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.
LIGATURE GUIDE CAPS
The cap may be a bit tight-fitting at first, but after a few weeks it
You have purchased a superb ligature from one of the most will “let go” and fit neatly. It may also be slightly re-formed by soaking it in
respected ligature manufacturers in the world. Below you will find hot (not boiling!) water for a few minutes and bending it carefully to close it
specific instructions regarding the care and use of our Classic models down, or putting it on the assembled mouthpiece overnight to expand it.
and our Next Generation models, as well as invaluable tips that will
help you maximize the performance of your ligature, your mouthpiece REED PERFORMANCE
and your reed. Please take a moment to review them. With the To yield maximum benefit from the ligature, moisten the reed
proper care, your new Rovner ligature will last you for years! 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
Innovation by Desire...Performance by Design entire mouthpiece facing is clean, as well. IMPORTANT! Never use
Since our first ligature, the Rovner Dark, was created back in soaps containing abrasives or scouring powder. Do not use toothpaste.
1974, our “mission” has been to provide woodwind players with excep- Any residue between the reed and facing will create a stickiness that inhib-
tional, innovative, high-performance products. Occasionally we “tweak” its the free vibration of the reed. If you eat during a playing session, food
a product after it has been released for production, which sometimes and fat residues can affect the playing performance of the mouthpiece.
results in subtle changes to the appearance of a particular ligature. So LIGATURE INSTALLATION
if you are replacing a ligature or adding another of the same model to When you see this symbol on a photo in these instruc-
your collection, perhaps to fit another instrument, and you notice a tions, it means the ligature in that photo is installed in Rovner’s inverted
difference, rest assured that any change made to the ligature will only position, with the pins opposite the reed.
improve its performance!
Thank you for purchasing this fine Rovner Product!
Visit our website for up-to-the-minute information on our
Features full line of products, a Ligature Sizing Guide, and more!
Rovner Products
Each Rovner ligature has unique properties that makes the selection of PO Box 4116 Timonium MD 21094-4116 USA
the “right” ligature an extremely personal choice for the individual player. www.rovnerproducts.com
However, all Rovner ligatures are designed with the following goals in www.facebook.com/rovnerproducts
mind. A Rovner ligature:
• Permits a reed to vibrate more freely than any other conventional
ligature, whether metal or fabric. Classic Models
• 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. Dark Light Mark III
• Is made of the finest materials obtainable. The Original! Responsive & free-playing Greater weight and
tonal substance than
• “Fabric” body will not stretch or rot and is chemically impervious; Produces a full, For the player desiring a the Dark or the Light
metal parts are corrosion-resistant. centered tone more contemporary sound
Similar to the Dark, but
Enjoyed especially by Affords a full range of responds with a more
classical players musical expression robust, heftier tone
General Instructions - All Ligatures

Using the Ligature

LUBRICATION See the photo below for Rovner’s recommended inverted posi-
IMPORTANT! This ligature will not perform unless the metal tion for these Classic ligatures. The pins are opposite the reed, and the
fittings are properly lubricated. Lack of lubrication can cause the ligature thumbscrew is on top of the mouthpiece, facing right and aligned parallel
to sound stuffy or dull. Lubricate rubbing surfaces and threads of metal to the lay. Again, after about a week’s use, the ligature will conform to the
parts regularly with a good general lubricant (household oil) or cork shape of your mouthpiece.
grease. The ligature can also be used in the “industry standard” pins-on-
A GOOD FIT reed position (see below). Remove the thumbnut and stud. Making sure
Proper fit is essential to good performance. If the ends of the the flat edges of the two pins (the metal pieces the fabric loops cover) are
ligature (the pins) butt together when you tighten the thumbscrew, but you still facing out, reassemble the thumbnut and stud so that the thumbnut
have not achieved a snug fit, the ligature may be too big. If the gap be- is again toward the right side.
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. Rovner’s Inverted Position Pins-on-Reed Position REV 8/11
 Classic Models—Versa Next Generations Models, Continued:
Capable of producing six different tones
Legacy
Rewards the player with a big, rich sound
Superior articulation & harmonic richness
Exceptional control when playing full-bore
fortissimo Great projection, “cut” and presence
Complete tonal control through all registers. Superb jazz and marching band ligature
U.S. Patent # 5,998,715 Can be retrofit with the TurboCharger Kit!

