Bay v.s.Vandoren Optimum

**January8472** · 12-22-2011, 06:00 AM

I am currently looking in to buying a new ligature, tomorrow in fact. My decision is torn between the Bay, and the Vandoren Optimum. I have tested an Optimum and I really liked how it changed my sound (much darker than a stock lig). But a sax professor I know, put Bay at the top of his list. I know I should probably test the 2 of them tomorrow, but I would like to hear some 2nd opinions on the matter. I'm using a Selmer S80 C* mouthpiece.

Thanks!

**nitrosax** · 12-22-2011, 07:12 AM

+1 for BAY

**lhoffman** · 12-22-2011, 08:17 AM

Don't get a Bay if you're not careful with your equipment. They're fragile.

**January8472** · 12-22-2011, 09:05 AM

jjj

**January8472** · 12-22-2011, 09:26 AM

Is it better than an Optimum? My sax professor called them "tinfoil" but on his list he put them above an Optimum. I play a Yamaha Custom EX sax so any and all equipment that go with it I am VERY careful with! I love my saxophone too much to let anything happen to it

If it is better than an Optimum then I will buy it and try to be SUPER careful with it. I just want something with a better tone.

**Joe Jazz** · 12-22-2011, 11:34 AM

Both are good. I don't think I ever noticed enough of a difference between them sound wise to say one is better than the other. If you are looking for a better tone, your lig may not be the place to look....

**awholley** · 12-22-2011, 03:33 PM

I own both. They are both good. I play the Bay, but mainly because it does not slip around on my mouthpieces. I also find the Bay to have a vaguely more controlled feel for some reason. You may or may not like that if you even experience it. And yes, they are indeed fragile when off the mouthpiece or when seriously over-tightened, but I have only experienced one failing through abuse by constant over-tightening on a mouthpiece that was slightly too small in circumference for a good fit.

If you looking for a freer, more robust sound/feel, you might also test a Vandoren Masters or M/O, which are similar to one of the Optimum plates, but have far less mass at the reed.

As stated in the post above, the differences are minimal, which is why I went with the one that slips the least on my mouthpiece. I am likely the only one who can actually hear any effect at all of the various ligatures on my sound.

**Mikeysaxcat** · 12-22-2011, 10:38 PM

Both are great ligatures and pricey so your stuck between a rock and a hard place. So, what I would do is buy both test them and just sell what does'nt work for you. Good luck.

sent from Mikey's Super Inspire 4G

**semajhs** · 12-23-2011, 12:00 AM

If you liked the optimum and were torn between it and the Bay the new M|O is something you should seriously consider.

JL · 12-23-2011, 01:37 AM

Originally Posted by Joe Jazz

If you are looking for a better tone, your lig may not be the place to look....

Man, ain't that the TRUTH! But you'll never convince the 'true believers' that a lig has nothing to do with their tone.

**Dr G** · 12-23-2011, 02:59 AM

I use a vintified vintage Selmer 2-screw lig.

I've got a Optimum, Francois Louis, and Bay in the drawer.

**Joe Jazz** · 12-23-2011, 03:21 AM

Originally Posted by Dr G

I use a vintified vintage Selmer 2-screw lig.

I've got a Optimum, Francois Louis, and Bay in the drawer.

Must make for some lumpy drawers

!

**Atonal** · 12-23-2011, 01:52 PM

I own both. They both hold the reed on the mouthpiece, which is the job of any ligature. The Bay is a little more secure, but as mentioned above is more fragile as well. Neither ligature changes my tone nor do I notice a tonal difference between the 3 plates of the Optimum ligature. YMMV.

**Dave Dolson** · 12-23-2011, 05:38 PM

My experience with the Optimum was the same as Atonal . . . all three plates were the same. Like Dr G, mine is in my drawers (OUCH!). I had a Bay clarinet lig and it broke. The old Selmer metal two-screw is the one I keep coming back to . . . DAVE

**awholley** · 12-24-2011, 02:16 PM

I also concur about the three plates not affecting my sound.

My preference was for the plate with two raised lines at the front and back of the reed, which is the same pattern as the Master's and M/0 Vandorens. My theory (and that's all it is) is that the crosswise pressure might help keep moisture from getting to the table and warping the reed at the table (which produces response problems and bad seal on the mouthpiece).

**CarlHeanerd** · 12-26-2011, 04:47 PM

Pick the one that fits the mouthpiece the best, or rather, has the bands parallel to the reed and table.

I personally like Vandorens very much, but the Bays are another popular choice.