Ishimori Woodstone Bb Clarinet Ligature

Ishimori ligatures have kind of taken the world by storm. I was introduced to them by my former teacher, Charlie Neidich, who is a huge fan. Each one is made by hand using precious and semi-precious metals, which is why some of them are fairly expensive. 

But so what, expensive doesn't mean they're anything special, right? Well these ligatures have some unique features that set them apart from other ligatures on the market. 

One of the big differences is how they allow the sides of the reed to vibrate freely. Most ligatures hold the sides of the reed firmly against the table of the mouthpiece. This is sometimes desirable if your reed is badly warped, but normally...not so much.

As you've no doubt seen, there are about a million different devices to hold a reed on a mouthpiece, and each one has its pros and cons. (For example, leather tends to dampen the vibration somewhat, which results in a particular sound. Some manufacturers use multiple materials together, etc.)

High quality base metals

Ishimori Woodstone ligatures have a fairly simple design: high-quality base metals (solid brass, solid silver, solid copper) with various platings over that base — or in the case of the silver version, no plating...it's just solid silver. This is unique in the world of ligatures, since most other manufacturers use brass, nickel silver or zinc. As a result, the sound you get out of your instrument has a really pure, focused core. I'd call it "Un-alloyed" but my daughter would call that a dad-pun.

Which metal/plating combo to choose?

This is where it gets kind of esoteric. Different metals have different hardnesses: Silver is harder than Copper. Brass (an alloy of Copper and Zinc) is harder than both. And this hardness results in a different play-feel and sound. 

Remember, the differences I'm about to describe are VERY nuanced, and a generalization. Your sound will not be massively changed by a ligature. There is no silver (or copper) bullet. BUT, if you're looking for that last 1%, a ligature may make a difference for you.

Solid Silver
Powerful sound with a tight core. Slightly more resistant than other metals. Crisp articulation capability that'd make Robert Marcellus happy.

Solid Silver with Gold Plate
Same power as solid silver, but with added mid-to-high frequency harmonics, aka, "brighter".

Solid Silver with Pink Gold Plate
Pretty much the same as the 24k Gold plate above. 

Solid Copper
The softest metal yields a darker sound, but with a nice ring. A little less resistant than Silver.

Solid Copper with 24k Gold Plate
The addition of 24k Gold plating yields a brighter sound, like the Silver with Pink Gold Plate, but with a skosh less resistance.

Solid Copper with 24k Pink Gold Plate
Pretty much the same as the 24k Gold plate above. 

Solid Copper with Brushed Satin Gold Plate
The darkest and most resistant of the bunch. I honestly don't know what makes this the case, but darn it if that isn't the case. A particular orchestral clarinetist in Chicago would love this ligature. 

FAQ:

Q: Can I try this ligature and return it if I don't like it?
A: Ishimori Woodstone ligatures are not available for trial or return.

Q: What's your favorite metal?
A: I'll never tell. Besides my favorite isn't necessarily going to be yours.

Q: Is this ligature inverted (do the screws go on the back)?
A: Yes, the ligature is inverted.

Q: Does this ligature come with a mouthpiece cap?
A: No, Ishimori ligatures are just the ligature. I also don't recommend you use a metal cap because it'll scratch the ligature badly.