Features
Each Rovner ligature has unique properties that makes the selection of
the “right” ligature an extremely personal choice for the individual player.
However, all Rovner ligatures are designed with the following goals in
mind. A Rovner ligature:
• Permits a reed to vibrate more freely than any other conventional
ligature, whether metal or fabric.
• Significantly improves tone, response and intonation.
• Allows reeds to swell and shrink, without distorting the reed body,
reducing the likelihood of leakage at the facing.
• Reduces peculiar modes of vibration that give rise to uneven scales,
poor intonation, squeaks and raspiness.
• If properly used, will provide greater playing ease, considerably ex-
tending reed life and yielding many more playable reeds.
• Is made of the finest materials obtainable.
• “Fabric” body will not stretch or rot and is chemically impervious;
metal parts are corrosion-resistant.
General Instructions - All Ligatures
LUBRICATION
IMPORTANT! This ligature will not perform unless the metal
fittings are properly lubricated. Lack of lubrication can cause the ligature
to sound stuffy or dull. Lubricate rubbing surfaces and threads of metal
parts regularly with a good general lubricant (household oil) or cork
grease.
A GOOD FIT
Proper fit is essential to good performance. If the ends of the
ligature (the pins) butt together when you tighten the thumbscrew, but you
have not achieved a snug fit, the ligature may be too big. If the gap be-
tween the ends of the ligature exceeds 1/4”, it may be too small. Try a
different size ligature.
BREAKING IN
A break-in period of at least several performances is required to
permit the ligature to stress out evenly and take a “set” to your mouth-
piece. Allow yourself a reasonable period of time for getting used to the
subtleties of your new ligature. With some experimentation using different
reeds and adjustments, even greater tonal brilliance can generally be
achieved.
Classic Models
Dark
The Original!
Produces a full,
centered tone
Enjoyed especially by
classical players
Light
Responsive & free-playing
For the player desiring a
more contemporary sound
Affords a full range of
musical expression
Mark III
Greater weight and
tonal substance than
the Dark or the Light
Similar to the Dark, but
responds with a more
robust, heftier tone
Using the Ligature
See the photo below for Rovner’s recommended inverted posi-
tion for these Classic ligatures. The pins are opposite the reed, and the
thumbscrew is on top of the mouthpiece, facing right and aligned parallel
to the lay. Again, after about a week’s use, the ligature will conform to the
shape of your mouthpiece.
The ligature can also be used in the “industry standard” pins-on-
reed position (see below). Remove the thumbnut and stud. Making sure
the flat edges of the two pins (the metal pieces the fabric loops cover) are
still facing out, reassemble the thumbnut and stud so that the thumbnut
is again toward the right side.
Innovation by Desire...Performance by Design
Since our first ligature, the Rovner Dark, was created back in
1974, our “mission” has been to provide woodwind players with excep-
tional, innovative, high-performance products. Occasionally we “tweak”
a product after it has been released for production, which sometimes
results in subtle changes to the appearance of a particular ligature. So
if you are replacing a ligature or adding another of the same model to
your collection, perhaps to fit another instrument, and you notice a
difference, rest assured that any change made to the ligature will only
improve its performance!
You have purchased a superb ligature from one of the most
respected ligature manufacturers in the world. Below you will find
specific instructions regarding the care and use of our Classic models
and our Next Generation models, as well as invaluable tips that will
help you maximize the performance of your ligature, your mouthpiece
and your reed. Please take a moment to review them. With the
proper care, your new Rovner ligature will last you for years!
LIGATURE GUIDE
Thank you for purchasing this fine Rovner Product!
Visit our website for up-to-the-minute information on our
full line of products, a Ligature Sizing Guide, and more!
Rovner’s Inverted Position
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS—ALL LIGATURES, CONTINUED:
LIGATURE SLIPPAGE
If the ligature tends to slip out of position after it is tightened to
the mouthpiece, dampen a paper towel with a window cleaner (e.g. Win-
dex) and thoroughly wipe the outer surface of the mouthpiece and the
inner surface of the ligature to remove any oily residue. Let dry thoroughly
before reinstalling the ligature on the mouthpiece.
CAPS
The cap may be a bit tight-fitting at first, but after a few weeks it
will “let go” and fit neatly. It may also be slightly re-formed by soaking it in
hot (not boiling!) water for a few minutes and bending it carefully to close it
down, or putting it on the assembled mouthpiece overnight to expand it.
REED PERFORMANCE
To yield maximum benefit from the ligature, moisten the reed
thoroughly before playing. Experiment with soaking the reed for as long
as 1-3 hours, stabilizing the moisture balance. After playing, scrub the
entire flat surface and vamp of the reed with a mild detergent or shampoo-
with-conditioner and warm water, using a soft toothbrush. Make sure the
entire mouthpiece facing is clean, as well. IMPORTANT! Never use
soaps containing abrasives or scouring powder. Do not use toothpaste.
Any residue between the reed and facing will create a stickiness that inhib-
its the free vibration of the reed. If you eat during a playing session, food
and fat residues can affect the playing performance of the mouthpiece.
LIGATURE INSTALLATION
When you see this symbol on a photo in these instruc-
tions, it means the ligature in that photo is installed in Rovner’s inverted
position, with the pins opposite the reed.
REV 8/11
Rovner Products
PO Box 4116 Timonium MD 21094-4116 USA
www.rovnerproducts.com
www.facebook.com/rovnerproducts
Pins-on-Reed Position
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