Pre-Bop StyleThe Ligature.
by Andrew Hadro
Reeds and mouthpieces are no doubt the more important than ligatures, however how they hold the reed on the mouthpiece can have a huge impact on the reed and mouthpiece's resonation and therefore on the sound of the saxophone. Ligatures come in many sizes and shapes. Some have two screws to adjust tightness, while others have only one, and some ligatures don't use screws at all.
The ability to adjust the screws, tightness, and placement (up and down the mouthpiece) are very important for a ligature. Moving the ligature up towards the tip of the mouthpiece and/or tightening the screws can have the effect of increasing resistance, or seemingly strengthening the reed. Whereas moving the ligature away from the tip and/or loosening the screws creates less resistance. To understand this effect, think of a diving board. The longer the diving board and farther the fulcrum is from the end of the board the easier it is to bounce and bend the diving board (the mouthpiece acting as the fulcrum in this analagy). Remember that over tightening or cranking the screws of the ligature can weaken and eventually break the ligature.
Ligatures come in all sorts of materials. The very first ligatures were simply string wrapped around the mouthpiece to hold the reed on. Some people still use this method! Other common materials for ligatures include: Metal (Silver, Gold, Brass, Nickel), Leather, Plastic, Rubber, Synthetic (nylon) and others. Some mouthpieces have ligatures built directly into the mouthpiece, and many other mouthpieces come with their own ligatures. Not all baritone ligatures fit all baritone mouthpieces, as baritone mouthpieces tend to vary in girth much more greatly than other horns, especially between the larger rubber mouthpieces (Vandoren, Brilhart), and sleek metal mouthpieces (Berg Larsen, Otto Link). Ligature prices vary greatly, from being included free with a mouthpiece to over a hundred dollars. You should always try a ligature with your mouthpiece and set up before purchasing it.
There are several ligatures that are very popular right now. The leather and rubber ligatures offers a very unique sound, however you may find that repeated tightening of these ligatures will cause the leather or rubber to stretch and thereby lose its ability to effectively hold the read. François Louis' "Ultimate" ligature (See right) is very popular amoung jazz saxophonists. It offers a very unique sound and good versatility, and comes in several different metals. It's downsides are that it is expensive and very tricky to get placed onto the mouthpiece (especially on soprano!!). It is also somewhat fragile, and the cap that comes with it must be used, as most caps will not fit this ligature. The caps are extremely fragile and easy to lose (having lost and broken several myself). The Vandoren "Optimum" ligature (see right) is another popular choice. This ligature is very simple and easy to use. It comes with three different plates that can be swapped out, changing how the ligature contacts the reed and thereby affecting the sound. It provides greater projection and plays very consitantly through all registers. Its only down is its price, but it is worth the cost if you find it improves your sound and your playing.
It is a good idea to keep your ligature clean, using warm water and soap every month or so. This will keep corrosion from building up, as well as preventing the ligature from allowing the reed to vibrate freely. When putting your saxophone away in the case it works well to leave the ligature on the mouthpiece when not in use. This provides some protection for the ligature and also ensures that it is not easily lost. If you are storing your mothpiece and ligature for longer periods (months or years) it is better if you store them separately, especially if the mouthpiece is hard rubber. Also make sure when using a hard rubber mouthpiece that the ligature is not scratching or otherwise damaging your mouthpiece.
Leave a comment below and let everyone know your thoughts, and your favorite ligatures!
A standard selmer saxophone ligature.
A Rovner rubber ligature
A Francois Louis Ultimate Ligature
A Vandoren Optimum Ligature
A Rico H-ligature (modeled after the famous Harrison ligatures)
An Olegature. Using a gold weave chain to fasten the ligature (very fragile and expensive!)
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