THE 6 DIFFERENT SETTINGS OF QUICK-SWITCH TECHNOLOGY: Using the Ligature

The Legacy can be installed ONLY in the Rovner inverted position, with
Installation: the pins opposite the reed (see above). Just put it on and play!
The Versa is installed ONLY in the Rovner inverted position, with the pins
opposite the reed, and the metal cradle against it (see above).
Platinum
Switching Flaps:
To switch the position of the flaps, hold the ligature between the thumb Dark, centered tone
and forefinger (A) and squeeze the ligature, causing the flap to rise. Ma- Precision formed of durable, space-age metal
nipulating the flap by squeezing will enable you to deflect the end of the Superbly fluid, with great clarity and ring
flap either on top of or beneath the metal cradle, as desired.
Effortlessly played
Switching Inserts:
To switch inserts, use the end of one insert to push out the insert already Using the Ligature
in the cradle (B). Or, you can leave the cradle empty. The insert will in- For optimum performance, the Platinum is installed with the pins against
stall most easily if inserted into the end of the cradle with the smallest tab. the reed (see above). For the initial installation of the ligature, and to help
it take a “set” to your mouthpiece, place it over the reed and mouthpiece
and then crank the screw on the ligature for a very tight fit. If you are using
a small or thin mouthpiece, it may help to invert the ligature for the initial
“set” phase. Leave in place at least overnight. This will help form the
metal and keep the ligature pins from slipping off the edges of the reed
when it is properly installed in the playing position.

A B Turbo-Charger Kit
Flaps under Cradle: By positioning the flaps under the cradle and using This Mass-Loaded retrofit for the
one or more of the inserts, you can easily switch between three different Star Series & Legacy amps up your sound
tones (Figs. C-E). with greater focus and even more resonance.
Find out all the details on www.rovnerproducts.com.

Next Generation X-Series Models

C D E
INTRODUCED
Flaps over Cradle: Position the flaps over the cradle to get three addi- August 2011!
tional distinct tones (Figs. F-H)

Remember to try it
BOTH WAYS!
Flaps under cradle,
F G H as shown at left, and
More Options: In order to overcome irregularities in reeds and/or mouth- flaps over cradle for
pieces, or to accommodate particular playing styles, you may want to try a different sound!
placing just ONE flap over the cradle, leaving the other underneath.
Recommended

Next Generation Models Versa-X

All of Rovner’s Next Generation and X-Series models are pat- Mass-Loaded Technology with unique
Resonating Ribs
ented (U.S. Patent #7,863,509), utilizing our exclusive Mass-
Loaded Technology and unique “resonating ribs” features! Evolved from the original Versa,
but a new model
Star Series and a completely different experience!

Extremely resonant, providing excellent feedback Flaps reposition for a variety of tones

Free-blowing, making the instrument easier to play, Quickly adjustable

especially for the immature embouchure Extraordinary response...Superb intonation
Pro performance at penny-pinching prices!
Can be retrofit with a TurboCharger Kit! Using the Ligature
Recommended The Versa-X is designed to be installed in the Rovner inverted position,
Using the Ligature with the pins opposite the reed, and the metal cradle against it. Although
The photos at right show the two different positions for plac- the cradle has no removable insert, you can still follow the “Switching
ing the ligature. Each yields a different tone and playing Flaps” instructions for the original Versa at left to achieve different effects.
response. The ligature can also be disassembled, turned You can place both flaps under the cradle, or both flaps over the cradle.
inside-out, and reassembled for yet another tonal alterna- In order to overcome irregularities in reeds, mouthpieces, or playing style,
tive. The screw and thumbnut may also be alternated in a you can also opt to place one flap over the cradle and leave the other
preferred location. If using the pins-on-reed position, be underneath. If you opt to install the ligature pins-on-reed, be sure to posi-
sure to carefully center the ligature over the reed. tion the flaps over the metal cradle to avoid scratching your mouthpiece.
Pins-on-Reed