On Feb 14, 2006, at 10:00 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
message: 7
date: Tue, 14 Feb 2006 12:46:58 -0500
from: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
subject: Re: [Hornlist] Mouthpiece inner dimensions
A larger mouthpiece requires embouchure strength to achieve the high
register. Players who have not transitioned to a larger mouthpiece
often rely more on pressure for high notes. With a larger mouthpiece,
the low register should gain power and uniformity. Depending on your
own use of pressure, expect your upper register to suffer from the
change, until you develop the strength and technique to play with
without the pressure. Plan on a month of serious work to regain your
previous upper register.
This is the time to make permanent corrections to a less than perfect
embouchure. You might consider supervision from an experienced teacher
to monitor that you are developing only good habits. When the high
register comes back, your sound will be free and clear. Just from the
fact you have developed, and are using, more muscle, your endurance
and
control will greatly increase.
Get copies of Gallay Etudes Brilliant and Gallay Etudes for 2nd Horn.
Play them every day. Not only do they develop the high register
strength, they develop low register power and the ability to
transition
easily. You'll feel daily progress, and that is the most powerful
motivator.
Don't over do the mouthpiece until you've transitioned to strength
playing. I've had great success with the Schilke 31B, with the Bach
3 a
close second. The Schilke 32 is generally too much, too soon. The 31B
is apt to seem shrill, initially, because of the bowl shaped
(shallower) cup, but it will darken with experience, and leave you
with
a beautiful 'shimmery' sound. Scott Lasky makes a series of
mouthpieces
based on the 31B/C4 configuration. Once you've developed the strength,
he, or one of the other custom makers, can make recommendations for
personal modifications specific to you.
-----Original Message-----
From: Chris Mudd <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Tue, 14 Feb 2006 08:30:18 -0800
Subject: [Hornlist] Mouthpiece inner dimensions
Hello All,
I have been playing on a 17mm mouthpiece for years, but have just
tried
a mouthpiece with a slightly larger inner diameter and have found the
sound very interesting. What are the advantages/disadvantages of a
larger inside diameter?
chris
____________________________________
Depending a bit on your lip size and your embouchure setting, a
larger inside diameter mouthpiece can be a VERY good thing. If you
have been pinning the upper lip muscles in the past, it will seem
very different to get the whole upper lip (or just more upper lip) in
the mouthpiece and you will have to adjust to it. That could be a
major change, but a good one. Because of the popularity of small
mouthpieces over the years like the C series Giardinellis and some of
the Bach mouthpieces that come with horns, especially school horns, I
believe that a lot of players out there are playing on mouthpieces
that are really too small for optimal results.
As has been stated, a larger mouthpiece forces/allows you to use the
muscles in the mouthpiece rather than pressure to get the notes,
especially up high. For people with larger lips, a wide inside
diameter mouthpiece is a must. I also believe that because you will
be less likely to crush the upper lip, your chance of hurting
yourself is much less. This is critical at certain advanced ages that
some of us have crossed. There is now a lot more choice too. I'm glad
to see that more people are trying them.
The 31B is not a shallow mouthpiece. It was designed for Frank Brouk,
who was basically a low player in Chicago, but could play anything. I
know players who keep them around just to play low notes, especially
loud low notes. I find it too deep for normal use but i like the rim.
Basically, Bill's comments are right on.
I'm using one of the new wide series mouthpieces of Scott Lasky, the
GW. There is also one with a similar name that is the Gail Williams
model. It has a slightly different rim but otherwise is the same. The
Gs work well with Geyer style horns and I have tried them with some
of my larger lipped students and I'm ordering more. Two thumbs up.
Now if I could only get Scott on the phone once in a while. The FW
model, which is deeper, is a lot more work on a Geyer style horn and
I wouldn't recommend it. I haven't tried it on an 8D or similar so I
don't know, but i would guess the result wouldn't be that different.
Initially it will feel like it takes more strength to play up high on
a wider mouthpiece but what is really happening is that you are using
more and different muscles to do the work and not as much pressure
because the pressure won't help as much. You are basically retraining
your upper lip muscles. Using better air support will help a lot.
This is a good thing.
When you are successful in making the transition, you will gain
control, endurance and most likely a freer sound and it won't feel
like hard work at all. Since there is more room to vibrate, the sound
should open up in all registers, but the low register will probably
show the most difference at first.
Give it a shot.
Sincerely,
Wendell Rider
For information about my book, "Real World Horn Playing" and the
summer seminar, go to my website: www.wendellworld.com
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