 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Clarimeister
Date: 2010-02-19 04:16
So today I was practicing my Eb clarinet, and I noticed that even with the proper embouchure and no biting that my lip can get pretty sore while playing on Eb clarinet just because of the tighter embouchure and my kinda sharp bottom teeth. I discovered some Johnson and Johnson first aid waterproof tape that my mom had bought years ago for the same kind of problem, but I had never really thought of it until now. And omg... what a savior. I can now concentrate on on the music and tuning while playing not how much my lower lip really hurts. Anyone else use any kind of lip protectors for their clarinet playing? I know this has probably been discussed numerous times, however I really wanted to share my success LOL. It really is helping ALOT!
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Author: leigthom
Date: 2010-02-19 08:52
I used to have a similar problem with sore lower lip while playing clarinet. My solution was to get the soft plastic tubing used to pump air into fish tanks. I cut a short length(depends on jaw size) and cut a groove into it so it fits on the lower teeth. You may have to adjust the edges for the ultimate comfort. Once done it gives permanent comfort and I always keep it in my case for instant use. For minimal cost it is worth a try as it it virtually permanent.
Leigh
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Author: TPeterson
Date: 2010-02-19 09:54
EZO denture cushions (essentially wax-covered gauze) work great. I buy a box, cut the pieces to size (about an inch wide), hold a piece under running water until it softens, and then fit it over my bottom teeth. The beauty of the EZO stuff is that it molds to your teeth so it doesn't move, and you can reuse a single piece many times. A $4 box usually lasts me 2 years or more!
Tim Peterson
Band Director & Clarinetist
Ionia, MI
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Author: Ryan K
Date: 2010-02-19 16:10
I have had the most success with Parafilm, after trying many different products. You can buy it on amazon. It is usually used to patch microscope slides, but is a great one or two use lip guard.
Ryan Karr
Dickinson College
Carlisle, PA
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2010-02-19 17:54
Yes, this topic has been debated on this board many many times. For some reason there are a few people that don't ever think it is necessary. They say if you play correctly you won't need to use it, I say hargwash (is that really a word). Anyway, I use white floral tape but there are many other things, as mentioned above, that can be used. It's foolish not to use something if your teeth are sharp and it hurts when you play, that's the bottom line, for the bottom lip. ESP http://eddiesclarinet.com
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Author: vrufino
Date: 2010-02-22 14:32
I studied with Joe Allard for 10 years-he had me use cigarette paper on my lower teeth. It also was used to absorb water around the tone holes and pads.
Dr. Vincent J. Rufino
Professor of clarinet and saxophone
St. Elizabeth University
Morristown, NJ
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Author: hammer_sickle01
Date: 2010-02-22 23:30
Last summer, when I took a chamber music class, I, along with the other 2 clarinet players in my ensemble were beginning to feel really sore for the first week we started (I guess, we weren't used to playing so long for a day, so our callus' weren't really up to par). One of our coaches (a clarinet player) recommended cigarette paper. Apparently,a certain brand of reeds he would order, would send this paper with the boxes, so he had a bundle to spare. Definitely helped for the remainder of the session (although, my thumb was another problem). I don't use them so much anymore (the pain, in my experience, eventually goes away with consistence-I'm assuming my body reacts to things and gets a move on building a more persistent callus). But I'm certain I'll be needing them for the upcoming music festival, so it's good to know. Glad to hear you had success! XD
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