Can the ligature on a saxophone have a big impact on the tone/sound?

Question

I play an Alto Saxophone. Recently I bought a Rovner rubber ligature for it and noticed a drastic improvement in tone/sound. So I probably answered my question already but would like to confirm it.

I have always used the standard ligature - aluminum/metal with two screws - and was blown away with the drastic improvement I got with the Rovner.

Thanks

Answer 1

pros buy quality gear for a reason,....as you just found out!

Answer 2

The ligature will have a significant impact on your sound, as you have certainly discovered. You will notice an especially large difference between rubber/cloth ligatures and metal ligatures, as you have done.

This is because different materials will have a different "hold" onto the bottom of the reed, as softer more elastic materials allow the reed to vibrate and "wiggle" much more at the bottom of the reed, buffering out more of the harsh overtones in a bad sax sound. The result is a more pleasing, more advanced and dark, warm tone that is very consistent, which is very appropriate for playing in a concert band, symphonic band and in any classical saxophone playing.

However, a really good metal ligature can also have desirable effects on your sound, depending on what you like. If you play in a jazz band, you might prefer a brighter and more "cutting" sax sound, but this is all personal preference, as some see the sound as too harsh. A metal ligature may also be more appropriate for playing in marching band, as tone quality isn't really important there. Because the metal prevents and seals off a lot of the vibrations at the bottom of the reed, you will get more volume and more punch needed in an outdoor marching band (at the sacrifice of warm tone, of course).

Also remember that with both metal and rubber/cloth ligatures  you can further change your sound by loosening or tightening the screws. Loosening can make a metal ligature darker sounding, as well as soft ligatures. Tightening a soft ligature can also improve the response/ease-of-playing of the reed. It's all a crazy balancing act.

Hope that all helps understand what the ligature can do for you. *highfreeknfive* for choosing to play the freekn awesomest instrument ever.