Top 17 Harrison Clarinet Ligature Trust The Answer

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Contents

What kind of ligature is best for clarinet?

The Best Rated Clarinet Ligature Reviews

Vandoren LC01P Clarinet Ligature. …
Rovner V-1R Clarinet Ligature. …
Vandoren LC21P Leather Ligature. …
Vandoren LC51BP M/O Ligature and Plastic Cap. …
D’Addario Woodwinds H-Ligature & Cap for Bb Clarinet. …
D’Addario Rico H-Ligature and Cap. …
Rovner Dark 1R Bb Clarinet Ligature.

Does ligature affect sound clarinet?

The answer is YES.

The sound is generated through the vibrations both of the mouthpiece and the reed, therefore the ligature is a key piece holding both together.

Does clarinet ligature make a difference?

Although ligatures will not yield quite as obvious of a difference as mouthpieces or clarinets, they do offer subtle differences in sound and response. Even if there is only a subtle difference in sound, many clarinetists can agree that ligatures do wonders to help improve response and focus of sound.

How do I choose a ligature?

Another important consideration when selecting a ligature is material. When sized properly, most basic metal or fabric ligatures will hold the reed perfectly fine and will enable you to produce the sound you’re looking for.

How tight should a clarinet ligature be?

The “proper” firmness of a ligature is roughly the equivalent of holding the reed with your thumb on the mouthpiece.

Does the ligature make a difference?

Yes. A decent ligature can make a sizeable difference to your sound and responsiveness from your reed and mouthpiece. When comparing between a basic brass ligature and any of the more premium products, the difference you can feel in both playability and comfortability is staggering.

Why do ligatures matter?

This ligature provides an excellent grip with very little tightening required. You can tighten this screw with just a very small amount of pressure and it still holds the reed on there well without ever slipping. It also fits a much wider range of mouthpieces.

Are Silverstein ligatures good?

The Silverstein ligature takes the string idea and brings it more up to date with a beautifully crafted and yet simple screw mechanism. This makes the ligature much easier to fit than a string lig but still allows the reed to vibrate freely. String is probably the most low tech ligature solution possible…but it works!

Does ligature matter?

No, no they don’t. The proof being that if you play long enough your reed will stick to your mouthpiece. You can take your ligature off and play without one for a while (until the pressure of your mouth pops the reed off) and you will most likely notice NO DIFFERENCE!

What does a ligature do?

A ligature holds a reed onto a mouthpiece. Saxophones and clarinets use ligatures. The reed must be secured firmly by a ligature against the table of the mouthpiece to make it vibrate freely. Ligatures are usually made of metal plated in nickel, gold, and silver.

What is the correct clarinet embouchure?

The clarinet embouchure consists of five checkpoints. The corners of your mouth, the bottom lip, the top lip, the chin and the top teeth. The corners of your mouth should be firm. Firm corners stabilize the mouthpiece and helps keep it in place.

Where does the ligature go?

A ligature is basically a clamp that holds a reed in place on the mouthpiece.

What strength clarinet reed should I use?

Beginners should start at a 1.5 or 2 and gradually work their way up to a harder reed. In some cases, clarinet reed manufacturers use “soft”, “medium”, and “hard” to label the hardness of their reeds.

Which clarinet mouthpiece is best?

Best Rated Clarinet Mouthpiece Reviews

Vandoren CM1405 BD5 Series 13 Black Diamond Ebonite Bb Clarinet Mouthpiece. …
D’Addario Reserve Bb X0. …
Vandoren CM3178 M15 Profile 88 Bb. …
Vandoren CM346 B50 Bass Clarinet Mouthpiece. …
Vandoren CM4158 M13 Lyre 13 Series Profile 88 Bb. …
Vandoren CM308 B45 Traditional Bb.

What is the purpose of a ligature on a clarinet?

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. Ligatures can also be made of rubber, leather and other materials.

How do I choose a clarinet barrel?

