The Best Ligature for Alto Saxophone: Comparison Review
Disclosure: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to me at no cost to you if you decide to purchase. This site is not intended to provide financial advice and is for entertainment only.
In this blog I am going to explain my personal experience of the difference between these two alto saxophone ligatures and its major effect on the reed’s vibrations.
In their simple design, these leather ligatures either include 1 metal plate while the other does not include a steel plate.
These ligatures might look similar with similar adjustable screws, however, they are completely different ligatures.
The Best Ligature for Alto Saxophone
The very best saxophone ligatures come with interchangeable pressure plates that work to strategically support the reed.
I'll show you an up close view on a hard rubber saxophone mouthpiece right now!
So, here you can see how the steel plate provides the reed with two different pressure plates or contact points on which to vibrate.
Steel plated ligature
So it doesn't smother out the reed or the player's sound, it provides a structure (most important factor) for the reed to play its best.
It is my personal preference to have a ligature that has one adjustment screw in the design of the ligature to speed up the setup process. Also makes for easy adjustment.
Non-Steel plated ligature
This ligature however, smothers the reed with its secure grip and doesn't really give the reed a living chance to perform at its best.
It doesn't have specific pressure points, rather, it's like taking duct tape to your saxophone reed.
For best results, don't tighten the ligature too tight in either case, which is a key factor. Learning precise tightening comes with time.
Worthless Ligatures
Saxophone instructors and experienced players like myself think its a good idea for this ligature to go in the trash.
As you can probably guess, many more saxophone players prefer the steel plated ligature as opposed to the non-steel plated ligature.
This is because these ligatures are fundamentally different ligatures.
However, they probably look really similar, they're just completely different ligatures.
Now, if you are using either one of these ligatures, especially the non-steel plated ligature, make sure you don't screw down too tightly this ligature or else you're smothering out your sound and just squandering your reed.
The Eddie Daniels Rovner Versa Ligature
This is why I highly recommend this ultimate ligature:
The Eddie Daniels Rovner Versa ligature. You will notice a huge difference in different sounds and overall feel.
Especially, as opposed to non-steel plated rubber ligatures like what I described earlier.
Watch my Alto Saxophone Ligature Comparison and Review Video
Attention Alto Saxophone Players!
If you're interested in trying out different ligatures go ahead and click on the link below and support this blog.
For me, it was a good choice to get it; I hope this will help you find the right ligature for you.
So thank you very much and let me know what you think what I've found to be the best alto saxophone ligature!
Related:
How to Choose the Right Saxophone Mouthpiece
Keilwerth Saxophones: The Best of the Best?
Sax Mic: One of the Best Microphones for Saxophone
Disclosure: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to me at no cost to you if you decide to purchase. This site is not intended to provide financial advice and is for entertainment only.