Best Saxophone Ligatures, Best Ligatures for Alto, Tenor, Soprano and Baritone Saxophone
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The ligature will help your saxophone performance by keeping the mouthpiece in its place. As you may already know, you won’t be able to play the saxophone without a mouthpiece. Thus, the ligature is just as important as the mouthpiece.
Before buying a ligature, you should know a few things about this accessory. First of all, there are several types of ligatures, according to the experience level of the player. So, you can find ligatures for beginners, intermediate players, and professionals. If you are just starting out on how to play the saxophone, you may want to get a ligature for beginners.
What are the Best Saxophone Ligatures to Buy?
Alto Sax
Tenor Sax
Soprano Sax
Baritone Sax
How to choose a ligature so that you won’t be disappointed by your choice? Well, if you are a beginner, you should opt for a simple ligature, which does nothing but hold your mouthpiece. It may sound too simple, but it is all you need for the moment. You should know that saxophone ligatures are made out of metal or leather, and the material from which it is made can determine its durability.
Although metal may seem like a good choice, since metal appears like a sturdy material, you should know that leather is much more durable than metal, due to its flexibility. In fact, cheap ligatures made out of a metal can break easily, especially if you put a large amount of pressure on them.
Of course, don’t get the idea that pro ligatures are expensive. They will cost a bit more than cheap versions, but you can still find such a ligature at a rather affordable price. However, as a beginner, you should not invest too much on a ligature for the moment.
After you’ve been practicing your saxophone playing for a year, you may take into consideration getting a better ligature for your instrument. Yes, playing the saxophone for this long is enough to open the door toward pro ligatures.
To make your choice easier, you will find below a selection of ligatures, structured on saxophone types. This way, you will find several good examples of saxophone ligatures, regardless of what type of instrument you prefer using.
19 Best Saxophone Ligature Reviews and the Best Saxophone Ligature Brands
Alto Sax
1) Vandoren LC01P Optimum Ligature and Plastic Cap
It is easy to obtain the desired level of pressure with this particular ligature. It comes with 3 different pressure plates that can be changed according to your personal preferences. This way, your saxophone reed will sound just as you want it to sound. This is also due to the fact that the ligature comes with a screw that makes its adjustment easy and convenient.
You just need to tighten or loosen the screw to enjoy the desired effect. So, this ligature won’t just hold the reed in its place, but will also contribute to improving your performance each time.
2) BG LD 1 Ligature with Cap, Alto Saxophone/Clarinet Duo, Gold-Plated
This is an exquisite saxophone ligature that will suit both beginners and advanced players. Experienced players will be able to recognize the qualities of this product, while beginners should know that this is the kind of ligature worth investing in. And this is not because it is plated with gold, but because it was made to deliver great results each time.
It is light yet very precise and can be used for chamber music and playing in a band alike. It also comes with a cap and the beautiful design on the screw will allow a precise adjustment each time.
3) D’Addario Woodwinds H-Ligature & Cap, Alto Sax, Gold-plated – HAS1G
At a more than accessible price tag, this gold-plated ligature from D’Addario offers high-quality from all points of view. It looks elegant and will give your instrument a distinct note. It utilizes an “H” pressure system, which means that the ligature will apply pressure in four different points.
Also, with the help of two screws, it will be very easy to fix the ligature on your mouthpiece safe and effective. You may want to know that this ligature comes with a mouthpiece in the package, so if you’re looking for a gift or simply could use a new mouthpiece, opting for this product will give you both.
4) Selmer 1714 Alto Saxophone Ligature – Gold Lacquered
If you are a beginner, a ligature with a simple design and straightforward use is just what you need. This way you will learn how to use and adjust the ligature in ways that will make your instrument sound a bit more different.
Of course, you will have to acquire basic skills first and get used to the tone and sound of your instrument. So, opting for this ligature, for now, can be all that you need. After all, you do need a ligature to hold your reed right. In time, you will be able to make the difference and upgrade your ligatures according to your preferences.
1) H-Ligature & Cap, Tenor Sax for Metal Link Mouthpieces, Gold-plated
You won’t be disappointed if you choose this particular ligature. It is made with high attention to details and it will be capable of delivering the characteristics you need for an impressive performance each time. It has an H-like design, which means that pressure is applied evenly by four different points on the instrument.
