VanDoren Optimum Ligatures

littlesprinter · 05-31-2003, 07:12 PM

Has anyone ever heard of VanDoren Optimum Ligatures? I've heard so many good things about them, but wasn't sure if they're all true.

robert4xst · 06-01-2003, 01:44 AM

Good, but not worth the money. You'd be better off getting a BG Revelation.

littlesprinter · 06-01-2003, 05:25 PM

What're those like? How much do they cost?

robert4xst · 06-01-2003, 05:42 PM

The BG Revelation is what I use for soprano clarinet, and its a fabric ligature with a pressure plate where it contacts the reed. Its about $30. The Rovner is just a fabric ligature without a pressure plate, which is what I use for sax. The Rovner is $20.

The Rovner has a warm dark full tone, but can be stuffy. The revelation has the same full tone, but doesn't have the troubles with being stuff and has good projection.

littlesprinter · 06-01-2003, 07:59 PM

Thanks, dude. I think I'm going to get one of those. I currently used a rovner, but it broke and I was wondering what else was on the market. Do you know of any mouthpieces that are good, but reasonably priced? I don't care what kind (plastic, hard rubber or metal).

robert4xst · 06-01-2003, 09:07 PM

What insturment and what style of music?

Visirale · 06-04-2003, 09:22 AM

I second the BG, although I use the BG for bass clarinet... works like a dream. The pressure plate really helps the altissimo notes.

littlesprinter · 06-04-2003, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by robert4xst
What insturment and what style of music?

Alto saxophone--jazz or classical--I don't care.

robert4xst · 06-04-2003, 03:13 PM

Okay for alto for jazz, I use a Yangisawa Metal with the included lig. For classical I haven't found any need for anything other than my Selmer C*.

I've played with professionals that have suggested Claude Lakeys, or Rico Royal Grafonite. The Graftonite only as a backup though. I've also known lots of people use Links, Meyers, or Ponzol.

Other than the Yangisawa (which is really mellow for a metal mpc) I really don't suggest using a metal mpc for Alto. It usually ends up too bright and too harsh.

What sax are you using, it'd give me more of an idea of what kind of sound combination would work. Different saxes have different timbres and can work better with some than others.