 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: oca
Date: 2011-11-21 22:36
Rovner had a great epiphany. Rovner was the first company to make non-traditional ligatures, and years later, they came up with the idea: "What if we take our non-traditional ligatures and make them traditional again!"
Thus the "turbo-charge" was born:
http://www.rovnerproducts.com/turbocharger.htm
Now you can un-invert your inverted ligature to make it better. This is ironic because most people buy an inverted ligature... to... you know... because it was inverted.
Here is a complete chart of their products:
http://www.rovnerproducts.com/Ligature%20Comparison%20Guide.pdf
This Turbo Charge thing, if it is true, makes me doubt whether I should have replaced my stock ligature, since all regular traditional ligatures are "turbo-charged". The name "Turbo-Charge" makes me think that I am buying a Hot-Wheel, not an accessory for a thousand dollar musical instrument.
What do you think about the turbo-charge and the new "mass-loaded" ligatures?
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Author: BobD
Date: 2011-11-21 22:53
Do you suppose it's to increase Sales?
Bob Draznik
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Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2011-11-21 23:53
The problem with turbocharging your ligature is, if you don't decrease the compression ratio of your mouthpiece, you could get detonation in your clarinet resulting in a "pinging" sound (which, admittedly, some people seem to strive for).
All seriousness aside, I happen to have one of Mr. Rovner's "mass-loaded" bass clarinet ligatures (a non-inverted design) and I like it quite a bit. Secure, easy to install and adjust, and sounds good. I understand he only made this design for a short time, though.
Increasing sales has NOTHING to do with the music business, Mr. Draz. Shame on you for even HINTING at a profit motive in this artistic endeavor we enjoy. ![[frown]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/smilie2.gif)
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2011-11-22 00:53
Keeping in mind David's sage advice, remember that turbocharging a setup will require more frequent changing of the oil in the bore, and use of highewr frade oils, such as those from "The Doctor." Ignore this at the peril of "blowing out" your clarinet!!!
Jeff
“Everyone discovers their own way of destroying themselves, and some people choose the clarinet.” Kalman Opperman, 1919-2010
"A drummer is a musician's best friend."
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Author: Eric V
Date: 2011-11-22 01:12
Dave, your post cracked me up and reminded me 1) I need to send you my A horn for fettling and 2) I don't really miss sorting and re-sorting my Fiat Abarth 1300/124
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Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2011-11-22 01:22
Eric, send me your Fiat Abarth instead! It will give me a diversion while I pull the motor on my 850 Spider to replace the clutch (one of these weekends if I ever get some spare time). Working on clarinets is too easy and neat and clean -- cars are more challenging and greasy.
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2011-11-22 02:15
I know some of you are skeptical about this but I have to tell something. Last year I wrote on this board that Rovner is making a new ligature that I obsoletely love and that it would go into production soon. It turned out that because of the material he needed to purchase it would drive the retail price up way to high for his line for a single ligature but I own and use the one he made for me.
This Turbo charge kit comes as close to the ligature he made for me as possible without increasing the price of the ligature he wanted to produce. It's a little like having the best of both possible worlds. You can use the ligature with or without the turbo kit. It's just one of those things some players will love and others simply won't. That's the case with any clarinet product no matter what it is, what it costs and who makes it. For me, it gives me a little bit more richness and fullness to my sound. Does the audience hear it, I don't know. What i do know is that I like the feel and sound when I play it on my mouthpiece. If I didn't, I won't use it. If you're looking for something that your present ligature is lacking I suggest you give it a try. If you're completely satisfied or don't care, don't waste your money. I am a friend of Phil Rovner and helped him promote his ligature many years ago when he first came out with his first one but I have not "worked" for him for well over 25 years now. He does send me anything new he designs for my opinion and I do get to keep what I like, even what I don't like. :-) ESP eddiesclarinet.com
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Author: Buster
Date: 2011-11-22 03:03
Just a quick hint of advice for all,
To get the most out of your "Turbo-charged" ligature, an inter-cooler and a K&N intake will greatly increase power output and decrease spool-up time; and a freer blowing pipe will produce a great sounding note. For extra "ping" in the sound, if so desired (as Dave has mentioned), crank up the boost to "11" and a 16 to 1 compression ratio will do the trick.
As stated, oil changes should be more frequent, but the newer synthetics will greatly help.
Of course, if the little Vandoren V-6 can't handle it, dial back the boost or you will start throwing rods. But that may make for more business for the repair man (just throwing some work your way Dave.)
As for me, I prefer a roots-type "Super-charged" ligature, but I have yet to find that adequately realized. Perhaps time will make my dream come to fruition.
above all ladies and gentlemen, be kind to your trans. and double-clutch when necessary on the downshifts. (or would that be bump-clutch for those across the pond?)
-Jason
Post Edited (2011-11-22 03:05)
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2011-11-22 03:15
You know, I think we are tending get even more 'catty' than usual.
Ed,
I wouldn't take "OCA" too seriously at this point (on ligatures anyway). This is the third thread slamming the concept of ligature as a source of change.
There are those who agree to disagree - I leave it at that.
....................Paul Aviles
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Author: BflatNH
Date: 2011-11-22 03:40
I too have the mass-loaded ("turbocharged") ligature for the bass. Since it is a bit resilient (non-metal strap), is it better to store it between uses with a reed under compression, or let it relax between uses?
