Corners again and the leak

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timothy42b
Posts: 1812
Joined: Mar 27, 2018

by timothy42b »

I've re-read the entire "firm corners" thread and it triggered a thought.

Sometimes I get a quick squirt of air out of the corner when doing a register change, especially an octave lip slur. It's a short leak and not loud, but if I'm paying attention I can hear it. I've heard it in other players, some of them advanced.

Firmer corners seems to prevent that. But is that the test? Corners (under the lip) should be firm enough to stop that leak? Or is that leak unrelated - more a function of correct pressure, angle, tongue, whatever?

Or is it even not a fault at all?
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sterb225
Posts: 126
Joined: May 09, 2018

by sterb225 »

Since softening from a more muscular approach I notice leaks from time to time when heading into the stratosphere ... interested to see what others have to say.
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Doug_Elliott
Posts: 4155
Joined: Mar 22, 2018

by Doug_Elliott »

Tim, you may be letting the mouthpiece pressure off as you make the slur, and that's what's causing the leak.
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timothy42b
Posts: 1812
Joined: Mar 27, 2018

by timothy42b »

[quote="Doug Elliott"]Tim, you may be letting the mouthpiece pressure off as you make the slur, and that's what's causing the leak.[/quote]

I will pay close attention to this and see.
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Steve335
Posts: 138
Joined: Mar 23, 2018

by Steve335 »

I have a similar issue. When I play quiet or in certain registers I get an airy sound. I am an experienced player but I know this is something I could tidy up. I’ve tried long quiet notes, and I’m experimenting with what Doug said about the mouthpiece pressure. I do find some mouthpieces clear up my sound more than others. I suppose with some I am getting a better seal.

It’s defin something I’d like to “fix”.
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BeardedPicc
Posts: 15
Joined: Jan 30, 2019

by BeardedPicc »

Is it normal for the corners to become more relaxed when lose firmness when descending, especially into the lower middle to low register?
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Redthunder
Posts: 294
Joined: Mar 29, 2018

by Redthunder »

[quote="BeardedPicc"]Is it normal for the corners to become more relaxed when lose firmness when descending, especially into the lower middle to low register?[/quote]

More relaxed - yes. Collapse completely - no. The latter is a common thing a lot of players who struggle with the lower register may do to compensate. It took me a long time to figure out how to descend correctly without collapsing. Once I did I can’t believe how much my playing in all registers improved.
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trombonedemon
Posts: 218
Joined: Aug 06, 2018

by trombonedemon »

Do lip slurs from the bottom of the horn to the top of the horn in all 7 positions. Slowly, quietly, and with a tuner. Then buzz the same in the mouthpiece. Let us know of your progress!