Most of the time, the clarinet barrel with the best resonance and focus will give the best playability. However, playing a few brief passages on the final-round barrels will reveal the best match for you and for your clarinet. Choose a slow, lyrical passage, a fast passage, and a passage with difficult articulation.

Which woodwind instruments use single reeds to assist with tone production?

The type of instruments that use a single reed are clarinets and saxophone.

Harrison Ligatures vs Rico H Ligatures for Clarinet and Saxophone

Harrison Vintage Bb Clarinet Ligatures – Standard Size, Silver and Gold-Plate (C.) – Saxalley

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The 8 Best Clarinet Ligatures In 2022

Whether you’re a beginner or more advanced, choosing the best ligature can be hard. There is so much information out there about how to choose the right one for your instrument and it gets overwhelming really fast.

To help you make sense of it all, we’ve put together a complete buying guide to walk you through everything you need to know to make a purchase, and then we’ve reviewed what we think are the best clarinet ligatures on the market.

Quick Answer: The Top Clarinet Ligatures

The Best Rated Clarinet Ligature Reviews

Before we explain what to look for when choosing clarinet reeds we’ll cover some specific models and brands that we recommend looking at when buying a clarinet ligature.

1. Vandoren LC01P Clarinet Ligature

The Vandoren LCO1P ligature has ranked among the most popular clarinet ligatures for years, dressed to impress with its sleek silver color and standing strong with a durable and well-engineered design.

Its unique, double-track screw construction lets instrumentalists tighten both sides of the reed for comfortable play and achieve a high-quality, wide-ranging sound. The ligature successfully holds the reed on the mouthpiece, resulting in improved performance.

This particular ligature comes with three pressure plates that can help you adjust your sound’s color, flexibility, and response whenever and however you please. It’s also effortless to put in and manage.

These ligatures are available for Eb through Bass clarinets as well as soprano through baritone saxophone. Each ligature package includes a plastic cap for protective purposes.

The Vandoren LCO1P seems to pair well with a hard rubber mouthpiece and is commonly recommended to students by clarinet instructors to use during practice.

2. Rovner V-1R Clarinet Ligature

Sale 192 Reviews Rovner V-1R Clarinet Ligature Brand: Rovner

Product Code: V1R

Professional ligature for both clarinet and saxophone players

The Rovner Eddie Daniels II has recently received a performance and design upgrade, now featuring a brand new cradle and enhanced gold body material. This exceptional and highly-rated ligature offers incredible tonal control and note-hitting precision on all registers.

This ligature has a metal cradle that can be adjusted to produce six separate tones, offering maximum versatility for a variety of clarinets and saxophones. Performers also benefit from no pressure points on the reed, allowing for improved clarity and a professional-grade tone.

It’s worth mentioning that this product cannot be inverted into different positions. Installation is simple, and the ligature itself is built to last – perfect for the professional performer who’s always playing and sharpening their skills.

With the Rovner V-1R ligature, players can enjoy a smooth, clear sound during play, as well as a noticeable increase in comfort level. And you can obtain this high-quality sound at an extremely affordable price.

3. Vandoren LC21P Leather Ligature

The Vandoren LC21P Leather ligature offers a modern, genuine leather design with a gorgeous handcrafted finish. Not only does it look great with its high-impact plastic exterior, but it can also significantly enhance the sound quality of your clarinet.

Players can personalize their playing style by experimenting with the three interchangeable pressure plates included in the package. Practice time and performances are even more enjoyable, as you can switch from tone to tone.

This ligature is offered in a sleek, black color and also includes pressure plates that can be used as replacements if needed and a convenient, protective cap. You can also easily and quickly adjust the screws to fit any clarinet mouthpiece you want to use.

The Vandoren LC21P is compatible with the Vandoren V16 A6 mouthpiece but may not fit all mouthpieces. Overall, this sturdy ligature is built for professional use.

