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Re: How to Avoid "Outgrowing" Reed Strengths

Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2023-03-29 14:30

I think though this did bring up an interesting point.

We DO tend to more open, and/or stronger reeds when we adapt to something new. That direction is "easier."

When was the last time you went to a more closed mouthpiece (and same reed strength)?

The jaw muscles are large and strong. It is easy to confuse them with better embouchure practice.

What's the problem with "moving up" in resistance? It can be a downward spiral that leads to less control of timbre as well as pitch.

Some years ago Brad Behn observed me as I tried out a few of his mouthpieces. He said that I was squeezing down on the reed and actually making the mouthpiece a smaller opening than its design. He suggested that I start off with a smaller tip opening and a softer reed. This seemed radical to me at the time, but he was right. It took me quite a bit of work to get DOWN to a more subtle set up.

Ask yourself if you have to "bite more" for high altissimo notes. Ask yourself if your low A (second ledger line below the staff) has to lipped DOWN a lot at a soft dynamic. Those are indicators that you are using too much force in your embouchure.

...............Paul Aviles

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