Consider the type of clarinet you have, the sound you want from your clarinet, cost, and durability when selecting the best clarinet ligature. Clarinets come in a variety of sizes and materials, which can have an impact on which ligature works best. Match the ligature to the music you’re playing because different types of ligatures affect the clarinet’s sound in different ways. Clarinet ligatures come in a variety of price points and levels of durability. Before you make your final decision, determine how much you are willing to pay and what you expect from your ligature.
It doesn’t matter if you play bass clarinet, alto clarinet, contra bass clarinet, contra alto clarinet, or something else. Which clarinet ligature you should use depends on the type of clarinet you have. Some ligatures are made for a specific type of clarinet and come in slightly different sizes and shapes. There are ligatures that are designed to work best with clarinets made of specific materials, so look for one that is designed to work with the material your clarinet is made of.
Because it controls how the reed can move, a clarinet ligature has an impact on the sound the instrument produces. Consider the type of music you’ll be playing and where you’ll be playing it to ensure you get a ligature that will produce the desired sound. Metal ligatures produce a richer, fuller sound, making them ideal for large concert halls or soloists. A softer sound is produced by using a fabric ligature, which is ideal for smaller venues or group performances. You might even find that you need more than one ligature to be able to make the right sound for any situation.
The sound produced by a clarinet ligature can also be affected by whether it is inverted or standard. An inverted ligature has screws that point away from the musician, while a standard ligature has screws that point towards the musician. Although some clarinetists believe that an inverted model allows the reed to blow more freely, the choice between the two is largely a matter of personal preference.
A clarinet ligature can be as simple and inexpensive as electrical tape, or as fine and costly as gold. Some clarinetists are content with a simple piece of string or leather, while others prefer the latest no-screws model. Consider how long you plan to use the ligature, how durable you need it to be, and how many you want to have before deciding on a price.