As a middle school and high school band director, I purchase Rovner ligatures. If a kid drops them or steps on them, they still work. I think over time, they are more cost effective. I have ligatures over twenty years old that are still in use.

For about 10 years, I went through the hand tied piece of string, boot lace or shoelace phase. It really works, and now I understand why the German clarinets did this on their Wurlitzer clarinets from the 1890's to today, using silk waxed cord.

This channel is soooo underrated, you NEED to get big!!!!

@drwallysax

4 жыл бұрын

Awww Juan, that's incredibly kind. Thanks man!

I just got a leather Rovner that I am liking and it was only $24. I love this channel! I'm 47 and just getting back into playing after almost 30 years.

To be honest this isn’t just informative it’s content for everyone that has humor and plays sax. Good job bro

I need to try some new socks!

@drwallysax

4 жыл бұрын

Blue for jazz and black for classical. Athletic socks are for funk/fusion only.

@ldever3

3 жыл бұрын

@@drwallysax No, you got that all wrong. It depends on the material the socks are made from. Wool has a nice dark sound. Cotton can be bright. Synthetic socks sound thin. Also don't wear them too tight, they become less responsive.

@kevindeibert3369

3 жыл бұрын

hmm, socks for sax ! Then you can turn them inside out and use them again !

My best ligature is a Vandoren Optimum, which I use for my tenor Berg Larsen mouthpiece. It came with a used soprano hard rubber mouthpiece from ebay. But it suits the tenor mouthpiece perfectly, it sits firmly and steadily, and it is quickly mounted, adjusted and removed.

Great video! I love the quality, humour and knowledge you give.

@drwallysax

4 жыл бұрын

I appreciate that!

@sitarnut

3 жыл бұрын

I'm 76, been trying to play and sound like Paul Desmond for decades... Dr. Wally is the best person I've ever seen, or heard talk good common sense about the joys and problems of performing on Saxophone. He's more fun than any teacher I ever had and his comedic genius is off the charts.

I like your videos! Very thorough and instructional! Thank you!

@drwallysax

3 жыл бұрын

Hey, thanks Ponch! I really appreciate that. Happy Monday my friend!

very insightful! I definitely agree with your assessment of the FL ligatures- the unfinished nature is unfortunate.

Thank you for your video which was very informative. Sometimes I think we're in some kind of cult with all these different ligatures as you see the great place of the past played on the bog standard literature!I have played the Duo ligature on clarinet for several years and it is excellent and it still in one piece. Thank you for your excellent videos you're playing is fantastic. - Bill - UK God bless you!

What a great video! love the style

@drwallysax

3 жыл бұрын

Hey, thanks Adamnerd. I think you're Adamawesome. Happy practicing my friend!

I went through a BG traditional metal each year in college because the screw stripped or the brace broke as you described. Love my Ishimori now, use the BG Duo on Tenor and Sop still though. Great video!

@drwallysax

3 жыл бұрын

Ishimimori is built like a tank in comparison - it's great ligature!

Many thanks for this video! Ligatures are soooo ignored and at the same time, fiddled around with too much. Thanks for the recommedations.

I have an Olegature (the 2 screw, gold mesh type0 for my hard rubber tenor mouthpieces that I have been using for more than 10 yrs. I've tried others, but always come come back to that one.

I have a Harrison that I bought back in '86 that I enjoy, but am also totally happy with a basic Selmer ligature.

I recently got a francois lig, seems that they have fixed some or even most of the issues you pointed out. Honestly could not be happier.

very informative- thanks ! I like the "H" ligatures and actually received some (cl, t. sax & a sax) back in the 80's from Mr. Harrison himself! I also like the Vandoren v/o ligs !

@drwallysax

3 жыл бұрын

M/Os are the Bees Knees!

These videos are so great, I love them so much! Do you mind if I ask what camera & lens you used? Excellent production quality, it looks so great!

@drwallysax

4 жыл бұрын

Hi Dale, thanks man! I use a Canon 80D with the super cheap 50mm lens (like $100 on Amazon). My equipment isn't great, but the result is largely due to lighting temperature and placement. I use 2 super cheap lightboxes ($25 on Amazon) but make sure to match the bulb temperature to my ambient room light. Then I color balance in post. Very little expense, but a lot of time experimenting and shooting test footage. What are you using?

Rovner MKIII on soprano, Rovner dark on alto. I prefer the response, they are well made, easy to use, hold the reed securely, and I have no stretching issues.

Excellent and unbiased review, Wally! I used to be a Rovner guy (from the classic "dark" to a newer "light" to the Eddie Daniels when I played tenor, and finally to the Versa on alto), but in the end, I felt the reed's vibrations were being restricted and switched to my current ligature, the Vandoren M|O, which I love. I did splurge and order the BG Duo, however, and it should arrive today. I'm excited, because I've heard good things.

@drwallysax

4 жыл бұрын

Let me know what you think of the Duo!

@AaronTMartin

4 жыл бұрын

@@drwallysax After my first practice session with it last night, I gotta say that I love it! The reed seems to vibrate very freely and the response seems better. A bit more time-consuming when exchanging reeds compared to the Vandoren M|O, however.

