pedal tones inconsistent between horns

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rbailey64bit
Posts: 1
Joined: Feb 24, 2025

by rbailey64bit »

While I can easily play pedal tones on my .562 baritone and my .485 straight tenor, I struggle to get them on my Bach 42AF which is a .547 bore. Both the baritone and the straight tenor have small shanks so I don't have the exact same mouth pieces to try on the 42AF, but I think there may be more than mouth pieces involved. I usually use a Dennis Wick 6BS on the small shank horns and a Dennis Wick 5ABL on the 42AF, but I have the same issue with the Bach 6 1/2A that came with the 42AF.

Any suggestions?

Roy
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BGuttman
Posts: 7368
Joined: Mar 22, 2018

by BGuttman »

The problem with he 42AF may be that the valve is a lot more open. I've found that a little resistance helps the pedals speak. See if you can borrow a 42B or Conn 88H and see if you still have the problem. If it's resistance you need to learn how to play the pedals with your current horn. It can be done, but it will take some work.
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harrisonreed
Posts: 6479
Joined: Aug 17, 2018

by harrisonreed »

Depending on your embouchure, it might have to do with the slide width on the Bach. Hear me out -- you can basically angle a euphonium mouthpiece any way you want when you play. On trombone the mouthpiece angle can be heavily affected by the width of the slide and your neck width. It's entirely possible that you are holding the large bore in a way that's comfortable, but the mouthpiece is placed slightly differently because of it.
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Burgerbob
Posts: 6327
Joined: Apr 23, 2018

by Burgerbob »

Large tenor is a struggle for many people to play good pedals on. It's definitely the worst for me if I'm not in shape.