 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: samacro
Date: 2003-07-23 06:37
Lately when I've been playing pretty hard for an extended amount of time my lip has been becoming stiff and swollen. Several weeks ago I switched from a 3 1/2 to a 4 reed but I haven't had any real problems with that. I hate taking time off but am worried about playing on a sore lip. Any advice?
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: DezzaG
Date: 2003-07-23 13:24
Don't push so hard on the reed, that (apart from an allergy) is most likely your problem!
What mouthpiece do you use? (I want to see if you are using too hard of a setup!)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Ron Jr.
Date: 2003-07-23 14:16
Since I got my braces several months ago I have been using wax to cover my bottom teeth and braces. The wax is meant to be used on brackets that are attached to each tooth so that the sharp edges don't rub against the gums. But I've found that if you flatten out a dime size piece, press it over the bottom teeth that it makes a comfortable tooth protector. The added cushon certainly allows me to play longer, even with braces.
Ron Jr.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: samacro
Date: 2003-07-23 14:36
I am using a Vandoren 5RV Lyre 13 mouthpiece with the Optimum ligature, #4 V12 reeds. Just switching to #4 because I couldn't get enough out of high notes with a 3 1/2... I am using paper on my bottom teeth to protect my lip from them.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: clarinetfreak
Date: 2003-07-23 18:04
try double lipping. If you're bitting too much, you will know right away.
Good Times!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: allencole
Date: 2003-07-24 03:36
Use Ezo denture pads. (15 Lower Heavy) Cut them into very small strips and use one over your lower teeth when you anticipate putting in a lot of time. It's linen impregnated with wax. The advantage over wax alone is that the linen keeps the teeth from cutting through the wax.
I can play two 4-hour gigs back-to-back if I use the stuff.
Allen Cole
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: dfh
Date: 2003-07-24 03:40
Double lipping is a great idea, as are frequent breaks. ICE your swollen lips! It's amazing how much it helps. I do it after playing too much Eb. Even when I think that there's no way I'll be able to play the next day, if I ice my lip, I can. But do becareful not to totally overdo it.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: sfalexi
Date: 2003-07-24 03:50
Hmmmm. Wax paper would be good to cover those braces. Or cigarette paper is a popular choice too. Quote:
Lately when I've been playing pretty hard for an extended amount of time my lip has been becoming stiff and swollen That pretty much says it all. More breaks like they said, or spread out your practicing. instead of three straight hours, do an hour of basics in the morning (scales, whatever you do), then do a quick warmup and two hours of whatever else you want in the evening (a piece you're working on, musicality, anything really. More basics if you want). Don't bite (double lip to check!). The harder reed might be a factor if you weren't quite used to the 3.5 before moving up or not. But I'm assuming you've been using 3.5 for quite a while and felt ready to move up. But then again, why'd you move up? Was the 3.5 giving you problems? If you could get all the notes out easily with the 3.5, why change it? Good luck with you're lips!
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Kes
Date: 2003-07-25 08:13
I would have to definitely agree in saying that you should take a break! If you keep practicing so strenuously, you could even get frustrated or worse! So sit back, read a book, take a walk...whatever you want to do. A day or two away at least! Then gradually get back into playing...Use wax when your lips start hurting sometimes...
The best thing you can do is to rest and then come back to it refreshed!
:)
Good luck!
____________________
"I speak reedish. Long live the language of the clarinetist!"
_________________
-kes
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