But, don’t worry, as everything is done in an even and balanced manner. Also, the presence of two screws and an inverted design will allow an easy adjustment and the right amount of pressure each time. The ligature also comes with a plastic cap.
2) Yamaha YAC 1611 Lacquered Brass Tenor Saxophone Ligature (YAC-1611
This ligature will work on your tenor sax regardless of its brand. It features two screws that will allow you to fix it just as you like it. Thus, it will be easy to use this product no matter what diameter your instrument has. So, it won’t work just with Yamaha saxophones, as it is capable of fitting on other instruments as well.
Made out of brass and having a lacquered finish, it will be practical and give your instrument a nice look each time. Not to mention that the price is affordable, so it is recommended for beginners that don’t have a generous budget.
3) Vandoren LC58GP M/O Ligature and Plastic Cap for Tenor Saxophone; Gold Plated
In case you are looking for a ligature that will deliver the kind of quality you’re looking to get, this one from Vandoren has what it takes to suit your needs. Plated with gold, it looks elegant, while being more than capable to perform its task right.
With the help of a double-track screw, you will be able to adjust it with ease while applying the correct amount of pressure on the instrument. While the product comes with a plastic cap as well, it is worth mentioning that this cap will fit only Vandoren mouthpieces made out of rubber.
4) Vandoren LC58DP M/O Ligature and Plastic Cap for Tenor Saxophone; Gilded Finish
Another great product provided by Vandoren, this saxophone ligature will definitely improve your performances. The item is light and can be set on and adjusted extremely easy. Even if you never used a ligature on your saxophone before, you will be able to quickly adjust this one on your instrument. This is why this ligature is suitable for your instrument.
The tightening offered by this ligature will be even and reliable due to an effective system made out of a double-track screw. In spite of having just two points applying pressure on your sax, the ligature will do its job right each time.
5) Rovner P-2R Platinum Tenor Sax Ligature
There are high chances that you will love how your instrument will sound when using this particular ligature. When applying the right amount of pressure, it is possible to enjoy a bell-like tone. Once set in place and fixed, it will help you enjoy an even scale and smooth transition between scales.
It will improve the control of your instrument and give you the chance to deliver a pristine intonation each time. This is what high-quality ligatures should provide and this particular product has what it takes to get you there. Made out of tempered metal alloy, you will be able to use this piece for a very long time.
1) Rico H-ligature and Cap for Saxophone Soprano
Accompanied by a cap for the protection of your mouthpiece, this is a high-quality ligature that will deliver as expected. It is plated with gold, for extended use and great looks at all times.
It applies pressure in four points and the two screws featured by the ligature will allow you to adjust the piece adequately. It is very easy to control your instrument and get a great intonation from your mouthpiece and reed with the right type of ligature.
2) Rico Ligature & Cap, Soprano Sax, Nickel Plated
Plated with nickel and with a highly effective design, this ligature will apply an equal amount of pressure in all of its points. Considering its inverted design and H-like shape, the ligature will provide four pressure points.
With the help of the two screws, you can adjust the piece easily and evenly each time. It will come together with a beautiful plastic cap for your mouthpiece. This way, you will have everything you need to keep the most sensitive pieces of your instrument safe and perform in an outstanding manner each time.
3) Rovner 1RVS Soprano Saxophone Ligature
If we presented metal ligatures only this far, let us take a look at a different kind of ligature. In spite of being softer, you can still adjust it with ease and use it as expected. The only thing you need to be careful about is the size of the ligature and size of your mouthpiece. This is the kind of ligature that won’t fit all saxophone mouthpieces.
More precisely, it will fit small soprano saxophones that use a rubber mouthpiece. In spite of the fact that ligatures seem to fit almost any kind of instruments, things are not like this all the time and you need to pay attention to such an aspect.
4) BG L51 Tradition 24K Gold-Plated Soprano Saxophone Ligature
If you are looking for quality, most certainly this product will be able to deliver a high degree of quality. It was made to deliver the best results each time, so you won’t just use it with ease but also enjoy an incredible tone and control of your instrument. And all of these are delivered together with an elegant design, which makes this item a great addition to the aspect of your saxophone.
