How to Fix a Twisted Ligature for a Clarinet
A clarinet ligature is tiny and practically weightless device designed to hold the reed in place over the instrument's mouth piece. As a result, it tends to slip out of fingers regularly while taking off or putting on the mouth piece. Stepping on it accidentally while scrambling to pick it back up is sure to twist or bend the ligature. Ligatures are typically made out of thin metal, plastic or leather, which makes them easy to twist back into shape, so long as it isn't cracked or severed into multiple pieces.
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Instructions
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Inspect the twisted ligature thoroughly for cracks. If no cracks are detected, the ligature is repairable, otherwise it will need replacing.
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Gently pull the ligature mouth piece bars apart, returning the ligature to its concave shape, using your fingers until they fit into the ligature mount on the clarinet mouth piece.
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Fit the ligature mouth piece bars into the ligature mouth piece mount. Push the ligature slowly but firmly into the mount to bend it back into shape.
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Unscrew the ligature screws slightly using your fingers to make it easier to slide into the ligature mount.
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Bend the top of the ligature using your thumbs until it's positioned directly over the mouth piece once it's mounted.
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Remove the ligature from the mouth piece and carefully smooth out any remaining wrinkles or pends using your fingers.
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Mount the ligature, loosen the ligature screws, slide a reed between it and the mouth piece, and gently tighten the ligature screws over the reed. Play the clarinet to test your repair.
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Tips & Warnings
Ligature's are particular to the clarinet they are made for, so take your instrument with you when purchasing a replacement ligature.
Never over tighten the ligature screws over a reed because it will cause it to splinter and crack, rendering it useless.
References
- Photo Credit Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images
