Clarinet ligature orientation?

Question

i've played clarinet since fourth grade (i just graduated from high school) and i was taught to put my ligature on with the screws facing me when playing. However, lately i've noticed that some players put their ligatures on so that the screws face away from them. Is there a reason why you should orient your ligature one way or the other?

Answer 1

No matter what ligature it is, the screws always face to the Right! No matter if its the one with the bars in the front or the back! Always to the right!

Answer 2

The ligature orientation can alter your sound.  I've used various ligatures over the years and there are some which can be put on either way - try it, it won't damage the mouthpiece and you may find you like the change in sound!  Currently I play a Bonade ligature which has to go with the screws on the top of the mouthpiece given the nature of the ligature - putting it the other way defeats the purpose of the ligature!

Answer 3

Hi Froggie,

You are facing your ligature toward you because it is suppose to be oriented that way.   When you see people putting on their ligatures on backwards,  it is because the ligature is made to be put on that way.   One of the ligatures which are oriented to the front of the mouthpiece is the Bonade.   The other is the Rovner... a ligature made of a black leather strap or simulated leather.    If your ligature is not designed to be screwed in the front of the mouthpiece... don't be putting it there.

Hope that explains it for you.  :))