4. Vandoren LC51BP M/O Ligature and Plastic Cap

This more delicate ligature is available in a smooth, black finish and includes a handy plastic cap for protection. Its lightweight design makes for easy installation and a straightforward, user-friendly setup.

This particular ligature offers inverted tightening using only two small contact points on the reed. The double-track screw system allows for quick and easy tightening, which is terrific for professional and amateur clarinet players alike.

Performers can select from a variety of colors such as gold, silver, black, and pewter. Be aware that this ligature may not fit all mouthpieces, but it’s compatible with the Vandoren M15 mouthpiece.

Those who opt for the Vandoren LC51BP ligature will benefit from warm, sweet sounds and improved play in all registers, even after the first use. Many customers find it’s much easier to play the clarinet when using this impressive ligature, and of course, enjoy the fantastic sound quality.

5. D’Addario Woodwinds H-Ligature & Cap for Bb Clarinet

It’s important to note that this ligature should only be installed on a Bb clarinet, as it will not work correctly on other kinds. The D’Addario Woodwinds H-Ligature stems from the famous Harrison ligature model, which has been used by a variety of well-known clarinetists and saxophonists around the world.

Customers can choose from either a silver or gold color with the retro-style D’Addario Woodwinds H-Ligature. When you purchase this ligature, you receive a unique, over-molded, plastic mouthpiece cap and two screws intended for inversion.

This ligature features a unique four-point system, which works to apply even pressure on the reed and hold it in place. As a result, players can experience improved contact and sound quality. This design also reduces leaks that often occur on the side rails, enhancing tonal clarity.

Professional musicians and amateurs can reap this impressive clarinet ligature’s benefits and enhance their playing capabilities tremendously.

6. D’Addario Rico H-Ligature and Cap

The D’Addario Rico H-Ligature is made especially for Bb clarinets and features a robust, gold-plated exterior. As with the D’Addario Woodwinds H-Ligature, this product includes a unique mouthpiece cap and offers a two-screw, inverted design for pristine tone.

The innovative, four-point “H” system spreads pressure across the reed for better contact for the player and a higher-quality overall sound during practice and performance. The manufacturer also recently added ligature brackets to offer extra support and lengthen this product’s lifespan, which is beneficial for those who perform regularly and practice often.

This ligature fits many metal link style mouthpieces and can be a solid upgrade option for professionals and beginners. Many famous musicians have utilized this popular ligature, from Chris Potter and Ernie Watts to Eric Alexander and Henri Bok.

In sum, the well-known D’Addario Rico H-Ligature offers excellent vibration, incredible durability, and substantial sound improvement, all at a low price.

7. Rovner Dark 1R Bb Clarinet Ligature

Sale 836 Reviews Rovner Dark 1R Bb Clarinet Ligature and Cap Assists in producing a full, centered tone

Enjoyed especially by classical performers for its warm sound

Ligatures hold the reed to the mouthpiece with no pressure points

The Rovner Dark 1R ligature is only available in black and is also among the cheapest ligature options on this list; however, it doesn’t compromise its quality for the price. Players will notice a comfortable feel, as this ligature does not hold the reed to the mouthpiece with pressure points.

We recommend this particular ligature for classical performers, as its strength is producing warmer, full, and centered sounds. The lack of pressure points on the reed results in a beautiful and clear tone.

This ligature is also one of the most commonly used and top-selling ligatures for the Rovner brand, as it’s incredibly user-friendly and one of the best options for beginner players. It can easily be compared to the vintage string ligatures of earlier days.

The Rovner Dark 1R ligature works well on the Selmer C85 mouthpiece but can adapt to a variety of shapes and sizes. It also includes a protective cap.

8. Selmer 1719 Nickel Clarinet Ligature

598 Reviews Selmer 1719 Nickel Clarinet Ligature package height : 19.9 cm

package length : 3.6 cm

package width : 9.5 cm

The Selmer 1719 Nickel Clarinet ligature is also one of the cheapest ligatures we’ve discussed. This ligature comes in either the nickel or limited edition styles and is surprisingly durable for the inexpensive price.

