I am looking around for a new ligature, and was wondering what some of the good ones are. I want one that is very dark in tone......and also what are some good mouthpeices? I dont like the B45 at all...any suggestions?

Yeah, a lot of folks around here are switching to a Vandoren M13 Lyre "Profile 88". I can say that it is pretty awesome. Very reed friendly on my Buffet R13. I can't help you with the ligature.

i have tried a ton of different ones. The Vandoren Optimum is pretty good for a variety of situations. Also the Bonade ligature is quite good, that is what i use and i love it. There is also the brancher leggiero which is very free

Don't forget some of the more common ligs. out there. There's the Rovner lig. I'll admit I use one, but I might get something better. Anoither lig. I'll admit I use but don't care for is the Luyben inverted lig. It's great but bends eaily. Good luck finding a ligature!

You should try Vandoren's leather ligature. It has 3 interchangeable pressure plates, one made of metal, and two leather plates. I've been using it for 4-5 months with a Vandoren B40 Profile 88 mouthpiece, and I love the sound.

Pear

I love my Optimum, my lessons teacher has the same one and she is an amazing clrinet player, so that's why I got mine.
-Amanda

I have a Rounder and a Premier by Hite mouthpiece. That's the one my teacher told me to get when I broke mine last year. long story...then I broke it again this year..)

I have a Rounder and a Premier by Hite mouthpiece. That's the one my teacher told me to get when I broke mine last year. long story...then I broke it again this year..)

I don't have any complaints with the Bonade inverted ligature. Low price for how well it works.

I agree, the inverted Bonade is inexpensive, and it's the best ligature I've ever owned. Even if you decide to get something else, the cost isn't too much, so you might as well try one. I recommend removing the centre portion on the reed side though. It grips better, and allow the reed greater freedom.

All of those are good ligatures, but remember better equipment on its own will not make you a better clarinetist. A good player could use a student model and sound better than a beginner on any set-up.

As for mouthpieces, I also like the Vandoren M15 in Profile 88. They aren't very popular, but they're very good mouthpieces. They require a stronger reed than most.

I have a bonade that thing is a wonder in a box!