Most saxophone ligatures use a single-screw fastening, frequently with the screw installed in an inverted position to allow quick and easy adjustment of reed pressure.

Common finishes include nickel, silver-plated, gold-lacquered, and other lacquered options.

Designs include single-screw and inverted-screw ligatures, versions with multiple pressure plates (for example, three plates), and fabric-style options that accommodate fabric-compatible mouthpiece caps.

Common adjustment features are a single-screw (one-screw) mechanism and inverted screw placement; some models also use multiple pressure plates (such as three plates) to offer tonal variations.

Some listings market ligatures with role-focused labels—such as a 'Soloist's Ligature'—or say a ligature is 'ideal for ensemble work and chamber music.' Otherwise, descriptions generally emphasize sound, control, and reed vibration.