As a note of caution, plastic mouthpieces will not work with this product. We advise using a hard rubber mouthpiece. Also, be careful not to overtighten the screws, as they can break off if tightened too much. This may not be the best option for a professional, as the sound quality may be lower than desired.

This ligature is a great replacement option for broken or poorly-functioning ligatures. Using a 3 ½ Rico or 3 Vandoren mouthpiece may be a better fit.

There’s really nothing fancy about this ligature; it simply does its job without any bonus features. Beginner to intermediate performers can benefit from the decent sound enhancement and easy-to-use nature of the Selmer 1719.

How to Choose a Clarinet Ligature: A Buyer’s Guide

Although it is one of the smallest parts of the clarinet, the ligature is one of the most important parts.

As you hopefully already know, the ligature is a round device that holds the reed to the mouthpiece.

The placement of the ligature over the reed and the amount of pressure that the ligature places on the reed determine how much the reed can vibrate, which impacts the sound quality.

It is therefore important to choose the right ligature for you and your instrument.

What is a Ligature?

A ligature is a piece of musical equipment that secures a reed onto an instrument’s mouthpiece.

The goal of a clarinet ligature (and ligatures for other single-reed instruments like saxophones) is to press the reed tightly against the mouthpiece while simultaneously allowing the reed to vibrate and produce sound.

Types of Ligatures for Different Instruments

Lots of instruments use reeds and therefore ligatures, ligatures are not one-size-fits-all. You want to make sure to choose a ligature for your particular instrument.

This is because each instrument type has slightly differently sized and shaped reeds and mouthpieces.

A clarinet, for example, requires a very different ligature than a saxophone. Even within the clarinet family, there are subtle differences.

The B flat clarinet ligature is smaller than the bass clarinet ligature and larger than the E flat clarinet ligature.

Even though ligatures tighten and loosen, one meant for one type of instrument will never produce the desired sound with another type of instrument.

Ligature Materials

The earliest ligatures were simply string wound around the reed and mouthpiece. Today, ligatures come in a wide range of materials at a wide range of prices.

Each material type has pros and cons, but finding the right ligature for you is very similar to finding the right pair of shoes.

They can look great and feel great on one person but not on another.

Sometimes you have to play trial and error a little bit until you find the ligature that produces the best sound for your instrument and preferred reeds.

Since each material produces a slightly unique tone quality, many professional-level clarinetists keep several different ligatures on hand to change their sound based on the needs of distinct pieces and solos passages.

Plastic

Plastic ligatures are some of the least expensive options, ranging between $10 and $15.

These softer ligatures allow the ligature to form more exactly to the shapes of the reeds and mouthpieces, providing more even pressure for a more even sound.

The downside of the softness of even the nicest plastic ligatures is that they place less pressure on the reed, making it more difficult to create a deep and rich tone.

Plastic ligatures are therefore best for more experienced clarinetists with more developed embouchures who know how to create this sound with their lips.

Metal

Metal ligatures come in the widest range of materials and prices.

Materials include nickel, copper, silver, rose gold, and gold, and the prices increase along this spectrum from about $10 for the least expensive nickel options up to over $100 for the finest pure gold ligatures.

Nickel is a great affordable option for beginners as it’s a reliably sturdy medal that will hold steady pressure on the reed and allow the new player to focus on fingering and introductory embouchure skills.

The more precious the metal, the softer the material.

For more expert clarinetists, what is great about this is that these ligatures form to the reed and mouthpiece similarly to the plastic options, but still produce the depth and richness in tone characteristic of the metal.

Vandoren is the leading brand for metal ligatures.

One downside of any metal ligature is that they are less durable than plastic options, susceptible to bending in the softer metals and corroding in the nickel.

Metal ligatures also more easily damage the reeds if tightened just a little too much.

Leather

Leather ligatures have been gaining popularity among clarinetists. Proponents of the leather ligature like the even pressure offered by its full wraparound design.

