Ligature matters much less than mouthpiece, reed, and horn. There is a difference with some ligatures, but the other issues are more important. In 3 years, think about experimenting with a new lig.

Does saxophone ligature matter?

Ligature matters much less than mouthpiece, reed, and horn. There is a difference with some ligatures, but the other issues are more important. In 3 years, think about experimenting with a new lig.

What is the ligature on a saxophone?

The ligature is a small but vital part of the saxophone, attaching the reed to the mouthpiece. The flat butt of the reed is pressed against the flat underside of the mouthpiece – sometimes known as the table – allowing the reed’s tip to vibrate, thus producing a sound.

Does a ligature make a difference?

One of the questions I am frequently asked by my students and at masterclasses is whether ligatures really do make a difference. The simple answer is yes, they do.

Can you use a clarinet ligature on a saxophone?

Sometimes you may even need to get a ligature for another instrument to fit your mouthpiece. For example, I use a clarinet ligature on a particularly small alto sax mouthpiece, and a tenor ligature on one of my baritone sax mouthpieces.

How do you properly ligature?

Lay the short end, then the long end, over your hand. With your middle finger hook the long end. Pull the short end under it and through. Pull tight to complete the Ligature.

How tight should a saxophone ligature be?

Tight enough to stop it wandering, but not so tight it stops the reed vibrating. If you have the ligature in a frontal position towards the tip of the mouthpiece and tighten it too much it can strangle the reed and kill the tone. It’s important that the reed stays where you put it.

How do I choose a ligature for a saxophone?

You can find ligatures with metal plates at the reed’s point of contact, cut outs in the band of fabric where the reed is held, and simple designs with full contact all the way around the mouthpiece and reed. The darkest sounding is a solid band due to constant points of contact on the reed from the fabric.

What does a ligature do?

The ligature holds the reed on the mouthpiece of some woodwind instruments and greatly affects an instrument’s sound. What is a ligature? Ligatures are used to keep the reed on the mouthpiece of saxophones and clarinets. They are usually made of metal, with adjustable screws to hold the reed on the mouthpiece.