I've used a *Bonade* inverted for over 30 years. Has 2 built-in rails for reed contact, 2 screws, simple & just works. I like it better than my *H* ligatures or Rovener semi-dark (I punched multiple small holes in it with a leather punch to lighten it up -- lighter than the dark, but nor as airy as the Rovener Light with the vertical rectangle slice/opening.

i'm only a 16 year old so please do take my comments with a grain (or spoonful) of salt: i've found that the francois louis ultimate ligature works amazingly once you've found that sweet spot! the way i made it work was to use my main mouthpiece and spent days practising with the ligature at different positions. after a while, i finally got the sweet spot and have left my ligature there ever since. if i had to use another mouthpiece, i'd use my trusty charles bay! besides this, i just wanted to say that you've done yet another amazing video!

I was a Winslow player for ten years. I suffered a near-fatal stroke in 2008 that left me unable to use my left arm. Thinking I'd never play again, I sold my Winslows, because they were selling for crazy $$$ on eBay. In 2012, my saxophone was finished being converted to a one-handed mechanism. Needing a ligature, I got the Vandoren Optimum, as it was the new hip ligature everyone seemed to be moving to. It was okay, but not particularly impressive. Then, in 2013, got an original first generation Silverstein. 12 years later, I'm still playing Silverstein ligatures exclusively.

Great video, as are your others as well! Like most of us, I have a drawerful of ligs. I tend to like the m/o, bay and sometimes the optimum for metal ligs. I have on certain mpcs used Rovner light with good luck. I like the rovner legacy, but I did have the trouble with the thin metal plate flexing and causing the reed seal to fail. FWIW, I have not found this to be an issue on the Versa/Eddie Daniels model, and I have been using that one with success.

@drwallysax

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Clay, glad the Eddie Daniels is working for you! I've got one somewhere.....somewhere.......

I always had trouble getting a ligature to fit my Alto Selmer 80c*. Even my Selmer ligature that I have for other mouthpieces didn't fit. I decided to buy a Rovner knock off of the metal P-2r for about 20 bucks, and it's perfect! BTW I use the Real Rovner Mklll for my baritone. So easy to put on with the Reed on the table.

@drwallysax

4 жыл бұрын

Hey Brian, Glad you found a good fit! Rovners will last for ages as well (hopefully the knockoff too!)

Great channel Dr. I use jubilee clips / hose clamps as ligatures.

@drwallysax

3 жыл бұрын

Whaaaaaaa?

I have an M | O, and I love it! Best $40 I've spent!

@drwallysax

4 жыл бұрын

They're so popular I didn't want to like it (my contrarian nature). But, it's just a great little workhorse. I hate it when the crowds are right...

I play with a francois louis on alto and tenor and an optimum for bari. Personally I have not had the problems you described, but if I start to see them I will proptly switch.

For my alto, I use the ligature that came with my Yanni horn on a Vandoren AL3 mouthpiece. For my tenor, I use a Rovner mouthpiece that looks like it is heavy canvas? Hard to describe, but it holds the reed well on the Vandoren TL5 mouthpiece. I have a fancy metal changeable tenor ligature I have not used in years as well.

i had BG too... now broken... i m Happy to now that there is a common problem and that it is not up to me and my pitecantropus force plus fierce grip! 🤪😜🤪😜💥🎷💥by the way good video and suit with tie too, uah! very elegante 🐻😀🐻

A very pragmatic overview!

@drwallysax

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Raimonds, happy Tuesday my friend.

For rubber mouthpieces my thoughts are; Francois Louis Ultimate; biggest pain to align correctly of any lig I've ever owned. Rovner Platinum; 2nd biggest pain to align correctly. All leather ligs; as described in the video. Syos plastic ligs; feel cheap but actually work well ( but best fitted with the mouthpiece already on the neck or they're prone to slipping as you put the mouthpiece in place). Selmer single screw; excellent Standard lig; very good. Rubber bands; absolutely fine.

My setup is this: Soprano: Concept with M/O Alto: Concept with Tradition, and a Vandoren V16 A6 with M/O Tenor: S80 C* with Optimum, and Pillinger NYT with Francis Louis Ultimate Baritone: Jupiter 4C with Bass Clarinet Optimum. My experience: The M/O is great, perfect, and very well priced, used it on my alto concept before I got my tradition ligature, which is ok. what I find with the m/o is that it does not always work very well, for example my Legere sopran reed os to small for de m/o. The Francois Louis Ultimate, is perfect. I do not get what people mean with scratching. if you just be careful when putting on and of, it is no big deal. my optimum does not fit supercell on my s80 c* but with mouthpieces it fits, it is very good. only thing I don't like, is that it is not inverted screws. I like the m/o inverted screws

Ha! I guess I'm not as hard on ligatures as Dr. Wally. I've tried so many ligatures and I eventually stayed with the BG tradition and use it on all my horns. I LOVE its response and sound. I hated the BG Duo because it is the hardest ligature I've ever tried to adjust on the mouthpiece. The two rubber pads prevent the ligature from rotating (by design) unless the ligature is loosened to the point that they no long make contact with the mouthpiece. At that point the ligature/reed is so loose its a crap shoot in tightening it back up with everything in alignment. I gave my BG Duo away to some poor unsuspecting fool who wanted to try it out. LOL Okay, after having expressed a differing opinion, let me say --- YAY! Dr. Wally is back!!

