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Doublereed Archive - Posting 000039.txt from 2005/05

From: Mike Benthin <benthin@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [DR-L] thin oboe sound
Date: Sat, 21 May 2005 11:43:46 -0400

Think "oooooooohhhh" and say it with your mouth really round. Now pull
in your lower lip and place the reed on it. Push the lower jaw out a
bit. Think of controlling the cushion around the reed with the sides
of the mouth, like a purse string. In the mirror, a "frown" should be
seen, not a "smile".
Smile embouchures produce a brighter, more penetrating sound. The frown
softens the vibrations and makes the sound blend better with a flute. I
had to make my reeds shorter when that was taught to me via Englebert
Brenner. If one has to bite, the cane diameter is too small and resists
closing down. I do squeeze the reed to close it. Put the reed under
vacuum with the mouth, pull it out, and listen how long it takes to pop
open (assumes it does not leak)-reeds which are too stiff or open pop
almost immediately. 2 seconds it likely is too soft, played out, or
flat in diameter. The best reeds take at least a second to pop open.

--
"MUTS" = Michael's Ultimate Thumb Saver - Oboe/English Horn Support

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. zip 08534
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