Klarinet Archive - Posting 000589.txt from 2004/03

From: karlkrelove@------.net
Subj: Re: [kl] [clarinet] Lipstick and mp
Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2004 13:13:17 -0500

I don't wear lipstick, but I do use lip balm often during the winter. It seems to me two things are likely true:

1. There isn't any real damage (other than visually aesthetic) that lipstick or Chapstick deposits can do to the top of the mouthpiece (where your upper lip rests), though it will probably keep everyone else away from your instrument.

2. The potentially bad effect on reed response of any kind of gunky deposit building up on the reed surface (where your lower lip contacts it) seems obvious (but, like you, most of us over the age of 15 wipe the stuff off of our lips and don't test the effect).

That said, my own experience with lip balm (Chapstick, Blistex or local store brand) is that it compromises the mouthpiece's stability in my embouchure and, hence, my feeling of control while I'm playing. Could be all in my head, but, like you, I've always just wiped the stuff off and then put more on after the job was finished.

My 2 cents worth...

Karl Krelove
>
>
>
> OK, this is more for the ladies out there who will understand this Q better.
> (I simply assume you men out there don't wear lipstick, but who am I to
> assume that anyway?)
>
> Do you (who ever wears the lipstick), wipe off your lipstick before playing
> your clarinet?. If not, how does lipstick affect the reed and mp? (I don't
> even want to begin to think.....but tell me anyway.). Any info would be
> appreciated. Also, how about lip balm?
>

   
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