@drwallysax

4 жыл бұрын

Hey JoAnn! Good to see you! I really WANT to love the tradition, but I've broken so many. Might have to do with crazy climate in southeast - constantly trying to tighten to get a good seal. As for the Duo, I'm one of those weirdos that puts the ligature on first, then slides the reed under. But honestly, between you, me and the internet: I don't like the Duo much.

I love the vandoren optimum, what my teacher calls the more expensive mo but has the cheesy plates. I hate any rovner ligature and a use one on my classical piece

@drwallysax

4 жыл бұрын

Agreed! I despise any leather, clothy, stretchy ligature. Metal or bust.

@godunovs65

4 жыл бұрын

@@drwallysax Rovner rubber doesn't stretch. I only have the classical piece. No jazz. Sorry.

Na minha boquilha Beechler Belite sax alto eu uso a ligature original mesmo. Ela é fantástica mas tenho também de reserva, a Oleg dourada, creio que Lington usa também. Na Dukoff soprano uso uma de couro com ressonador de metal igual do Kenny G.

I’ve always wondered why my BG duo ligature doesn’t fit all my mouthpieces, this is good info

@drwallysax

3 жыл бұрын

Even when it does fit one of my mouthpieces, I can't help but think: "could this be better if they had designed it JUST for saxophone?" I can't get past that thought. Happy Wednesday Thomas!

I like the plain ol' vanilla ligature that comes with most mouthpieces. I do have some Rovner ligs I use for the occasional jumbo sized mouthpiece...looking at you Brilhart !

@drwallysax

4 жыл бұрын

I love stock ligatures! I use a Bay with my Brilhart, as you say, the jumbo boy stretches it out a bit.

Thank you! On the alto I tried the Silverstein, but the metal parts got rusty. I find the Francois-Louis free blowing with a Vandoren A7 mpc. Since it stays permanently on the mpc, I don't manipulate the ligature often. On the tenor, Vandoren's optimum is the only ligature working well with a Pillinger mpc which is relatively small in diameter. Charlie Parker sometimes played on bad instruments for he had pawned his sax for dope. Which goes to show that music is not only about equipment.

@drwallysax

2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely! Equipment can be fun, but certainly no substitute for training and hard work :)

I have a rovner dark and the duo that you just reviewed. I prefer the duo's sound (little brighter and free blowing). The rovner, however, is very nice. The rovner will not move when I adjust my mouthpiece. The duo will move around if I try to make adjustments which is really annoying. That is why I typically just use the Rovner.

@eldorado5960

Жыл бұрын

Happy to see a vote for Rovner ligatures. They are a lot better than I initially thought and are more forgiving of poor reeds in my opinion.

After 49 years of sax playing, 23 years with the USAF bands, now retired, on alto, I'm a Meyer 7MM guy and I have found great success with vintage German silver 2 screw ligatures. Yes, these were used by Bird, Stan Getz, Cannonball, and Gene Ammons. Getz used a Sumner ligature and also a Selmer paris brass 2 screw model. On my tenor Otto link hard rubber 8, I use a made in France, Leblanc 2 screw, ligature. Because of my facebook groups Bebop Saxophone, and Saxophone Ligature Screws, I was sent a Marc Jean for tenor, in gold plate. I took it to Jazz Central, where I MC the jazz jam going on for 45 years now. I immediately noticed the Marc Jean ligature made my set up louder. It is a single screw ligature with a piece of black ebony wood that the reed rests on. It's a great design, worth checking out. Love your channel! "King" Koeller

@drwallysax

3 жыл бұрын

I'll definitely check out the Marc jean - sounds pretty coo (you had me at ebony wood). Cheers, King!

@grantkoeller8911

3 жыл бұрын

@@drwallysax thanks jazz Doc!

I use a Rovner dark on every mouthpiece, every instrument. Every reed has a slightly different shape, but the Rovner absorbs that problem- putting equal pressure on the all parts of the heel/bark/stock in the same way for every reed. It eliminates a variable, and we all know we deal with enough of those! I don’t feel I have truly tested a mouthpiece until I have used a Rovner on it. Edit: and they last forever. I think I could literally back over one in the driveway and still use it for the gig.

@BeachBoi1000

9 ай бұрын

But I don’t like the saliva over the ligature.

@matthewhetzler4912

9 ай бұрын

@@BeachBoi1000 What?

@BeachBoi1000

9 ай бұрын

@@matthewhetzler4912 thanks for the reply! I am so happy! After I blow, saliva will cover the Rovner ligature, I didn’t wash it. Unlike metal ligature, I still can wash away the saliva. I feel it’s dirty in a way.

