Greetings to all my fellow aspiring xaphoonists out there!

I’ve seen several posts on ligature upgrades, but mostly they concentrate on strap ligatures, and usually on models available for under $30. I have a different question about ligs: What about the pricey high-tech metal ones? Has anybody tried a high-end metal model such as the Vandoren Optimum or one of the Francois Louis models with “resonating tubes”?

I’m really intrigued by the idea of “better sound through engineering,” so I’d like to invest in one of these high-end ligs. But I’m worried about finding a size and shape that fits xaphoons, since the metal sax and clarinet ligs are designed specifically to fit mouthpieces for those instruments. I’d hate to order some expensive piece of hardware, only to discover that it doesn’t fit.

So, two questions:

(1) If anybody has used a high-tech metal lig on a xaphoon, what were the results? Did it really improve your sound?

(2) What sizes/styles of metal ligs will fit xaphoons? Specifically, I have a PS and a Low G, and am thinking about ordering a B-flat one of these days. I’ve heard that the off-the-shelf lig for xaphoons is actually a soprano model. If that’s true, does it mean that I could safely order the soprano size of one of these high-tech ligs?

Thanks very much for any info on this topic! My local music store stocks only basic metal ligs and a few Rovner strap models, so unless I order something, there’s no way to try it out. The store will exchange hardware that doesn’t fit, but I’d really rather get the size right the first time.

--Solly Xaphoon

sometimes known as “Steve”

Since I'm looking at the new Rovner ligs as well--the Star Series, I think they're called, with optional "turbocharging" weights said to dramatically increase power--just what "side-effects on sound" are you referring to?

Just curious. Thanks!

--Steve

Once again, excellent info, Moonmind! Thanks!

I can understand your reluctance to endorse a lig that costs more than the xaphoon--I know it's supposed to be a low-cost, simple instrument--but remember that Brian also states in the manual that "it is a new instrument, and there are no rules." I take that to mean that experimenting with high-end ligs is fine if the player is willing and able to spend the extra money. And I am very much a gadget-obsessed sort of person, so I think I will experiment a bit.

I visited the Rover Website yesterday and sent them a query about which of their ligs they would recommend for the PS and the Low G. I suspect their Webmaster is scratching his/her head, wondering if such a thing as a "xaphoon" exists, or if my question is a practical joke. If they do get back to me, I'll let you know what they suggest. My question basically was, "Which of your models should I choose?" because they now have a bewildering array of choices   --including their first all-metal lig!  

I will take your remarks about the differences between xaphoons and saxes into account, and will definitely purchase any high-end lig from a place with a guarantee that allows me to return/exchange for something else. In no particular order, my top contenders at present are

(1) the Vandoren Optimum
(2) the Francois Louis Ultimate or new All-brass Utlimate
(3) the Rovner Versa
(4) the Rovner StarSeries with the optional TurboCharger upgrade
(5) the new all-metal Rovner (I forget what it's called--'the "Platinum," I think)

I fear I may be limited to strap ligs, though, because of a bad experience I had recently with my off-the-shelf ligs: since inverting them, I find I have trouble getting the screw holes to match up because they've bent ever so slightly. I worry that a high-end metal lig would be similarly sensitive to the exact shape of the instrument, and those ligs will of course have been made to fit specific soprano sax mouthpieces, not xaphoons. So metal may not work at all, or might fit so imprecisely that the benefits of the high-tech engineering are lost. But I'm hoping they may be useable.

So, at present, the only definite thing I've learned is that off-the-shelf ligs are not for me!   When I learn more, I'll let you know.

--Steve

P.S.: You have a WINSLOW and you're not using it?!? Why not, man? I just read some advice on a sax Website that said Winslows were the finest sax ligs ever made! If I had one, it would be on my PS right now!


(2)

Exuse me butting in this thread, which I am following. I just can not underestand that using high end ligatures will help on how one plays the xaphoon. I could underestand if one has played for years and now experiments to get that extra 2%, but someone who has only played for 6 months? It is like a bicykle rider buying the most expensive bike with the lightest materials, but the rider is 10 kg overweight! I am also some sort of gadget freak, most men are, but I think I stik to the xaphoon as it is until my playing abilities improve!!! But we are all diferent and thank god for that... knock yourself out with the ligatures, and please let us know how it goes. It makes for interesting reading!!!
The best
Sergio

I know you are right, every little helps (even a top of the line bike will help the rider who still has to loose 10 kg ,o) I just personly rather focus my attention on learning how to play and try to master this thing before I unload vasts amounts of money on it. I think the xaphoon sounds great as is, especially when played as it should ,o) Anyhow I got a bit courious and will borrow a few ligatures from my friend, who is an avid sax player, and will try them on.
Cheers and enjoy!