They feel the leather ligature produces a rounder sound in comparison with both metal and plastic ligatures.

They also have faster responsiveness, which means how quickly the clarinet moves from a lower to a higher register or vice versa without that infamous squeak and other warped sounds.

Since responsiveness is a quality needed for more advanced pieces, leather ligatures are typically better choices for intermediate through professional level clarinetists.

Rovner and Ishimori are popular brands for leather ligatures among leather ligature enthusiasts.

One drawback is that leather ligatures, like anything made of leather, require a care regime to keep them from cracking.

Even if they are properly cared for, their lifespan is shorter than that of metal or plastic ligatures.

At between $25 and over $100 each, the leather ligature is a bit more of an investment.

At the upper end of this spectrum are leather ligatures that include a metal or plastic reed plate, which combines the values of both types of materials.

Wooden

The last type are wooden ligatures which are uncommon and unconventional, but those who choose them love them.

Made of one solid cylindrical piece of wood, these ligatures require no tightening of screws.

They are durable, and they produce a characteristically warm tone that most clarinets are always striving to achieve from this woodwind instrument.

They also have the fastest degree of responsiveness between registers.

At over $100, these ligatures are expensive, and since you can’t manipulate them at all, they should really be custom-made to each individual clarinet.

Encore and Roberto’s Winds are the most popular makers of the wooden ligature.

Given that there is little opportunity for ligature adjustment and placement needs to be so specific, wooden ligatures are best for more professional clarinets with dynamic embouchure skills.

Plates and Rails

Two aspects common to most plastic and metal ligatures, and therefore the majority of commonly used ligatures, are the plates and rails.

The plate is the part that lies directly over the reed, and the rails are the parts that extend horizontally around the ligature to hold it to the mouthpiece.

Sometimes the rails extend across the reed rather than there being a reed plate at all.

There are many different configurations of plates and rails.

Each affects the reed’s vibrations differently and requires a different amount of tightening.

For example, two rails that extend across the reed will allow for more reed vibration than a reed plate, which can produce a louder and brighter sound, but also requires a more specific amount of pressure from the screws to prevent bending or cutting into the reed and warping the sound.

The skill level and preference will determine the construct of the ligature’s rails and plate that work best for you.

Inverted vs Standard Screws

Ligatures with standard screws have the screws placed over the reed, while those with inverted screws have them placed over the front of the mouthpiece.

The main difference between the two is that the inverted screws allow the reed to vibrate more freely since the pressure is applied at the front of the mouthpiece and therefore more evenly distributed among the reed plate or back rails.

On the other hand, some clarinetists like the ability to control the pressure directly to the reed through standard screws. This choice is therefore a matter of preference.

Most beginner ligatures have standard screws in order to help novice players achieve the desired pressure until they learn how to change it through their embouchure.

How Climate Affects Ligatures

While climate does not necessarily need to be a determining factor in your ligature choice, it should be a consideration.

Leather and wooden ligatures are susceptible to shrinking and warping if exposed to too much moisture.

If you are playing often in a humid climate or one where the atmosphere shifts frequently, these ligatures may not last as long and will certainly require a great deal more adjusting on your part to maintain the desired amount of pressure on the reed.

Remember that humidity will make the reed swell and soften too, which requires you to loosen the ligature accordingly regardless of its material.

Always check the temperature and humidity levels of new rehearsal and concert locations in order to prepare for how you will need to adjust your ligature throughout the process.

How to Use a Ligature

Regardless of what type of ligature you choose, creating the ideal sound begins with using it correctly.

The first rule of thumb is to never unscrew the ligature fully or tighten it completely. All this does is make it more difficult for you to find its proper tightness each time.

For all but the wooden ligatures, properly place the reed first, and then loosen the ligature just enough to slide over the reed and mouthpiece.

If you have two screws, gradually alternate turns between the two rather than tightening one completely and then the other.

You will know when you have achieved desired tightness when the reed stays in place but the ligature is not cutting into the reed.

