 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: xpedx7342
Date: 2009-08-24 16:15
Hello. I currently use a Selmer c85 120 mp. It is medium facing and rather open. I am wondering if open mouthpiece lead people to develop a habit of biting. My tone is fine, but the sound seems a bit constricted and the upper notes start to take on a sort of an edge. I am guessing if this is because of biting.
I am trying to drop my chin and when I do, my sound opens up much more. So I think I am correct in my assumption.
Could anyone back me up on this?
Thanks!
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2009-08-24 16:29
I don't think an open mouthpiece causes one to bite, so much depends on your teeth formation, jaw structure etc. Biting can be caused by any number of things including not having a good embouchure. Check out my website under the clarinet page and look at some of my articles on basics it might give you some insight. The best thing to do of course is to take lessons with a good teacher-player. ESP http://eddiesclarinet.com
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2009-08-24 17:36
I would add that the amount of "force" involved is directly related to the openness of the mouthpiece IN COMBINATION with the reed strength. So, if you use a reed that is less stiff such as a 3 or even 2 1/2, there shouldn't be any undue stress.
That said, it is key to know that "BITING" is a dirty word. One does not bite AT ALL. You should be thinking of using all the lip muscles surrounding the mouthpiece as a firm platform to hold the mouthpiece. Think of your lips as a rubberband completely taught all the way around. The upper lip needs to draw down just as much as the sides need to draw in.
Also, it helps if the "fulcrum" is on your side. That is, hold the clarinet close to the body so that the lower teeth/lips are pushing against the reed more than having the reed rest ON the lip/teeth (hard to illustrate in words but if you play with this concept, I'm sure it will make sense).
............Paul Aviles
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2009-08-24 18:33
The thing that I think leads to biting is using an incorrect reed strength for a given mouthpiece. Some people get stuck in mindset that the harder the reed, the better. So no matter WHAT mouthpiece they are playing, they are trying to work up to harder and harder reeds. Well, it's fine if a mouthpiece is designed in such a way that a hard reed works. But with a more open mouthpiece, it might be better to use a lighter reed.
I've used a size 5 reed without biting. On a gigliotti P faced mouthpiece.
I've used a size 2.5 reed and not have been able to play anything harder WITHOUT biting. On a Dan Johnston mouthpiece I used to have.
The reed should compliment the mouthpiece. Don't compensate for a reed by biting.
Alexi
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2009-08-24 21:39
PS - Try playing double lip embouchure. If your top lip is feeling excessive pain, probably biting a little too hard.
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Author: Bob Phillips
Date: 2009-08-26 04:00
Try Paul Aviles' advice on how far from your belly you hold the horn.
But explore all angles. Bringing the bell down, can pinch-off the air passage --as well as pressure the lower lip --sort of a way to "bite" without using your jaw muscles so much.
look for the angle that gives you the fullest tone quality.
Bob Phillips
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Author: graham
Date: 2009-08-26 07:00
Check that you have not started putting too much of the mouthpiece in the mouth. Try a few minutes with less in and see how it feels.
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2009-08-26 12:40
Graham,
I thought we put this one to rest. There is ONE and only ONE best spot on any specific mouthpiece to place your embouchure. I believe it was a post long ago and far away by Tom Powalski, that stated (acurately) that one should play an open "G" taking in more and more mouthpiece until you get a squawk, then back off just slightly from there and THAT"S your spot.
I suppose you could play ok going BACK further but why not maximize the efficiency of your mouthpiece?
................Paul Aviles
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Author: Bob Phillips
Date: 2009-08-27 14:23
If you've put too much mouthpiece into your mouth, you'll squeak. Paul Aviles relay the straight poop!
Too little mouthpiece in the mouth shortens the amount of reed involved in exciting your air instrument's air column. That weakens your sound and removes a lot of the overtones that enrich your tone quality.
Bob Phillips
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