I have the Francois Louis Ultimate and I scratched the table of one of my mouthpieces with it. Never used it since. On my Vandoren V16 and AL5, I use the M/O ligature, stays secure and won't move, and I like the free blowing feel I get when playing it. I currently use the BG DUO Gold lacquer on my JodyJazz HR* and Selmer S80 C** alto mouthpieces and its my favourite so far on those especially as it fits a more wider range of mouthpiece sizes, although it doesn;t fit on the Selmer as secure as I'd like. I get a centred tone and has a slight amount of resistance and won't move on the mouthpiece when tightened an I especially like it on the Selmer as I had a silver plated 1 screw Selmer ligature on it and accidentally bent it when tightening the screw as the metal is thin feeling and light. I have also used a Rovner Versa (alto and soprano), Rovner light and dark ligatures and on my Soprano I currently use a Rovner Versa as I find the light ligature on it too resistant. With the Versa, I get a more centred and a good amount of resistance, especially with the thicker metal plate in it but without the plate, it is a bit more resistant and I did notice the plate may slip if the ligature is tipped up or down if not tightened enough. I had to use it with the material flaps over where the metal plate sits as the metal scratched the table of my reeds, but it won't move when secured. I find it a good ligature for classical playing. On my alto I found the dark ligature compressed the sound too much and is too resistant on my JodyJazz HR* as I found low notes harder to get out compared to the BG Duo and it left an imprint of the ligature on the mouthpiece. When you say stock ligatures are fine, nearly 2 years ago, I had a modern Meyer 6M alto mouthpiece and the stock ligature scratched the top of the mouthpiece barrel when I took it off the mouthpiece as it is a bit rough around the edges.

@drwallysax

4 жыл бұрын

I love stock ligatures EXCEPT the ones that come with Meyer and Otto Link (hard rubber). As you mentioned, just mess of metal. Happy practicing!

I use just a basic rover leather lig and recently the Syos lig. I hardly ever have lig problems.

I really like Rovner ligatures. I use them for my alto and tenor saxes, as well as my clarinet. I have a leather Vandoren ligature, very similar to a Rovner, and it also works well. I bought it because the ligature which came with the Otto Link metal mouthpiece which I purchased really didn't work.

@SkylersRants

3 жыл бұрын

I remember when Rovner ligatures were still pretty new. I still have mine from 1978 or so. Works great. It was a nice improvement over the stock ligatures and I like that it was soft and didn’t scratch. I never once thought it made a difference on the sound, probably because I’m not better than Charlie Parker. Spending $100 on a ligature is pure vanity. Vanity isn’t bad, but as long as you know that’s what it is, then I can respect it.

Fantastic

I've been happy using Vandoren Optimums on my alto and soprano (#2 plate... like the MO). My new challenge is devising a spacer to put on the top of the soprano mouthpiece I just acquired which is to small for my ligatures (both the Optimum and the factory Yamaha lig.).

@evanchrisney7069

3 жыл бұрын

Michael, I have the same problem on my soprano mouthpiece. I threw on some medical tape on the top of it, kind of similar to using a patch for an olegature. I don't necessarily recommend it, but that's what has worked for using either my stock 2 screw or optimum ligature on my unfortunately small soprano mouthpiece.

@michaeldezelar6264

3 жыл бұрын

@@evanchrisney7069 I ended up getting a Rovner Platinum ligature... small enough, and it's metal (not interested in the fabric ones).

Absolutely agree. Vandoren Optimum is the best choice. I play kane and synthetic reeds with it, holds both equally steady and sound is great. Tried synthetic reed with leather ligature, ohh my god. That just didn't seal well. So, dr. Wallace this one is spot on! Well done

I kinda figure the mouthpiece manufacturer might have some insight into which ligs would work well with their products. I'm playing Bari and have two mouthpieces, a Morgan (which came from them with a Rovner Light) for jazz, and a Yaniagisawa BC200 that I found a new Old Stock Yany inverted, single screw metal lig for classical and concert band Each setup works very well for me with Legere Signature Series reeds.

Ishimori Ligature. love them.

@joshuahuff607

3 жыл бұрын

Hello Josh Hu, Josh Huff here

I also teach my student that the ligature is designed to hold the reed on the mouthpiece. Once turning of the screw stops, turn it 1/4 or 1/8 more.

I bought my Francois Louis Ultimate before I saw your video and it , as you said, is tough to center the reed with. I'm using it on a metal Francois Louis alto mp and those "tubes" only make contact w the piece on the very top and then only partially, the side tubes don't make contact at all. my question is are they suppose to? I'm apprehensive about bending the lig because I'm into it for $95. it sounds good but now I wish I'd bough the FL basic : (

Hey Dr Wallace, love the intro ‘loss of limb’ 😆, and the dig at the trombone section. Great video thanks for the advice, I’m interested at the Yanagisawa ‘Yany SIXS’ ligature.

@drwallysax

4 жыл бұрын

I'm not familiar!Is it new? I'll check it out.

@Samuel-ge7im

4 жыл бұрын

I believe so, I just saw it on my local music stores website and thought it looked quite good.

