My first reaction was that this ligature was the best I've ever played on. I've had the Bois Classique ligature now for about 8 months and it is no longer playable. The lining on the inside of the ring has worn out and become choppy making the seal of the reed unpredictable at best. It no longer holds reeds in one place which means it moves while I am playing. It actually sounds worse now than the super cheap no name ligatures that my beginner students play on. Wait for an improvement from Bois. The concept is awesome but they need to adjust the design.

I tried this ligature a few weeks before college, and had to get it! I use it on a Vandoren M30 mouthpiece with 3.5 Mitchell Lurie reeds on my Leblanc by Backun Candenza. The sounds I get is wonderful. Also, it is very easy to get on and off, which is useful when a quick reed change is needed. I would greatly recommending this ligature.

I have to echo other reviewers...the minimalist approach is great. I just got this ligature with a Fobes Debut mouthpiece and that combination with a Bari Star reed is just what I needed for my Bass Clarinet. Response, articulation, volume...all no problem. Intonation is spot on throughout all registers. Easily change reeds if necessary. It WILL take some getting used to...the not having screws to tighten..but first impressions are great. I love the response I get out of my Bass with this mouthpiece and ligature combination.

The Bb ligature is surprisingly good. The Eb ligature doesn't fit a Zinner blank so be wary.

I purchased the Bois for clarinet and tenor sax in Winston Salem, NC, with the intention of using them solely to test reeds (since it goes on/comes off so easily). However, I found it to be a worthy replacement for my BG ligatures. My favorite feature: the rubber cap keeps the reed moist much longer than standard caps.

I purchased the Bois for clarinet and tenor sax in Winston Salem, NC, with the intention of using them solely to test reeds (since it goes on/comes off so easily). However, I found it to be a worthy replacement for my BG ligatures. My favorite feature: the rubber cap keeps the reed moist much longer than standard caps.

I play alto and tenor .. The alto sports a HR #6 Jazz Bamber and the tenor a STM 7* Link. I do not like spending money on something that doesn't really work. The BOIS lig works for me. Definitely more open sound, better response. The entire range of the horn. My instructor uses them on all his horns as well.. including his clarinet. And boy is he picky. Another professional friend (tenor sax) of mine tried it and went wild over it. Give it a run around the block.. WW&BW is very kind to us musicians. That's why we spend our hard earned money here.

I have lots of ligatures and tried many more! I've kept several ligs for playing different literature. I USED a Bonade most of the time also some several major leather strap type brands, well most of them. With the Bois I'm finding that it lets me do what I need when I need it. My first impression was that it had a wonderful sound but the articulation suffered? Well I know that when trying out a new mouthpiece you need to use new reeds. The same goes for this lig break several reeds in on it and the articulation is even easier!!! Not to mention the Tone and Flexibility!!! I don't use the cap it comes with, but the sound and ease I have make me a happy clarinetist! Give it a chance, you might be surprised!

I used to use an old Selmer ligature which made my clarinet sound stuffy. Then I saw the Bois booth at the Missouri All-State convention and became very interested because I was searching for a new ligature. The Bois representative (actually she was the creator of the ligature) kindly let me try it and take it to one of the All-State rehearsals before I bought it. Lo and behold, within a few days 12 of the 24 clarinet players had bought a Bois. The Bois really frees up your sound and allows for maximum vibration. The Bois touches the reed on 1 point and the mouthpiece on 1 point, which makes for a freer sound. The maker of the ligature told me that she had modeled it after the Ultimate ligature. The ligature is made out of a really durable material and is practically unbreakable. It simply slides onto the reed and mouthpiece and it keeps the reed snug. Now you don't have to deal with the ugly metal ligature marks on your reed. I find this ligature to be very similar to the Bonade in sound. So if you like the Bonade, you'll like this. The difference in this and the Bonade is that the Bois has a slightly freer sound. Also, when my teacher walked further away while I was playing, she said it produced nice overtones. She's also coming out with wooden Bois ligatures soon. Cocobolo, Rosewood, and many more. The smart cap is the same cap that comes with the Ultimate. You can put water on the little pad to keep your reed moist. (I personally have never tried it, but it may be a feature that you would like.) I highly recommend this ligature. Hope you like it!

I've always liked minimalist ideas. I needed to upgrade (and fast!) from the stock plastic Yamaha mpc/cheap metal lig combo I got with my bass. I now use the BOIS ligature with a Walter Grabner mpc and either Legere (2.75) or Vandoren(3) reeds. The BOIS doesn't seem as compatible with the Legere reeds and requires a bit more fuss to get everything in place and stable. With wood reeds the thing is FANTASTIC! It's simple, quick, VERY solid and has a great sound and feel to it. I ended up giving the Smart Cap to a sax player friend; it doesn't really fit bass clarinet mouthpieces. This is no gimmick and for the price itÆs even better. I'd recommend to anybody looking for a no-frills, reliable ligature with great sound and feel.