I have seen many different Clarinet ligatures out there...i have seen ones that are: Metal, nickel, silver, gold, plastic, and cloth along with your choices on standard or the inverted. What is the difference on these, and which is the best (less that $100 worth)? Thanks!

oh, and is the Vandoren Optimum clarinet ligature a good one?

Good question, well you`re going to have to experiment and test them out at a store (if they let you). It doesn`t mean that the expensive ones are always going to be the best ones. I can`t really say which ones are best because if you tried it out, it may not be the best one for you so that`s why you have to experiment. But I use a stock ligature and I sound fine...but I`m thinking of buying a Bonade...

I personally use the Vandoren Optimum. I guess it reputation precedes itself. It`s pretty well known. In regards to differences, there is quite a difference. Generally, in metal vs. cloth, it really depends on what the music is and wat type of sound you are trying to achieve. If you happen to be going for a clear, but dark tone, use metal. The types of metal vary in small ways. Not only does it have to do with the material but how the ligature touches the reed. The Optimum comes with three different plates, for different situations. One for a darker, richer sound and great articulation, one for a more bright, "brassy" tone and one for essentially, jazz; with almost no resistance. I just think that metal is easier to play on in most situations.

I play clarinet and alto sax and use a Vandoren Optimum lig on each. I have the standard lig that comes with the instrument and a Rovner dark. The Vandoren works best for me. Having the choice of plates to very your sound is a plus. They are not for everyone. A friend of mine can`t get a good sound from the Optimum. So you just have to try them to find what works for you.

do you know the LIGAPHONE ligature?

hey well I always figure that the cloth is not such a good ligature for the clarinet all it does is dampens the vibration of the reed and the clarinet needs maximum vibration. Silver- it has a bright tone and I play with one but use it for certain pieces. Gold- it has a darker melow sound and I also play with this one too(D.BONADE INVERTED) but those are just the two I play with I don`t know about the nickel plated ones. but the plastic ones are recomend for begginers s that they won`t scratch the mouthpiece during concerts but that is my opinion

In response to the post above me, I absolutely agree with the Bonade Inverted. I`m not sure if its been answered yet, but inverted ligatures make the reed vibrate more freely. I only thought there were rubber, plastic, and silver ligatures... I want to try a gold one.

Very nice topic. Good luck on finding one. :3

thanks guys. I ended buying the Vandoren Optimum ligature, and I love it! Thanks again!