You will be impressed just how effective the ligature is and how durable it will be in time. It is not the kind of product that will get damaged with ease, so you will be able to use it for a very long time.
5) Vandoren LC56GP M/O Ligature and Plastic Cap for Soprano Saxophone; Gold Plated
It is very easy to enjoy symmetrical tightening with the help of this ligature. The system based on a double-track screw will be both effective and highly adjustable. You will be able to get the desired degree of pressure each time you’ll be using this product.
The item is very light and it will take you just a few seconds to set it up. Just place it on and adjust the screw, and you’ll be ready to play your saxophone. The inverted design and only two pressure points are all you need to make your instrument behave as desired.
1) Vandoren LC29P Leather Ligature and Plastic Cap for Baritone Saxophone with 3 Interchangeable Pressure Plates
Leather ligatures can be a very inspired choice if the product is of the highest quality. Because we are talking about a Vandoren ligature, we expect nothing less. Made from a plastic capable of withstanding impacts and outstanding leather, this product will deliver just as expected.
The screw will give you the opportunity to apply just as much pressure as you like. Even if it doesn’t appear to be too precise, the truth is that you can enjoy a high degree of precision while performing this task very quickly.
2) Vandoren LC590AP M/O Ligature and Plastic Cap for Baritone Saxophone; Aged Gold Finish
You will have no trouble setting this ligature and fixing it on your instrument. It is very light, has a convenient screw that allows an easy fixing, and it has a beautiful design that will compliment your saxophone.
It will apply pressure on your instrument only in two points, but even so, it will be more than enough. Your instrument will perform amazingly with this ligature on. Not to mention that the aged gold finish will make it look elegant in every situation.
3) BG L15 Ligature with Cap, Baritone Saxophone, Standard
A ligature capable of fitting standard saxophones, this product is capable of suiting the needs of beginners and experienced players alike. In spite of looking slightly bulky, we are actually talking about a light-weighed ligature that is easy to use and adjust. Its functioning mechanism is straightforward and the results will be visible immediately. It also comes with a protective cap for your instrument’s mouthpiece.
4) Rovner 3MVL Bari Saxophone Dark Ligature for Metal Mouthpiece, Very Large – Gold
This is a very large ligature, suiting large saxophones with metal mouthpieces. So, you need to make sure if this size will indeed suit your instrument. What’s the effect provided to your saxophone if you choose this kind of ligature? The tone will be warm, resonant, and slightly dark.
If this is the kind of results you’re looking to get, then this ligature is just what you need. It is worth knowing that this product is capable of offering sounds similar to old string ligatures, in spite of the fact that it was made according to the latest standards. This is a great plus for those looking to obtain this kind of effects.
5) BG L60 Ligature with Cap, Baritone Saxophone, Trad, Gold-Plated
This is the kind of ligature that can be easily used by experienced players and beginners alike. It is not the cheapest, but if you want to spend your money wisely, you will be able to do it with this item. It has a lightweight and can be easily adjusted with the help of a screw.
To your surprise, you will notice that the applied pressure is more than enough and just right for exceptional performance. Whether you are playing with a band or producing chamber music, this ligature will be the ideal ally in every case.
Choosing the Best Ligatures for Alto, Tenor, Soprano and Baritone Saxophone
Are you looking for a saxophone ligature? Well, you just noticed that there are more than enough options out there, depending on the type and size of your instrument.
Before making a final purchase, make sure you choose well. The biggest risk when buying a ligature is to get one that is not suitable for the size of your saxophone and mouthpiece. It would be a shame to realize that the ligature is too small for your instrument or doesn’t apply a sufficient amount of pressure because it is too large.
So, this is the first thing you need to consider when shopping around for ligatures. Then, you need to decide how much money you’re willing to spend. There are ligatures that will cost you several tens of dollars or ligatures that will go beyond one hundred dollars.
Of course, the price tag is determined by the quality of materials and design of the product. As a beginner, it may not make sense to invest too much in a ligature. But, getting a good quality one will definitely matter.