With a saxophone, the mouthpiece is the most important piece of equipment, but the ligature is often overlooked. The ligature is what holds the reed to the mouthpiece, and it’s an integral part of the saxophone setup. The right ligature can help you coax the most out of your reeds, enable you to play for hours on end and help you overcome challenges like a high or low bridge. With so many options on the market, it can be difficult to know which will be the best for your needs.
To help you select the right one for you, we’ve rounded up the best tenor saxophone ligatures currently on the market.
Our Editor’s Best Tenor Saxophone Ligatures Reviews
- Brand: Rovner
- Product Code: 2R
- Assists in producing a full, centered tone
- Enjoyed especially by classical performers for its warm sound
- Most favored and top selling ligature
- Brass finish for a gold look
- 2 screws for even tightening
- Made in USA
- Designed to fit Yamaha tenor sax mouthpieces
- Will fit most standard mouthpiece brands
- Designed for tenor sax with bakelite mouthpiece.
- With adjustable screws, help to adjust the diameter of the instrument.
- Black mouthpiece Leather Ligature durable and works well. Will not scratch your mouthpiece.
- Help to hold the reed to the mouthpiece, helping to make the sound a lot better and the tone more even.
- It is a great sax accessory for both professionals and students.
- Lightweight
- Easy to set up
- Quick and symmetrical tightening with a unique double-track screw mechanism
- Inverted tightening with only two small contact points on the reed
- LC58DP plastic cap fits Vandoren rubber mouthpieces only (for Vandoren metal mouthpieces, search for LC080P)
- Quick and precise tightening
- Expression with freedom
- Pressure plates and cap available as replacements
- Achieve comfotability in dynamics and tone production in the entire range
- Keeps the reed firm on mouthpiece table
- Brand: Rovner
- Product Code: X2R
- Innovation by desire…Performance by design
- Country of Origin: UNITED STATES
The gold-plated H-Ligature & Cap for Tenor Sax was conceived as a "retro" version of the famous Harrison ligature, used by many of the worlds greatest clarinetists and saxophonists. Rico's H-ligature offers all of the sought-after features of the popular Harrison design, and each comes with Rico's unique mouthpiece cap, made of soft, overmolded plastic.
H-Ligatures feature a four-point system, which applies equal pressure to the reed. The H-ligature holds the reed firmly to the table of the mouthpiece, assuring better contact, and therefore reducing leaks along the side rails. Additional support has been added to the ligature brackets to increase durability. H-ligatures feature a two-screw, inverted design. Each H-ligature includes Rico's unique mouthpiece cap.
Since the acquisition of Rico by D'Addario & Co., Rico has strengthened its position as the global leader in woodwind reeds and accessories. Rico's state-of-the-art reed research center in Southern California employs a collaboration of agronomists, scientists, and musicians to produce top-quality reeds, including Rico Reserve premium reeds for clarinet and saxophone. Rico reeds are designed to benefit all levels of musicians, from the beginner to the seasoned professional. Many of the world's finest woodwind players perform with Rico reeds, such as Mark Nuccio, Jerry Bergonzi, Chris Potter, Benny Golson, Ernie Watts, Bob Sheppard, Henri Bok, Richie Hawley, Eric Alexander, and many more.
- Gold-plated
- Includes mouthpiece cap
- Four-point "H" system applies equal pressure
- Two-screw, inverted design
- For tenor or baritone saxophone metal mouthpieces
- Versa X model
- Made from black fabric tape
- Ligature including plastic cap
- For optimal sound control, optimises the pressure point
- Designed for Tenor Saxophone mouthpiece. Includes metal Ligature, one reed and plastic cover.
- Golden ligature with adjustable screws, help to adjust the diameter of the instrument.
- Black mouthpiece cap help to prevent chipping and breaking of the mouthpiece. Will not scratch your mouthpiece.
- The ligature can help to hold the reed to the mouthpiece, helping to make the sound a lot better and the tone more even.
- It is a great accessory for both students, beginners, and professional players.
Best Tenor Saxophone Ligatures Buying Guide
Before choosing the best tenor saxophone ligatures you should consider following options:
1. Material: There are two types of ligatures: plastic and metal. The metal ones are more durable and produce a brighter tone.
2. Brand: It’s important to consider the reputation of the brand. Some brands are known for quality while others are known for their cheap products.
3. Price: Prices vary greatly depending on the type of ligature you choose. You can get a good quality saxophone ligature for under $20.
4. Your Needs: If you’re a beginner, you don’t need to spend a lot of money on a ligature. You can find one for under $10.
On the other hand, if you’re a professional musician you need to get the best possible ligature to improve your sound.
In that case, you should consider buying the best ones on the market, which usually cost around $40-50.
What else you should know about tenor saxophone ligatures
1. What are the different types of tenor saxophone ligatures available?
There are many different types of tenor saxophone ligatures available. Some of the most popular ligatures are the Rovner, the BG, the Rousseau, and the Yamaha.
2. How do I choose the right tenor saxophone ligature for my instrument and playing style?
There is no definitive answer to this question. Different ligatures will work better or worse with different saxophones and playing styles. Ultimately, it is up to the individual saxophonist to experiment with different ligatures to find the one that works best for them.
3. What are the benefits of using a tenor saxophone ligature?
There are many benefits of using a tenor saxophone ligature, including improved intonation, better articulation, increased resonance, and a more focused sound.
4. How do I properly attach a tenor saxophone ligature to my instrument?
There is no one answer to this question as different saxophonists have different preferences for how they attach their ligatures. However, some general tips on how to properly attach a tenor saxophone ligature to your instrument include making sure that the ligature is the correct size for your saxophone mouthpiece, using the appropriate amount of pressure when attaching the ligature, and making sure that the reed is properly positioned in the mouthpiece before attaching the ligature.
5. How do I care for my tenor saxophone ligature?
The best way to care for your tenor saxophone ligature is to keep it clean and dry. You can use a soft cloth to wipe it down after each use, and be sure to dry it thoroughly before storing it. You should also check it periodically for any damage or wear, and replace it if necessary.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best tenor saxophone ligatures. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best tenor saxophone ligatures will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.