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
- DARK LIGATURE. Great for players seeking an easy-to-use, multi-genre ligature. This is considered the "go-to" ligature for music educators.
- DARK WARM AND CENTERED SOUND. The Dark Ligature provides warm and resonant sound and assists in producing a full, centered tone designed for many musicians.
- DURABILITY & LONGEVITY. Rovner's flexible and durable construction ensures ease of installation, a secure & adjustable fit with fastener, and long-lasting performance for all musicians.
- INCLUDES PROTECTIVE CAP. Protect your ligature with the included plastic cap to safeguard it from elements and damage when you are not using it.
- COMPATIBILITY & VERSATILITY. We offer a variety of woodwind ligatures to fit various clarinets and saxophones, helping all woodwind players achieve the sound and comfort they are looking for.
- 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.
- 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
- 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
- VERSA LIGATURE. The variable Versa is the high-performance predecessor to the Next Generation Versa-X. Jazz and classical players alike will appreciate the Versa's ability to personalize their sound.
- BIG RICH SOUND. This ligature is ideal for the player seeking to fine-tune the ligature's responsiveness and tonal qualities. A favorite for professional players.
- DURABILITY & LONGEVITY. Rovner's flexible and durable construction ensures ease of installation, a secure & adjustable fit with fastener, and long-lasting performance for all musicians.
- INCLUDES PROTECTIVE CAP. Protect your ligature with the included plastic cap to safeguard it from elements and damage when you are not using it.
- COMPATIBILITY & VERSATILITY. We offer a variety of woodwind ligatures to fit various clarinets and saxophones, helping all woodwind players achieve the sound and comfort they are looking for.
- 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)
- PLATINUM LIGATURE. Initially preferred by classical players for its pleasing tonal characteristics, the Platinum is also enjoying a surge of interest from jazz players excited to explore its enhanced tonal spectrum.
- PURE AND MODERATLEY DARK TONE. Rovner's first all-metal ligature is a great selection for any player seeking the ultimate in tonal purity and clarity.
- DURABILITY & LONGEVITY. Rovner's flexible and durable construction ensures ease of installation, a secure & adjustable fit with fastener, and long-lasting performance for all musicians.
- INCLUDES PROTECTIVE CAP. Protect your ligature with the included plastic cap to safeguard it from elements and damage when you are not using it.
- COMPATIBILITY & VERSATILITY. We offer a variety of woodwind ligatures to fit various clarinets and saxophones, helping all woodwind players achieve the sound and comfort they are looking for.
- Quick and precise tightening
- Expression with freedom
- Pressure plates and cap available as replacements
- Comes with three pressure plates designed to customize your playing
- Made from high impact plastic
- Optimized Performance: Elevate your Tenor Saxophone play with CashBeat's professional-grade ligature, designed for optimal reed contact and consistent sound quality, enhancing your musical expression.
- Superior Craftsmanship: Experience the fusion of durability and elegance with our ligature's high-quality processing and satin-like finish, ensuring long-lasting use and a touch of sophistication.
- Precision Fit: Customize your fit with precision-engineered adjustable screws, providing a tailored grip for your Tenor Saxophone's diameter, ensuring a secure and stable reed placement for every performance.
- Gentle on Instruments: The CashBeat ligature's soft, synthetic leather construction safeguards your mouthpiece against scratches while offering a firm hold for reliable functionality and protection.
- Consistent Tone Production: Achieve a more uniform tone with our ligature's reed-friendly design, which maintains optimal pressure and alignment, allowing for clearer sound projection and balanced intonation.
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.