This is especially important for metal and plastic ligatures and leather ligatures with reed plates.

For wooden ligatures, turn them slowly with gentle downward pressure until it stops.

If you have a ligature with screws, never place inverted screws over the reed and vice versa.

The screws of standard ligatures are specially designed to go over the reed, and the plates and rails of inverted ligatures are designed the same way.

For more information check out our guide to changing a clarinet reed here.

Choosing a Ligature

Choosing the right ligature is a fun part of being a clarinet player.

Your choice of ligature will likely change over time, as you expand your skillset and dabble in different genres of music that require different tone qualities.

You might find yourself collecting different ligatures that you use for different occasions.

Return to this guide each time you find yourself wondering if you are ready to expand your ligature collection or progress to a new level.

Conclusion: Which One Should You Buy?

Your choice of ligature certainly depends on your skill level.

Are you a seasoned clarinetist or a beginner? Once you determine where you stand, it’ll be much easier to find the right ligature for you.

If you’re a beginner on a budget, we’d highly recommend the Rovner Dark 1R Bb.

It has stellar five-star reviews and had nearly perfect ratings for beginners, ease of use, sound quality, and value for money.

On the other hand, professionals and more seasoned performers may want to go for the Vandoren LC01P for its outstanding track record, durability, versatility, and remarkable sound quality.

How does a ligature affect the sound ?

Every BG Ligature provides a distinct sound for each situation and style of music

1.-Every BG Ligature provides a distinct sound for each situation and style of music

Musicians frequently ask: Can a ligature really influence the sound of my instrument?. Can a small metal or synthetic piece change the color, the projection or the sound?

The answer is YES. The sound is generated through the vibrations both of the mouthpiece and the reed, therefore the ligature is a key piece holding both together.

The vibrations between the mouthpiece, the ligature and the reed make the notes easier, cleaner and faster to articulate.

The ligature helps the musician to articulate the notes.

The material (metal or synthetic), its density, plating, the point of pressure on reed and many other factors are all decisive when talking about the color of the sound and it’s projection.

It suffices to make a simple comparison: if we hit our leg with our hand, we will create a dampened sound, if we hit a table with our hand, we will create a cleaner-brighter sound.

The same thing happens when talking about the existing relation between the ligature and the sound that we are going to obtain. The leather ligature or synthetic leather provide a rounder sound while the metal ligature helps us obtain higher volume and projection in the sound.

These days musicians must have more than one ligature since they will need a different kind of ligature depending on their work or the situation they are in. It is not the same to perform in a small concert hall or in a big auditorium. The needs of a soloist are different than when performing in an ensemble, whether the style is jazz or classical. Every BG Ligature provides a distinct sound for each situation and style of music.

Choosing the ligature will depend on the sound that the musician desires, the music he is playing or the auditorium where the concert takes place.

BG has studied the acoustics and the behavior of the materials since 1985.

BG’s ligatures provide a balanced sound in all registers.

Today, all musicians need to have more than one ligature as every ligature satisfies specific needs.

2.- How to choose a ligature

For a long time it was thought that the ligature was to maintain pressure against the mouthpiece. Nowadays, we know that this is false and that both the mouthpiece and the ligature slightly vibrate, having an important role in the creation, projection and color of the sound.

Each BG ligature provides a different sound for each moment. Therefore, the process of choosing the ligature is extremely important.

Try different BG ligature models. It is important to remember that the ligatures made out of synthetic leather are preferred when playing in small concert rooms, chamber music, bands and orchestra, etc..

On the other hand, metal ligatures are preferred when playing in big rooms, as a soloist, and during those times when you need more volume.

In addition, no matter the model, the presence of gold (plated gold) in the ligatures make the results even better.

All BG ligatures are handmade in France, under strict tolerances (weight, metal surface, design, etc ). All designs are registered.

1. Play music that you know well with your own ligature first to create your sound reference in the room where you are testing.

