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Strained Neck Muscle

Author: Steve B.
Date: 2005-05-07 15:43

Recently I switched to a more resistant setup (new barrel, harder reed etc...) Well after a long 2 hour rehearsal, I noticed some pain in the front right side of my neck. I realize this is not a medical forum, and I'll probably have this checked by a doc, but I wanted to see if anyone else has had a similar experience and what they did about it. Thanks.

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Re: Strained Neck Muscle

Author: Clarinetgirl06
Date: 2005-05-07 16:15

I had this problem when I switched to harder reeds. Since you have a different set-up and harder reeds, you are probably trying to tighten your embouchure some, but using the wrong muscles. The new resistence may seem as somewhat of a challenge for you and you feel like you need to exert even more pressure (and using new places to use more pressure-your neck) so it feels like your old set up or that you can just make a decent sound. I don't think you need to get this checked by a doctor if it's the same thing that happened to me. Just work for a nice tight embouchure where your lips are like a rubber band, exerting equal amount of pressure from all parts of the lips. Make sure that your reeds are very well broken in- if they aren't well broken in and you are playing on a hard reed, that can cause you to want to strain your muscles.

http://www.daviecane.com/Pages/FAQ.html has a good reed break in procedure. Not saying that you don't know how to break in reeds or anything: you probably do, but just in case!

Just curious: What was your old set-up and what is your new set-up?

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Re: Strained Neck Muscle

Author: Steve B.
Date: 2005-05-07 16:28

I was using a 5RV lyre with a V12 #3 and a very free blowing B-12 clarinet.
I just upgraded to a Buffet Festival with a reverse taper Chadash barrel. I'm still using the 5RV lyre but switched to V12 3.5's. I guess the resistance change was too much too soon.

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Re: Strained Neck Muscle

Author: Clarinetgirl06
Date: 2005-05-07 16:36

I don't have my little Vandoren mouthpiece/reed chart with me, but I looked up the 5RV Lyre info on wwbw and it says:
Tip 1.09+ mm
Facing Medium

I can't remember what strength of reed the 5RV Lyre is made for, but you could be using too hard of reeds for it-but I doubt that.

I think you're right in saying that the resistance change was too much too soon.

Also, I'm very envious of your new setup! Good luck with it! : )

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Re: Strained Neck Muscle

Author: BobD
Date: 2005-05-07 19:10

.....and don't jump to the conclusion that it's a muscle that's involved.

Bob Draznik

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