Vandoren Optimum Black Bass Clarinet Ligature

The Vandoren Optimum. But, you know, blacker. I personally play this ligature (and played the Silver version before it) because it's just a great piece of gear. It's not fussy like many other ligatures, lets the reed vibrate (and you have three reed plates to choose from which sliiiiightly change the response of the ligature), and it's a great value. Seriously, there is no need for expensive ligatures like these.

But you don't want a piece of crap either.

Does the black make a difference? Why not get the silver? Well, first of all black doesn't tarnish like silver—and being married 24/7 to a mouthpiece that emits sulphur, that's a factor. And it does not feel any different from the silver ligature.

Plus, you know, black.