A warning about the Vandoren M/O - I have one with the "aged gold" finish and it scratched up my mouthpieces. I don't know if this is a problem with all versions, but in any case they don't always deburr the edges properly, especially the inside edges. I want to love it, it works well, but...

@drwallysax

4 жыл бұрын

Huh, I've only used a couple, but that's good to know! I'll check carefully before a strap a new one on my vintage Tonalin!

Hi. I just bump in to your videos and they have great contents for saxophone. I currently owned a florian popa ligature, it fits my d'addario jazz select mpc. Any opinion on this ligature?

@drwallysax

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Rob, I was unfamiliar, but just looked them up online. They look absolutely beautiful! I haven't tried one (not a huge fan of ring ligatures) - but what has your experience with them been? You been pleased?

Rovner produces metal ligs. Platinum ligs are great- they don’t stretch, but produce great seal. I have one- alto and tenor. Another tip, in second hand store, old cell phone cases make great mpc cases.

@drwallysax

3 жыл бұрын

Good tip, thanks Thomas! I've got a Rovner platinum - and agree, MUCH better seal than the fabric. happy holidays my friend.

Flowchart had me in stitches 😂

I'm using vintage (or you can call it old), Rovner rubber exclusively. And I used Vandoren V16 for 4 years prior to that. Sold it.

@drwallysax

4 жыл бұрын

the Rovners are INCREDIBLY popular. I had to give up leather ligatures in the Army. Too many rests and desert climate made my reeds warp like crazy. What'd you by after the V16?

@godunovs65

4 жыл бұрын

@@drwallysax I received the vintage (old) Rovner rubber (not leather) for free with a vintage (real vintage, not just old) LT S80 mouthpiece. Tried Rovner with LT, then the new S80, then with the Concept for quite a while and then sold V16 (metal). There are no more ligatures in my house. Otherwise, I liked V16 metal better than MO, V16 is more solid. I also had the infamous V16 leather. It stretched to the point of not being able to tighten it any more. Now, I only have one mouthpiece, Concept, one ligature, Rovner rubber. Tried many though. This setup works wonders for me.

@geralddavies5566

3 жыл бұрын

@@godunovs65 know

@godunovs65

3 жыл бұрын

@@geralddavies5566 This is outdated. I got dissatisfied with the rubber Rovner, not enough clamping power. Got an alto V16 again and also Rovner Versa. Both are awesome. And both work with a Bb clarinet.

Dr. Wallace, I bought the Rovner 2R which is super cheap and very easy to use. I think it gives a tight seal and also Bob Reynolds uses one of these so It can't be that bad. Less than 30$ on Amazon. I bought it since it uses just one screw while the stock ligature that I have uses two tightening screws. I am kind of lazy...

@drwallysax

3 жыл бұрын

Lots of people love them, if you're happy, that makes me happy!

You should review the new Dickerson Resonator Ligature on Reverb & ebay - it's a game changer

I use a rico H ligature for hard rubber mouthpieces, on alto and tenor, but Selmer basic ligature works very well too. I use it on alto and soprano. For metal tenor mouthpiece I use a Selmer 404 and I find it good. What do you think about Rico H?

@drwallysax

3 жыл бұрын

I love the Selmer basic ligature (used it on my latest review video of the GS Reso). I have an "H" ligature, but didn't love the seal with some mouthpieces. I have friends who absolutely love it. Happy Weekend, Giuseppe!

you must try the jlv ligature!!!

Cough up a lung and get a Theo Wanne with an integrated ligature (like the Durga 4)! No paradox of choice then. Thanks for the video Doc!

@drwallysax

3 жыл бұрын

They certainly look cool!

someone should come up with a ligature that would work on all clarinets and saxes - that would be pretty cool !

@super20dan

2 жыл бұрын

there is one -the ligaphone lig

Vandoran produce a metal ligature with 3 replaceable bottom plates. 1. 4 point contact on the reed. 2. Parrell bumps with the reed 3. Perpendicular contact with the reed. Which one would you use??

@drwallysax

Жыл бұрын

I prefer the perpendicular (across the grain). This is the same as the M|O ligature they make, which I prefer to the optimum.

I've been using the M/O for years, and I love the sound and response from it. BUT ... They do break. I've broken a few after several years, possiblity because of my crazily corrosive saliva! But the ones I've broke have always broken at the same place, the front right side brace where it holds (contact) the reeds. I still use them, but I'll probably stick to the new Yanagisawa SIXS ligature once I've broken all my M/Os. I think it's a nice alternative. But it's reminiscent of the Winslow ligatures without the fiddly bits.

@drwallysax

4 жыл бұрын

Winslow!! You're old school like me! I'll check out the Yani lig- still need to try a Yanigisawa alto!

@JulianChanSax

4 жыл бұрын

@@drwallysax Man, I had to look hard to remember what that name of that ligature was!! Yes, I'm a bit old (school). Never owned one, but I vaguely remember trying one and lamenting how fiddly it is with those little pegs that hold the reed. The SIXS is just a tiny bit resistant than the MO but it has a lot of similarity in colour (surprisingly), but a whole lot sturdier. But it's really on point in the video about how it feels for the player. That's a definitely the important factor in determining ones "holy grail" ligature.

