recently it has become evident to me that my current ligature may not be sutible for my clarinet mouthpeice, as it can only just be sqeezed down on to i once the reed has be put in place, so i am looking to get a new one, i am in the u.k so i have to be able to get it to the u.k and would preferably like to be able buy it from a u.k shop.

i have a selmer c** mouthpeice, so basically, can anyone recommend the best ligature i can buy for under about £25 (or $40-ish). i would want some thing quite free blowing, so that i dont have to battle with the clarinet to get a sound out, and must come in black (or another dark colour)

Try a Rovner ligature. If you can get hold of a used Tru Blo that would be even better. Unfortunately they are no longer made and I wouldn't part with mine for any price.

Anyone got a Tru Blo for bass clarinet they are willing to sell ?

i searched for tru blo but could not find anything (apart from requests for them and information)
i know that the rovner ones are in my price range so i will give them a try,
are there any others makes that are good?

Bonade, regular or inverted. Right around $20, and the most perfect a ligature can be. You can find them on WWBW. Trust me, for the price of some of the gimmicky ligatures like the Vandoren Optimum (around 60 bucks.), I'd rather buy 3 Bonades and be set for life.

check out luyben ligatures. very cheap and they actually work very well. i used one for about 8 months then it broke and had to replace it but whatever it served its purpose

If you had to replace it after 8 months, I would question it's quality.

vandoren optimum is great for that because they give you 3 pieces to turne better your sound.
I bought one about two, three weeks and i'm very glad with the sound that I can take from clarinet now. is more clean, it's the best, I think. but you have to take very careful with her =)

peace*

Go to Youtube and look a Will Cicola video on tying a string ligature -- try it -- it works. I tie mine from 1.5 mm leather.