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Mouthpiece problems

Author: Darktide
Date: 2008-03-03 18:02

Hey everyone,
For some odd reason the mouthpiece I have been using for 5 years has recently stopped working for me. If I take more mouthpiece in it plays wonderfully. But if I move the mouthpiece out to where I feel comfortable I have a harder time playing. It doesn't seem to want to sound nice and clear. I have a no name mouthpiece right now. Can anyone give me some advice on what I should look for in a new mouthpiece. Or any advice in general. I don't feel comfortable playing the way my current mouthpiece seems to be dictating that I play it. Thanks in advance.
Jay

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Re: Mouthpiece problems

Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2008-03-03 18:25

Hmmmm, unless there are some visible scratches, nickes or otherwise warped areas on the playing surfaces of the mouthpiece, I would guess that you are suffering from frightfully low humidity in a wintery home.

Get a cheap hygrometer (five or ten bucks) from the local hardware store or supermarket. If the relative humidity is below 50% (and I prefer 60% and higher), your reeds will not produce a good sound at all.

Two fixes!!!

1. Get an inexpensive humidifier to run in your practice room.

2. Obtain a few Legere reeds (use a strength 1/4 lower than you normally use in cane...... 3.75 subs for a 4, etc.) These are excellent artificial reeds that work in a pinch such as the middle of winter or if you need to do a lot of doubling.

............Paul Aviles

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