Fortissimo Small "Padded Tensing Ring" Ligature (Gold)

The ligature comes with two adjusters, the larger one in a small pouch in the back of the box makes a fit with my Van Doren soprano mpc possible. You have to disassemble the ligature to refit this bit. It takes some finger dexterity to fit reed and ligature to the mpc. Having done this, I would say that the thing works and my reeds sound well. I have found that keeping any ligature just at the line marked on the mpc is the most effective combination. For the price, this ligature is worth a try. It does not work as quickly as a Rovener though.

I have an old style Fortissimo lig which fits my soprano perfectly. The newer ones are too large. The company doesn't seem to be in business anymore as well. It is the most open and effortless lig I've ever had. I've only tried about 25 other ligs, but it wasn't until this one that the horn really began to sing. It makes dead reeds sound for longer and good ones really sing. The transparency of the tone is startling as is the evenness. The 3 plates are a lot of fun and useful for making tonal changes. Unfortunately they don't seem to make models that fit my Dukoff or Yanagisawa mouthpieces if they make mouthpieces at all anymore.They are finicky little things. If you're used to a lig that just stays there you won't like this one. The newer models seem sturdier. Haven't tried them because they don't fit my mouthpieces. They might fit a hard rubber or plastic mouthpiece. Setup takes a little longer but is well worth it. I love this lig. I only hope they are still and business and if they are they make models that fit metal soprano mouthpieces as well as sopranino mouthpieces. It only wish I had bought more of them when they were available.