Klarinet Archive - Posting 000696.txt from 1997/10

From: Roger Garrett <rgarrett@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: sore lip
Date: Thu, 16 Oct 1997 09:14:01 -0400

On Wed, 15 Oct 1997, Fred Jacobowitz wrote:

> Youe eacher was right about the callus. However, I'm surprised he
> didn't tell you about cigarette paper or plumber's tape. Both are very
> useful for cushioning your lower lip so you can play longer when your lip
> is worn out. Cigarette paper is that rolling paper for those who roll
> their own (don't ask 'what' they roll). Plumber's tape is a very thin
> plastic tape which plumbers wrap around the inside of threaded joints to
> seal them.

Lip cusions make a big difference. Another idea a student gave me (I used
to use Ezo denture pads....that would wear out after about a week or so)
was to go to the sports shop and pick up a child size mouthguard....that
they use in football.....it is clear. Then take it home, cut it into
small squares and boil and shape each square over the teeth until it
conforms to the shape of the lower teeth. Trim the excess, boil again to
get rid of sharp edges....shape over teeth one last time, and cool with
cold water. They last years. I still play on the same one I made four or
five years ago.....but I have spares.....always misplacing them!

BTW....you only need to dip them in boiling water for about four seconds
before they are pliable enough to be shaped.

Roger Garrett