvement by making sure the backs of your reeds are flat and by learning how to both scrape the backs flat and to adjust reeds. Frankly you'll do far better to spend the money you might spend on a all-singing, all-dancing ultra-ligature, on a reed knife and a good trimmer.

 

[theneighbordubh]

I like no muss, no fuss ligs. Vandoren M/O. The closes evenly on both sides, easy to align, tighten a little or a lot. Simple and functional. You can get a used one for under $30

 

[1saxman]

If you have to ask, chances are you will not see any sound difference with a different ligature. The differences exist but generally they are subtle. If you have a good lig on it now that does the job, go with it.

 

[Reet McVouty]

I'm using the stock Yani ligature which has no discernible difference to the standard 'free' ones that come with a £20 mouthpiece. As a beginner, upgrading my mouthpiece to an Otto link 5* has made a significant improvement but I wonder if changing the lig will also be a meaningful upgrade?

I realize that there are two camps in regards to this and my uneducated impression is that anything more than a stock ligature is vanity but without anything to compare to I'm not really sure and I wouldn't want to pass up on an opportunity to +1 on my sound if that's really possible.

If there are better ligatures out there that really do more than hold the reed I would be interested in suggestions.

The basic answer to that question is no. Providing that what you're using now holds the reed flat on the table of your mouthpiece. The vanity thing is something else, and if you got some extra bucks and you want to get fancy then why not. But, I've never experienced nor have I seen any evidence that a ligature improves sound or performance of playing the saxophone.

 

[sopsax]

I need a ligature to do one thing only: hold the reed securely so it won't slip out of place as I re-position the mouthpiece on the neck while playing a left-hand note.

You'd be amazed how many attractive, costly ligatures can't fulfill this simple requirement.

 

[wanderso]

I need a ligature to do one thing only: hold the reed securely so it won't slip out of place as I re-position the mouthpiece on the neck while playing a left-hand note.
You'd be amazed how many attractive, costly ligatures can't fulfill this simple requirement.

YES, such as the inverted single-screw skeleton Selmers for HR alto and tenor that have replaced the classic elegant two-screw two-band design.
The new ones look great and seem to make sense, except they slip if you grab the MP barrel.

 

[click]

one of my favorites

If it fits, and is easy to adjust, the search is over.

 

[Benjamin Allen]

one of my favorites

If it fits, and is easy to adjust, the search is over.

That video is fantastic.

 

[BH9]

The ligature that comes with the Yani rubber mouthpiece is excellent, as is the mouthpiece.

 

[skeller047]

Simple answer - no.

Complicated answer- if the ligature holds the reed firmly on the mouthpiece, and you can adjust the mouthpiece for tuning without disturbing the reed, then it’s a good ligature. Otherwise, it isn’t.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Hassles]

The ligature need to secure your reed and Not Mess You About or otherwise Irritate you in the process - nothing more. Many of us prefer a single screw type ligature for that very purpose - quick, easy and no irritation.

 

[MaxTT]

Love my Durga, hate the lig. It often moves after a minute or two and reed needs reseating and lig tightening. Worse than any other mpc/lig I have ever owned

 

[Hassles]

Love my Durga, hate the lig. It often moves after a minute or two and reed needs reseating and lig tightening. Worse than any other mpc/lig I have ever owned

Seriously? considering the expense I'd have thought they'd have sorted problems like this. Still, you hear the same about the ligatures of the Sugal pieces. Must be very dispiriting. I have just bought a Gaia 3 as a gift (currently in transit) and will be exceeding despondent if the recipient faces similar problems. Hmm, you're probably talking about ebonite pieces yeah? I purchased a metal Gaia 3

 

[Maddcow]

A ligature may have some effect on sound but it's more likely to have an effect on the response that you feel as a player.

 

[StefGrani]

The simple answer is, no. If you lose you present lig, replacing it will cost you about 5 UK pounds. The next level will cost you 20-35 UK pounds. The Rovner type of ligs will keep the reed in place when tuning. Personally I like the François Louis basic lig (same price range) because of the playing experience, but it will slip on tuning.

By the way, I figured out that the easiest test for lig effect is playing the instrument holding the reed with your thumb and comparing the sound to your lig holding the reed. For accuracy, record your sound. Playing experience? You decide.

 

[Hassles]

A ligature may have some effect on sound but it's more likely to have an effect on the response that you feel as a player.

+1

 

[Reet McVouty]

Love my Durga, hate the lig. It often moves after a minute or two and reed needs reseating and lig tightening. Worse than any other mpc/lig I have ever owned

I hear you. When I was playing a TW Gaia I had the same issue with the "Enlightened" ligature that came with it. It was a PIA to adjust the swivel plate to begin with, but the worst part was it always came loose if I tried to adjust the mouthpiece once it was on the neck. After a couple weeks of annoyance I replaced it with a basic two screw lig.

 

[Guto]

Love my Durga, hate the lig. It often moves after a minute or two and reed needs reseating and lig tightening. Worse than any other mpc/lig I have ever owned

I hear you. When I was playing a TW Gaia I had the same issue with the "Enlightened" ligature that came with it. It was a PIA to adjust the swivel plate to begin with, but the worst part was it always came loose if I tried to adjust the mouthpiece once it was on the neck. After a couple weeks of annoyance I replaced it with a basic two screw lig.

Same experience here. I don't remember the reed moving on its own after a couple minutes, but I did experience it moving when you adjust the mouthpiece on the cork. Regardless, neither is acceptable IMO. To me, the least hassle ligature is the best ligature. My favorites are: the basic Rovner, no plates, no fuzz; the old Selmer 2-screws or any generic in the same style.

 

[Benjamin Allen]

I have more ligatures than I have mouthpieces, and I just gave away two ligatures (a Vandoren Optimum and a BG something) to a major artist from New Orleans. That artist noticed a considerable difference in playability between his standard ligature and the other two ligatures. Now I've not ever had such an experience with ligatures. I've noticed subtle differences that fade within moments of playing, but I've not ever found a considerable difference. Is it because I've always played quality ligatures or is because my perceptions are not adequately tuned or something else? I'm a self proclaimed ligatureholic--I love the beauty of certain ligatures. But that's how I see them--as jewelry.

I'm classically trained, I'm not blowing my guts out, and I definitely feel the difference between ligatures of different makes, but it's nothing stunning.

How is it that some players find such tremendous distinction among ligatures? Are any advocates of the ligature makes a big difference willing to speak up? I truly am curious.