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Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2011-11-22 03:58
I think we've already discussed planned obsolescence in this context before so I won't go off on that tangent again.
But, in response to the OP (and fairness to Rovner), note that the "turbo charger" (mass loading system) is not designed for use and will NOT work on the "classic" Rovner mouthpieces (light, dark, Mark III, Eddie Daniels/Versa). It only works with the Evo, the Star Series (very similar design to the Evo) and the Legacy ligatures. These are all fairly recent models. The Evo and star series were originally designed to be used either in inverted or "standard" (screws in the front) configuration. The legacy ligature may be as well, though the permanent plate does make it appear to be primarily an inverted ligature. The latest variation (Versa X) actually involves both inverted design and mass weighting. Rovner has replaced the removable plate on the original Versa (and its predecessor, Eddie Daniels) with a permanent, heavier one. (Ed, you might want to give this one a try.) It is also perhaps worth noting that the Vandoren Optimum, which seems to be quite popular) uses the "mass weighting concept.
They all seem to do a decent job of holding the reed on the mouthpiece. Some cost more than others. Do they deliver on their claims of better intonation, more power, tonal variation, etc.? YMWV.
Best regards,
jnk
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Author: Buster
Date: 2011-11-22 04:29
Jack,
Do you think (Vance) Packard would have liked the Turbo-charged version?
Perhaps YMMV is a but more apt in this context ;-)
FWIW, haven't tried the lig. but was just hoping for a bit of comedic relief.
-J
Post Edited (2011-11-22 04:29)
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Author: Bob Phillips
Date: 2011-11-22 05:29
Just look at all this pent-up creativity!
BUT, seriously, for a better filter check out the dynomometer results obtained with an Alcone Engineering filter.
Bob Phillips
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Author: EEBaum
Date: 2011-11-22 06:04
I need to get racing stripes painted on my horn.
If anything, I think the weight of the turbocharger may serve to favorably change the balance of the instrument in relation to the fulcrum at the thumb. A similar effect can be achieved with extra-heavy barrels, which I've found convey slightly improved ergonomics. YMMV, of course, and it may well be a placebo even in that regard.
-Alex
www.mostlydifferent.com
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Author: Vubble3
Date: 2011-11-22 06:12
that's just stupid for a ligature.
Buffet Bb R13 A RC Prestige
buffet chadash and moennig barrels
Lomax classic lig
b40 lyre
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Author: oca
Date: 2011-11-22 07:35
Sorry Paul for having a cutting, critical tone about clarinet ligatures.
I find that, in general, without criticism, the poorest of qualities/performances can be elevated to a grade of prestige and cause confusion among those who are unable to discern between mediocre and great.
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2011-11-22 09:35
......and too much criticism can be crushing.
I applaud the Board as an open forum for beginners, intermediates and professionals to be able to co-mingle and freely express concerns and ideas without being exposed to examples of the open hostility one sees in mass quantity throughout the rest of the internet.
I still only ask for civility.
......................Paul Aviles
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2011-11-22 13:00
As Ed P. reminds us, it's possible to obsoletely love almost anything, if we simply let the placebo effect take over.
That said, I obsoletely love the Blattschnur (string), given to me personally by Michele Zukovsky in 1984, back when they were still making the good ones.
Of course for a true dark sound, you must use a Blattschnur schwartz. http://www.musicstore.com/en_EN/EUR/Arnold-Sons-Blattschnur-schwarz-/art-BLA0002158-000. Ordinary twine (the dreaded Blattschnur weiß) will cause both the reed and the mouthpiece to crack, not to mention your tone. ![[rotate]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/smiley25.gif)
Ken Shaw
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2011-11-22 19:20
A question:
If my setup suddenly incorporates a Turbocharger, will I need to invest in a Vito Dazzler in British Racing Green???
Just wondering.
Jeff
“Everyone discovers their own way of destroying themselves, and some people choose the clarinet.” Kalman Opperman, 1919-2010
"A drummer is a musician's best friend."
Post Edited (2011-11-22 19:22)
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2011-11-22 19:21
Duplicate post.
“Everyone discovers their own way of destroying themselves, and some people choose the clarinet.” Kalman Opperman, 1919-2010
"A drummer is a musician's best friend."
Post Edited (2011-11-22 19:22)
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2011-11-22 21:24
Paul, I've tried every ligature Rovner has ever put on the market. As I said, he sends them to me, and a few others, to get our opinion and then decides weather or not to market it. He's always experimenting with new designs, he's an engineer as well as a clarinet-sax player. He has several people working for him and could easily close up shop tomorrow and retire, he just enjoys doing what he's doing. I want to remind everyone that when he first came out with his "new" design many years ago it was revolutionary and not easily accepted. I feel in love with it on first play but many clarinet players rejected it as looking too strange and funny. After about a decade it because universally accepted and has become the most copied design ever. Don't knock his new designs until you try them. You may love it or hate it but be grateful he's still experimenting for you, me and every clarinet in the world. Remember, one persons love is another's dislike when it comes to anything clarinet wise. It's time to stop making fun of it and be opened minded. ESP
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Author: EEBaum
Date: 2011-11-23 00:52
I play on a Platinum. It's the first thing I found compelling enough to switch me away from my Eddie Daniels (which I played for 12 years). I mount it as an inverted lig, though, unlike the default in all the pictures. As pictured, I found it difficult to align and it made part of my range poorly responsive.
-Alex
www.mostlydifferent.com
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