I have a Gaia 2 for my alto. The ligature that comes with it looks nice, and sounds nice, but is a real pain to put on.

most controversial thing i ever did -- in high school I played bari and my mouthpiece must have been a wierd shape bc it mysteriously didnt fit any of the ligatures i procured and i tried several. Eventually my poor schoolchild budget was strapped and i still didnt have a ligature. I ended up just strapping the reed on with a ponytail holder and I played it that way all year and used it for multiple auditions. it sounded great, frankly.

Just for fun I tied a reed on my tenor piece with dental floss. It worked. If I could get the wrapping and tying time factor down below 5 minutes it might be a more viable option. Been using Rovner for 20+ years.

@drwallysax

4 жыл бұрын

I had friends study with the big name teacher at the largest French conservatory. Apparently, he was using silk sting. And drove my friends nuts by wrapping, adjusting, re-wrapping, and re-adjusting the string throughout their entire lesson! Rovners are made to last, great materials and hardware (but metal or bust for me).

@JoAnnP38

4 жыл бұрын

@@drwallysax I gather from the video that when you were using the BG Tradition it was "metal AND bust!" ;)

The legal disclaimer is classic!! So funny!!

Never surrendering my Selmer 2 screw lig. Been on them for 30yrs and I keep a couple of backups handy. Shame they changed the design.

@drwallysax

3 жыл бұрын

They just work. I love mine, and really only switch to an M/O when breaking in a box of reeds or demoing new equipment (fewer scratches and faster reed changes). Why did they change the design? Silly Selmer.

i love cl/as ligaphone rose gold ligature

Does the francois louis basic fit the meyer new york anniversary models? also amazing video!

@drwallysax

3 жыл бұрын

They should, but I can't guarantee. Currently, I have neither in my possession. But, the basic worked very well on my stock Meyer - no idea if the NY dimensions are different. Let me know if you try it!

Had a terrible experience on a gig with a leather ligature that came with the mouthpiece. Ligature stretched all 3 sets, would not stay tight even through one tune. A nightmare!

@drwallysax

4 жыл бұрын

But it sounds so good for the few minutes that the reed is sealing!!!!

@grantkoeller8911

3 жыл бұрын

Soak leather in water and it will stretch, as it drys it will shrink.Think of bongo drum heads, made from leather. They will wet them, nail them to the wooden drum, then as the leather dries, they shrink up to pitch.

I find the François Louis Ultimate ligature is best when used with a single mouthpiece. I found aligning the pressure plate was something that quickly became 2nd nature but still a tad fiddly. I HATE any ligature with more than a single screw OR made from leather. The BG Duo (I use for Tenor) does not fit all pieces and it can at times be difficult to get it properly aligned upon the reed on pieces that are a tad larger in diameter than the norm. I am also fond of $ilver$tein and Vandoren's Optimum ligatures.

The Rovner leather ligature was good for for a while but it was too dark for my taste. I use the VanDoren MO ligature now.

@drwallysax

4 жыл бұрын

I agree. I could even live with the dark, but they JUST DON"T seal a reed as well as metal (especially in dry climates). M/O is such a value. happy practicing!

@godunovs65

3 жыл бұрын

@@drwallysax I must admit that I overreacted by selling the Vandoren V16 optimum. I can't break reeds in with the Rovner alone, not enough clamping force. Playing reeds broken in with a metal ligature using a Rovner is wonderful. So, I'm getting a metal one now. Oh, well.

What I learned today: play without socks. because I can deal with room acoustics, reed choice, and tone hole shape...

you might do an animation like they use on House MD showing the phenom you speak of...appreciate the glib attack...

@drwallysax

3 жыл бұрын

Whatcha mean? Oh, also didn't mean to attack! For each company I have a gripe with - they all make a different ligature I love! Happy Weekend, Jack!

I had an MO that broke after a relatively short period. I would Ike to hear your impression of the Rovner line. I have been using the Rovner Versa and I really like it. I was concerned about the material stretching, but that has not happened, and I have been using this ligature for quite sometime . Taking the ligature off the mouthpiece when not playing might prevent or at least delay any stretching that might occur. I would be interested in your opinion.

@drwallysax

3 жыл бұрын

Hey Don, sorry to hear about your M/O! I like the sound and feel of the Rovner very much - and the screw mechanics are top notch. I don't get quite as good of a seal as with metal ligatures - so if the furnace is running, I tend to have micro-leaks (barely noticeable). Several of my colleagues and students absolutely love them. have a great weekend!

@lmertz

3 жыл бұрын

i always take my ligatures off my mouthpieces or at least loosen them when done playing so I can swab the mouthpiece out. That probably helps.

Everywhere I go I see saxophonists telling me that the ligature isn't important and that a good $40 rovner will serve perfectly well for years, then they turn around and pull out their $120 BG pro ultimate XL directors cut special edition lig. I still don't fully understand the point, honestly.

@drwallysax

3 жыл бұрын

We're not plumbers, it's a fun hobby. Collecting interesting gear is all part of the fun. Necessary, of course not. But many find it enjoyable.

