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Some Advice for a Rookie? :)

Author: Jive Turkey
Date: 2013-10-24 01:58

Hi there people! I'm in the 11th grade and I've been playing since the 7th grade. (I don't know if I still qualify as a rookie or not haha :P)

I recently upgraded from an old (say forty some years) resin clarinet to a YCL-650 (!!!) and I acknowledge that I still have some bad habits (not using enough air, biting down on the mouth piece) and since I've started practicing with my new clarinet, I notice a pocket of air that forms on the left side of my upper lip whenever I play... I'm certain this is a problem with my embouchure but I'm not exactly sure why... Does anyone have any idea what that might be caused by or how I can fix it? It's really irritating me...

Something that may be important: It's been brought to my attention that I've been placing my mouthpiece slightly off to the right and I don't notice it because my jaw sits naturally to the right a bit. Could that be partially to blame?? If so, how can I change what I'm doing to fix it?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Completely open to any suggestions! Thank you so much!

(I have a side question as well, if you wouldn't mind... The two main body pieces are extremely hard to pull apart after I'm done (putting together is normally fine if I go slowly) - I'm worried that I'll accidentally bend a key or a rod or knock something loose while I'm taking them apart. Is there anything I can do, other than putting cork grease on it whenever I have the chance to? Thanks for your time!)

:)

Post Edited (2013-10-24 02:07)

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Re: Some Advice for a Rookie? :)

Author: johng ★2017
Date: 2013-10-24 04:00

For the issue of the hard to move joints, it may be you should have the cork sanded down just a little. Take it to a reputable instrument repairman! You might also use a better brand of cork grease such as "Doctor's Products Doctor Slick Cork Grease" Google that and you will find his web site. Great stuff.

The air pocket is probably due to a slight weakness in your embouchure. I have that happen from time to time myself and if you will think of having firm corners of your lips around the mouthpiece that can take care of it. It is kind of like having what I call an exasperated expression...not a smile or frown. Long tones help with embouchure strength, but I much prefer slow scales so you can also listen to the note connections at the same time as you strengthen your embouchure.

John Gibson, Founder of JB Linear Music, www.music4woodwinds.com

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Re: Some Advice for a Rookie? :)

Author: Wes
Date: 2013-10-24 04:34

Hard to take apart joints may be due to expansion of the wood, something that a good repairperson can fix by careful sanding of the wood near the cork. I've seen this many times.

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Re: Some Advice for a Rookie? :)

Author: pewd
Date: 2013-10-24 14:40

Do you study with a private teacher? If not, you should, a good teacher can address all of your questions & concerns.

- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas

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Re: Some Advice for a Rookie? :)

Author: Jive Turkey
Date: 2013-10-26 04:58

Thanks everyone! It's all really appreciated! From now on when I'm warming I'll make sure to do more slow scales and long tones, and when I have the money I'm going to take my clarinet in and get it sanded around the cork like two of you said.

And I used to be in private lessons but I stopped a while back and haven't been able to start them up again :(

Thanks again! :D

:)

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Re: Some Advice for a Rookie? :)

Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2013-10-26 14:04

Jive -

Sanding the cork is a 5 or 10 minute operation, and the repair tech will charge you next to nothing.

If the wood has swollen, the work will take another 15 minutes, but you will need to do it, since wood binding is the very best way to get a crack.

There's nothing wrong with positioning the mouthpiece to fit your anatomy. Steve Girko, who's one of the best players around, has the same problem and turns his mouthpiece well to the side. As long as it works, and you use the same position all the time, you're doing it right.

For the air pocket, try tucking your upper lip tight against your upper teeth. Better yet, switch to double lip.

You can strengthen your lips by cutting a 3" section from a large plastic soda straw (like you get for water or cola in a restaurant) and squeezing it at various angles. I do it all the time. You can also practice blowing through it, or through several hollow coffee stirrers.

Ken Shaw

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Re: Some Advice for a Rookie? :)

Author: JonTheReeds
Date: 2013-10-28 18:47

I had the same problem with my Yamaha 650. Really difficult to put it together, almost impossible to break it down. Very, very light sanding sorted it out. Just make sure you sand the cork, and not the wood

--------------------------------------
The older I get, the better I was

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