purpose of ligature?

[Bluemilk262]

what are ligatures for? besides holding the reed on the mouthpiece. do different ones make you sound better and stuff?[/u]

[Joseph Boucher]

Yup.

[Paul S]

absolutely....

the reed is THE most important part of the saxophone - the sound starts here. anything that touches the reed and creates the connection/seal with the mouthpiece is going to have an effect. material, pressure, placement - all have an effect. I was sceptical initially, but hearing is believing :)

the good news is that there are many great ligature choices out there - let us know what u play and what you're looking for in your sound and you'll doubtless get a dozen good suggestions. Just don't get too hung up on it........actually I should modify my first statement.... YOU are the the most important part of the saxophone - seriously! ;)

good luck

[Mike Ruhl]

The effect of a good ligature is to enhance the responsiveness of the reed, not necessarily "improve your sound". The most noticeable effects are better response in the extreme upper and lower registers, and articulation is easier.