That flow chart made me laugh out loud 😂

@drwallysax

3 жыл бұрын

I giggle like an idiot when I make these things. When my wife asks me to take out the trash, I always respond "I'm doing IMPORTANT WORK!!"

@bluegoose555

3 жыл бұрын

@@drwallysax and that is the TRUTH ! ( I laugh a lot too ) music and humour...bringing joy to the world !

I want to love the basic Rovner lig because it's inexpensive, easy to use, and won't scratch your mouthpiece or reed, but I have a hard time getting a consistent seal. I also want to love the Olegature because it seems to free up my sound, but it doesn't hold its shape (harder to install), and you need something on the top of your mouthpiece so it doesn't scratch. The Vandoren M|O (who uses a verticule in their product title?) is my hero at its price point, I just wish it could be unscrewed a tiny bit further!

@drwallysax

3 жыл бұрын

I'm with ya. I just got a Morgan large chamber for review, it came with a rovner - it's so nice in so many respects, but just can't trust the seal.

@AustinShadduck

3 жыл бұрын

@@drwallysax Indeed! I play on a Morgan Jazz 6M (and have a 6L), and the Rovner betrays me every time. Looking forward to a Morgan review if there will be a video!

Wally! I use a stock ligature on my Otto Link Vintage Series HR 6 with my Selmer Mark vii. I love the VD M/O and want one. I read that the M/O is small and "barely fits" on HR Links. If true, how about a Bari M/O for my tenor or any other alternatives?

@drwallysax

3 жыл бұрын

Robert, I'm not entirely sure? I'll check and see if my M/O fits my link!

@Robert822

3 жыл бұрын

@@drwallysax Thanks! I'm curious if your M/O for tenor fits your link!

@benjaminboudreaux1489

3 жыл бұрын

@@Robert822 the v16 bari m/o will fit your HR link, their tenor m/o is made to fit their optimum tenor mouthpiece which has a weird shape

I loved your Charlie Parker flow chart, perfect! I tried a Rovner leather ligature once. I could see why it's called the Rovner because my reed started to rove around the mouthpiece. I've stuck with good old two screw metal ligatures ever since. They always seem to work fine, even the cheap ones. I think spending a lot of money on a fancy ligature is not a good plan. I really enjoy your videos and your sense of humor.

@drwallysax

3 жыл бұрын

Roving Rovner, love it! Thanks, Robert!

I have the BG Duo - and I like it. I also like the Rico H ligature. However, to be honest, they're no better than the Selmer, (Paris) brass 2 screw ligature that I've had for over 20 years. I think I paid $30 for it. (As the store clerk explained, the ligature was $20, plus there was a $10 premium for the word "Selmer"). I also have a Selmer (Paris) single screw lig - which I don't recommend as It constantly slips.

@drwallysax

4 жыл бұрын

I'm with you. I really dig the Selmer (and Yamaha) stock 2 screw. Great seal and little bit of resistance isn't a bad thing!

I have a very big problem i do not like the otto link metal ligature. I really think the MO is the best lig but I can not find one that fits my links on alto and/or soprano< do you have any idea what I could do. FL was the only company that had the right fit for them but even then they dont fit. please help

@adamatari

4 жыл бұрын

Are you using the metal Super Tone Master? I think Rovner makes ligatures that fit. They have a sizing thing on their website. I've heard the Francois Louis Ultimate comes in sizes that work, but it seems like that's replacing the annoying Link ligature with a different annoying ligature.

@drwallysax

4 жыл бұрын

As Adamatari mentions, are you using the metal link? or hard rubber? M/O works great on hard rubber, but you need a "metal" specific ligature for the metal link.

I am sorry but something I am a bit confused. At the beginning you tell that the ligature is quite at the end of the sound making chain , but you describe every of the ligatures by telling which sound it gives. So does it effect the sound or not?

@drwallysax

3 жыл бұрын

It does. It's just not binary. It affects the sound to a slight degree, like many other things.

Hello prof. Wally! How are you? Please, which one seals the reed to the mouthpiece better, the François Louis Basic or the Vandoren m/o ??

@drwallysax

3 жыл бұрын

Vandoren M/O! It puts pressure across the entire front of the reed where it meets the mouthpiece. It's a dynamite and affordable ligature! (I'm not affiliated with Vandoren, just love the M/O)

@pedrodavidrodrigues1959

3 жыл бұрын

@@drwallysax does the Vandoren m/o seals better than the Bg duo( or any Bg metal)??

@drwallysax

3 жыл бұрын

@@pedrodavidrodrigues1959 Yes! Any time you have metal running across the entire read (perpendicular to the grain), close to the file line, you're going to get a better seal.

@pedrodavidrodrigues1959

3 жыл бұрын

@@drwallysax okay.. thanks for your responde and advice! I like your sense of humor in the videos !

Stock ligatures sound great and feel good, BUT getting it on just right is finicky for me and the edges that come together scratch a destroy my reeds

@drwallysax

Жыл бұрын

I hate the lil' indentions, I'm with ya!