2. Under the same conditions, change only one parameter or component at a time and test the new ligature for smoothness in transition between registers, consistent volume and its sound quality in the lower, middle, and upper ranges.

3. At the same time, listen for the subtle differences when playing pianissimo and fortissimo passages.

4. Test how easily you can play staccato.

5. If possible, it is always better to play test with another player who knows your regular sound and can assist you to appreciate the following 3 key points: a-) How you feel while playing b.-) what you hear when you play and c.-) what the audience hears.

6. Try various ligature models. Different types of ligatures meet differing requirements.

Remember: “The best ligature is the one that fits you” – Franck Bichon.

5/ One ligature for each situation & style of music

Every musician must have several ligatures because every BG ligature provides a different sound for each situation and type of music.

In Fabric Ligatures, the presence of the metal on the base plate increases the brightness and the projection of the sound. With just a rubber base, the warm sound is strengthened. Each ligature satisfies specific needs.

Metal ligatures are perfect for big concert halls and for soloists that need more sound. Gold plated provides a bigger response and a rounder sound. Fabric ligatures are recommended for small rooms or when looking for a more intimate sound. They are perfect for ensemble works.

It is recommended that the musician who normally uses metal ligatures changes to fabric ligatures when…

– performing in smaller rooms

– looking for a more intimate sound

It is recommended that the musician who normally uses fabric ligatures changes to metal ligatures when…

– more sound is needed but with the same effort

– a brighter sound is required

– projecting more is necessary

– performing in bigger rooms

Let’s Talk About Ligatures: The Complete Guide

For such a simple piece of clarinet equipment, there certainly are quite a few options!

Let’s talk about ligatures for a bit. Sometimes, they’re overshadowed by the almighty mouthpiece (for good reason – we’ll discuss mouthpieces in another blog post). While the humble clarinet ligature may be tiny, it’s absolutely essential for clarinetists, even beyond its primary function of holding the reed on the mouthpiece.

Before we get into the specifics, it’s time to dispel a common myth – ligatures absolutely make a difference in your sound and response. Many clarinetists believe that ligatures won’t make a discernible difference in sound, but this isn’t the case. Although ligatures will not yield quite as obvious of a difference as mouthpieces or clarinets, they do offer subtle differences in sound and response. Even if there is only a subtle difference in sound, many clarinetists can agree that ligatures do wonders to help improve response and focus of sound.

Read on (or more aptly put, reed on) to find out more about the ligature.

Although ligatures have been around since the development of the clarinet at the end of the 17th century, it wasn’t until the 20th century that ligatures became manufactured on a large scale, thanks in part to the industrial revolution. Before this, clarinetists would use string, twine, or other materials to hold the reed in place on the mouthpiece. Now, ligatures are readily available and come in a variety of designs, materials, and specifications.

When comparing ligatures, there are two principal differences among brands, models, and designs:

Point(s) of contact with the reed and mouthpiece. More simply put, how much of the ligature comes into contact with the reed and mouthpiece, and where these contact points occur. Some ligatures are shaped uniformly and come into equal contact around the entire mouthpiece/reed combo, while others have more material on the reed and are sparsely cut to limit contact with the mouthpiece. Different points of contact create different responses, and clarinetists can notice how these contact points result in different sounds and responses. Something that will affect the points of contact is how many screws a ligature has – ligatures can have 0-2 screws (and they can have even more, but this is usually counterproductive). Material. Typically, ligatures are made from metal, leather, plastic, string, and other materials. The material from which a ligature is made does make a difference in the ligature sound and response. For example, the various Vandoren M/O ligatures are the same design, but they come in a variety of different finishes, such as gold, pink gold, pewter, silver, and others, all of which have a different sound and feel. Think of it like this: if you were to drop a coin on different surfaces (linoleum, brick, carpet, etc), it would sound different due to the material it came into contact with. The material and finishing do make a difference in ligatures, so be sure to consider this when you are testing ligatures.

