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Klarinet Archive - Posting 000086.txt from 1995/08

From: Fred Jacobowitz <fredj@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: Lip Cushion
Date: Sun, 6 Aug 1995 23:21:48 -0400

Chad,
I have the same problem when I play sax. I finaly concluded that
it was all the switching of embouchure - sliding up and down the
mouthpiece to play low notes and then high notes. I think that all that
movement causes me to bite down suddenly harder than the steady-but-firm
bite on a clarinet mouthpiece. This puts much more strain on the inside
of the lower lip. I also find that playing sax puts more strain on my
cheek muscles, but I really don't know why . Does this ring a bell with you?

Fred Jacobowitz

On Sun, 6 Aug 1995, Chad Smith wrote:

> I use Ezo Denture Cushions. My students always laugh when I recommend it to
> them, but these things are great, and they last a LONG time. One box has
> lasted up to 3 years for me; however, I don't always use cushions for my lip.
>
> For those sax/clarinet doublers out there, I find that the day after I
> practice my alto intensely, my lip hurts (from my bottom teeth) much more than
> it ever does when I practice my clarinet. Anyone know why? It seems to me
> that I'd use more pressure to play the clarinet.
>
> -chad smith
> csmith@-----.com
>