Vandoren optimum is what I use

@drwallysax

4 жыл бұрын

I like my Optimum, but only ever used one plate (same as M/O rails). Good design and well built to be sure!

Got a used BG tradition but after a few months a thread on the screw stripped and now it’s completely stuck 😐

@drwallysax

4 жыл бұрын

Oh man, that's so frustrating! It's one of the better "feeling" and sounding ligatures I've played, but I just can't justify the build quality. Whatcha playing on now?

@eliwyatt2292

4 жыл бұрын

Saxophone Academy it was an alto lig and I needed a new one in a pinch so I just went with the Rico H which doesn’t have the best build either, but I’m more of a tenor player and I have an old selmer two screw which is probably one of the most well built ligatures of all time. Although, the Boston Sax Shop is releasing their ligature soon and I don’t think I’ll be able to resist!

Is the Vandoran MO good for a clarinet too?...Thanks

@drwallysax

2 жыл бұрын

I have absolutely no idea - the clarinet and I don't get along.

i wanna know how ligatures can end in the loss of limbs

@drwallysax

3 жыл бұрын

My attorney insists I cover all Francois Louis injury eventualities.

@fitchyyboi

3 жыл бұрын

Saxophone Academy no vandoren injuries? i’m out of luck...

@drwallysax

3 жыл бұрын

@@fitchyyboi With a good enough personal injury lawyer, you can probably still get a settlement.

The convience 😂😂 I was planning to get a new ligature

@drwallysax

4 жыл бұрын

Sweet. Whatcha getting?

@rcmusic6882

4 жыл бұрын

@@drwallysax it's between the vandoren optimum, the m/o or a B.G Duo

@drwallysax

4 жыл бұрын

I have to tell you Rcpx jj, if it were me, I'd go with the M/O in a heartbeat. Regardless of price, I think it's the best.

@rcmusic6882

4 жыл бұрын

@@drwallysax After watching your video I thought the same thing😆

Silversteins and Ishimoris are the best by far, do you have any experience with those?

@drwallysax

3 жыл бұрын

Disagree. I've had a number of students bring Silversteins into lessons - the cord stretches, despite the marketing claims. This is problematic for a number of reasons. I had a gold plated Ishimori, it was fine. The screw hardware was a bit small and cumbersome compared to others, so I gave it to a colleague in Canada (she loves it).

@londonduszynski3518

3 жыл бұрын

@@drwallysax I'd like to preface this by saying I'm a second year University student so my experiences with ligatures is fairly limited. About the Silversteins, that is a fair point, mine has yet to stretch but I've heard many people have had that issue. I find that it is extremely comfortable and it allows me to play with a more colorful sound (or at least it makes me think I do). I've never owned an Ishimori but many classical players I've met swear on them and claim they are gods gift to the ligature world. I tried one briefly and I liked it but I'm mainly a jazz player and I don't want to spend that much on a ligature for my classical mouthpiece. I love your videos! I just found your page the other day and I immediately subscribed.

@drwallysax

3 жыл бұрын

@@londonduszynski3518 Welcome to the Academy! I have classical friends (my college professor colleagues) that ADORE the Ishimori. I liked it, but found I get a better seal on a traditional stock or Bay ligature (Likewise on the Vandoren M/O - which puts pressure ACROSS the grain of the reed, rather than parallel with the two rails). Ishimori is great, just not my cup of tea (and the price.....don't love the price). When I played the Silverstein, it sounded good. But I've seen my students cranking the thing down like a field medic with a tourniquet - never getting a good seal. A few pros (I will not name) had theirs stretch to the point of no longer holding a reed. Honestly, I'm a simple man. I'd be perfectly happy with a stock ligature - all my heroes played them! Happy practicing my friend!

@londonduszynski3518

3 жыл бұрын

@@drwallysax Thanks! Right now I’m using a stock ligature on my classical tenor mouthpiece and I really like it. I used to use them on all my mouthpieces except my jazz tenor piece because it’s a metal link, but after trying other people’s ligatures on alto I found a big improvement in my sound with the Silverstein. I don’t know how much of that is actually the ligature versus my perception but regardless I found myself sounding better. I’m careful about over tightening and I’m just hoping I get a few good years out of it before the stretching starts. If/when it begins to stretch I’ll probably buy an optimum because that’s what I have on my link and I really like it. I like the m/o but I prefer the optimum because of the plate running with the grain of the reed. Do you have experience with string as opposed to a ligature? One of the grad students at my school was talking about it and he swears by it.

🎷🎷

I'm on my 5th Real Book because I keep loaning them out to guitar students.

@drwallysax

3 жыл бұрын

I write love letters to the mouthpieces I'll never see again :(

I have a Vandoren leather lig. It is a nightmare! But the velcro isn't as strong.

@drwallysax

4 жыл бұрын

I'm going to build my next house with that Velcro.

@godunovs65

4 жыл бұрын

@@drwallysax I would agree. It's not strong if you pull upwards and you were pulling lengthwise.

your flow chart has me cracking up

@drwallysax

3 жыл бұрын

It’s true though!

@blackroses6315

3 жыл бұрын

@@drwallysax can’t argue with that!