Francois Louis
At Wind Instrument Proshop we carry the François Louis ligature lineup for saxophone and clarinet
The Ultimate Ligature — The Ultimate Ligature is more than just a trendy accessory. It has been conceived as an instrument in its own right. The tightening by a single central screw ensures an even distribution of pressure on the reed and allows the reed to vibrate freely without damping the natural vibration of the mouthpiece. Thanks to the resonating pipes, this ligature generates a range of sympathetic vibrations that enrich the player's sound. Available in three finishes — Brass for more resonance and vibration, Silver for more resistance and darkness, Gold for elegance and a slicker tone quality. For soprano, alto, tenor and baritone saxophone. Handmade in Belgium.
The Ultimate Ligature has been rated the number one ligature in the world by The Sax Magazine — a claim backed by decades of use by the most demanding professional saxophonists in jazz, classical and contemporary music. If you have never experienced what a truly exceptional ligature does to your sound, the Ultimate Ligature is the place to start.
The Pure Brass Ligature — François Louis's second great ligature design. Developed in 2005–2006 alongside the Basic ligature, the Pure Brass uses a longitudinal contact design that places the contact point along the length of the reed rather than across it — allowing maximum freedom of vibration. Warm, centred projection with a focused tonal core. For players who want the FL ligature philosophy in a more direct, less complex design than the Ultimate.
The Basic Ligature — The entry point into the François Louis ligature family. Developed alongside the Pure Brass, the Basic delivers the fundamental FL ligature design principle — longitudinal contact, single screw, free reed vibration — in a lighter, more accessible package. Pure Brass quality and playing philosophy at an accessible price. For students, advancing players and anyone who wants to experience what a well-designed ligature does without investing in the Ultimate.
THE SMART CAP
The Smart Cap solves a problem that players with premium ligatures know well — most mouthpiece caps are designed for standard metal ligatures and don't fit properly over ligatures with unusual profiles. The Smart Cap's flexible arms grip any mouthpiece with any ligature securely, in any configuration. The humidity-regulating felt pad protects and conditions the reed during breaks between sets and rehearsals — especially valuable in Alberta's dry climate where reeds dry out rapidly between playing sessions. Available for soprano, alto, tenor saxophone and Bb clarinet.