To start out, I want to let you know that I have been playing the same setup on my alto for several years now. Even when I’ve changed my mouthpiece, reeds or ligature, I have always tended to go back to my Beechler mouthpiece, Rico Plasticover Reeds and Ishimori ligature. No matter how much I may have enjoyed different products, I’ve always ended up being more comfortable with my sound and performance on the equipment I’ve been using for most of my music career.
Recently, however, I came across a ligature that has given me reason to change my setup – and I am more than happy that I’ve made the switch!
BG France’s new ligature, the “Duo Ligature” is hands down the best ligature I have had to opportunity to play for either jazz and classical setups. At first, I was skeptical. When Franck Bichon played me the demonstration videos for the ligature, I thought it was too good to be true. There was no way the ligature would do all the things the video claimed it would, but I have been of fan of BG France products for some time, and so, I decided to give the ligature a try.
For those of you unfamiliar with the ligature, the description of the Duo Ligature on the BG web site offers the following:
- GRIPS PERFECTLY TO CANE AND PLASTIC REEDS
- SETUP EASY TO SWITCH SECURELY AND QUICKLY
- FOCUSED TONE
- WARM SOUND QUALITY
- PRECISE ARTICULATION
- FITS ON Bb Clar + ALTO SAX + ALTO SAX Jazz
- MINIMUM CONTACT FOR MAXIMUM VIBRATION
I have to admit that I was a bit hesitant because of my experience with my then current ligature (the Ishimori) which constantly slipped. It had minimal reed touch points like the Duo ligature, but each time I adjusted my mouthpiece, the ligature would move, and in result, my reed would shift out of place. I was constantly readjusting the placement of my ligature and reed, but I dealt with it because I was content with how it played and sounded. Little did I know that I could have better response and sound from a ligature without the hassle.
The first time I played with Duo ligature was during a practice session. I noticed a difference immediately and couldn’t wait to use it during a performance later that week. The result during the performance was identical – I was able to play with less resistance, greater ease and I was elated with the result. Unlike most equipment changes I’ve made, I never reverted back to my older setup. I still play the BG Duo Ligature and I recommend it to anyone looking for a way to open up their sound and facilitate playing for either saxophone or clarinet.
Visit the BG France web site to learn more about the Duo Ligature.
Get the Ligature BG LIGATURE DUO SAXOPHONE ALTO/CLARINETTE SIB DUO-LD1
