A saxophone ligature is a device used to hold the reed in place on the mouthpiece of the saxophone. It is typically made of metal, although some ligatures may also be made from other materials such as plastic or fabric. The metal used in saxophone ligatures is often brass, stainless steel, or other alloys. Brass is a common material due to its durability, malleability, and ability to resonate with the vibrations of the reed, which can affect the instrument's tone.
Saxophone ligatures typically consist of a band or plate that wraps around the reed and mouthpiece, and some may also include screws or other mechanisms for tightening or loosening the ligature to adjust the tension on the reed. The ligature's purpose is to securely hold the reed against the mouthpiece, allowing it to vibrate freely and produce sound when the player blows air through the instrument. Different ligature designs and materials can affect the sound, response, and playability of the saxophone, and some players may experiment with different types of ligatures to achieve their desired tone and performance characteristics.