Once you’ve got the basics, there is another factor to consider – traditional or inverted models:

The basic rule for ligatures is that the screw(s) are always on your right. There are two main types of ligatures:

Traditional . Traditional ligatures are those whose screw(s) are on the reed (bottom) side of the mouthpiece, closer to your lower teeth and lip.

. Traditional ligatures are those whose screw(s) are on the reed (bottom) side of the mouthpiece, closer to your lower teeth and lip. Inverted. Inverted ligatures are those whose screw(s) are on the mouthpiece emblem (upper) side of the mouthpiece, closer to your top teeth and lip.

How do you choose the best ligature? Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Make sure it stays in place. One of the most common ligature complaints I hear from clarinetists is that their ligature slides around, especially when they switch clarinets in orchestral settings. Besides potentially scratching the mouthpiece (depending on the material of the ligature), this also means that you would have to readjust your reed every time your ligature is out of place. When purchasing a new ligature, make sure it stays in place and does not scratch the mouthpiece. (You can test this by carefully removing the mouthpiece, reed, and ligature all at once to see if it moves.)

One of the most common ligature complaints I hear from clarinetists is that their ligature slides around, especially when they switch clarinets in orchestral settings. Besides potentially scratching the mouthpiece (depending on the material of the ligature), this also means that you would have to readjust your reed every time your ligature is out of place. When purchasing a new ligature, make sure it stays in place and does not scratch the mouthpiece. (You can test this by carefully removing the mouthpiece, reed, and ligature all at once to see if it moves.) Consider versatile ligatures. Some ligatures, such as the Vandoren Optimum, come with removable plates so you can switch up your sound. Each plate has a different design and contact points (and other ligature models even have plates made from different materials), and using different plates will make a difference in sound and response. Using these can offer more customization and are like getting multiple ligatures in one.

Some ligatures, such as the Vandoren Optimum, come with removable plates so you can switch up your sound. Each plate has a different design and contact points (and other ligature models even have plates made from different materials), and using different plates will make a difference in sound and response. Using these can offer more customization and are like getting multiple ligatures in one. Break in your new ligature. When purchasing a new ligature, make sure to follow any recommended break in processes. Some ligatures, such as those with more pliable material, might have break in processes which help the ligature form to your mouthpiece, allowing for a better sound and response over time. When purchasing a new ligature, be sure to ask the ligature’s manufacturer if they have any recommended break-in processes.

When purchasing a new ligature, make sure to follow any recommended break in processes. Some ligatures, such as those with more pliable material, might have break in processes which help the ligature form to your mouthpiece, allowing for a better sound and response over time. When purchasing a new ligature, be sure to ask the ligature’s manufacturer if they have any recommended break-in processes. Don’t be afraid to switch things up. You might decide that one ligature works better in jazz settings, whereas you prefer another in chamber music. It’s always a good idea to have options so you can freely express yourself in a variety of musical styles.

Ligature tips

If you use a metal ligature, be extra cautious not to chip the reed or mouthpiece tip. ( Spoiler alert : the ligature usually wins that battle). Always put the ligature on before the reed to avoid chipped reeds.

: the ligature usually wins that battle). Always put the ligature on before the reed to avoid chipped reeds. Never try to force a ligature to fit on a mouthpiece. Using excess pressure can scratch the mouthpiece, strip the ligature screws, and possibly bend or damage the ligature itself. Once the ligature is in place, make sure you tighten the screw(s) so the ligature stays in place but isn’t like a vice grip. ( Keep in mind that different mouthpieces have different circumferences, so you might need to adjust the ligature if you are using it on a different mouthpiece.)

that different mouthpieces have different circumferences, so you might need to adjust the ligature if you are using it on a different mouthpiece.) When loosening the screws, be sure not to remove them entirely, as many can be difficult to reinsert.

If you strip a screw, lose a plate, or have another faulty ligature component, many companies will allow you to order a replacement part.

I hope these ligature tips help you along your musical journey. As always, happy practicing!

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