New embouchure
- snowtraveler
- Posts: 20
- Joined: Nov 04, 2024
Imagine you're an experienced player from like, IDK, about a half-century ago.
With entirely new dentition, and when the older mouthpiece feels too small (Schilke 43A) , what's your advice?
(If you answer, "try a different one," thanks.)
With entirely new dentition, and when the older mouthpiece feels too small (Schilke 43A) , what's your advice?
(If you answer, "try a different one," thanks.)
- Doug_Elliott
- Posts: 4155
- Joined: Mar 22, 2018
A 43A is tiny by any standard. It would be OK and sustainable for a VERY small percentage of players.
As for what "I" would do?
I'm in a fairly unique situation that I understand and teach and live with embouchure function of all the various styles of embouchure, and I understand their various needs in terms of equipment. So I would know exactly what to do, how to diagnose the current situation, and never mind what it used to be, that's irrelevant now.
As for what "I" would do?
I'm in a fairly unique situation that I understand and teach and live with embouchure function of all the various styles of embouchure, and I understand their various needs in terms of equipment. So I would know exactly what to do, how to diagnose the current situation, and never mind what it used to be, that's irrelevant now.
- snowtraveler
- Posts: 20
- Joined: Nov 04, 2024
Thanks Doug. Agree, the 43A is considered small: I played it because it worked well back then...now, not so much. Hence my question.
My dentition today is very different, and by intention much closer to "normal." (Kinda what dentists do, right?) Imagine playing guitar with new hands.
Hopefully this week, I'll be sampling a couple of more-or-less standard mouthpieces. My favorite local music shop doesn't like to open new boxes (understandably). So, experimenting mostly on my own.
One thing is, my old embouchure isn't entirely irrelevant: it's a long-time habit. I'll be the first to acknowledge that the player is the biggest variable.
(I've got a lot of work to do...fortunately, I have a strange affinity for making happy noises in brass tubes.)
My dentition today is very different, and by intention much closer to "normal." (Kinda what dentists do, right?) Imagine playing guitar with new hands.
Hopefully this week, I'll be sampling a couple of more-or-less standard mouthpieces. My favorite local music shop doesn't like to open new boxes (understandably). So, experimenting mostly on my own.
One thing is, my old embouchure isn't entirely irrelevant: it's a long-time habit. I'll be the first to acknowledge that the player is the biggest variable.
(I've got a lot of work to do...fortunately, I have a strange affinity for making happy noises in brass tubes.)
- baileyman
- Posts: 1169
- Joined: Mar 24, 2018
You may have buddies with boxes of miscellaneous pieces you could try. But I was astonished visiting a local tech for my daughter's leaky sax to see such a box with an astonishing variety of pieces. A guy like that might let you play through and get an idea what direction might be better.
(I snagged a couple of Al Cass doubler pieces for small money just because they were the most unusual things I'd seen in a long time. Rather rare I think.)
(I snagged a couple of Al Cass doubler pieces for small money just because they were the most unusual things I'd seen in a long time. Rather rare I think.)
- Doug_Elliott
- Posts: 4155
- Joined: Mar 22, 2018
Beware of the mouthpiece safari thinking that's "the answer." With new teeth your embouchure mechanics will have changed, and that's the most impirtant part to get working, with learning new habits.
Early next week I'll have a little time available for Skype if you want to explore that.
Early next week I'll have a little time available for Skype if you want to explore that.
- snowtraveler
- Posts: 20
- Joined: Nov 04, 2024
What a nice offer! PM sent.
Totally agree about the safari: when I was playing full-time, always stuck with the same MP. BTW, I see the same thing in skiing, where people seem to think you need IDK maybe 23 boards to cover every possible condition (as if gear makes up for skills).
On the horn, my biggest issues have been with the low register, and trying for less pressure and a more 50/50 MP placement. I never worked much on pedal notes, they just came naturally; now it's challenging to blow a pedal B-flat. On the bright side, my highs feel like never before: the difference has been incredible. It just all feels so weird, and will take time to get re-accustomed.
Totally agree about the safari: when I was playing full-time, always stuck with the same MP. BTW, I see the same thing in skiing, where people seem to think you need IDK maybe 23 boards to cover every possible condition (as if gear makes up for skills).
On the horn, my biggest issues have been with the low register, and trying for less pressure and a more 50/50 MP placement. I never worked much on pedal notes, they just came naturally; now it's challenging to blow a pedal B-flat. On the bright side, my highs feel like never before: the difference has been incredible. It just all feels so weird, and will take time to get re-accustomed.
- Doug_Elliott
- Posts: 4155
- Joined: Mar 22, 2018
I was a skier right at the end of the long ski era, just when sidecut shorter skis were starting to become popular in the 1990's. I've only skied once since then, on rentals at Snowbird. Modern skis are much more user friendly.
- snowtraveler
- Posts: 20
- Joined: Nov 04, 2024
[quote="baileyman"]You may have buddies with boxes of miscellaneous pieces you could try. But I was astonished visiting a local tech for my daughter's leaky sax to see such a box with an astonishing variety of pieces. A guy like that might let you play through and get an idea what direction might be better.
(I snagged a couple of Al Cass doubler pieces for small money just because they were the most unusual things I'd seen in a long time. Rather rare I think.)[/quote]
Lucky you! Unfortunately, no playing buddies here, at least not yet: I've been out for a long time and in a new locale. Today I'm just practicing and trying to figure things out...having said that, I've put out some feelers to the local university's music programs, and it appears they welcome community members.
(I snagged a couple of Al Cass doubler pieces for small money just because they were the most unusual things I'd seen in a long time. Rather rare I think.)[/quote]
Lucky you! Unfortunately, no playing buddies here, at least not yet: I've been out for a long time and in a new locale. Today I'm just practicing and trying to figure things out...having said that, I've put out some feelers to the local university's music programs, and it appears they welcome community members.
- snowtraveler
- Posts: 20
- Joined: Nov 04, 2024
A quick update on my experience since I first posted (new dentition, new instrument, etc.). After some playing and experimenting, I picked up a King 11M on eBay. So far, feels like a good fit with my older King 2BS. Still working on refining my embouchure, but overall it’s been a revelation.
I also tried a few mouthpieces at a local shop. For now, I’m sticking with the 11M and focusing on getting familiar again.
I also tried a few mouthpieces at a local shop. For now, I’m sticking with the 11M and focusing on getting familiar again.