 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: FT
Date: 2002-04-28 17:27
i don't know what to do. You know that part of the bottom lip which we "bite" the mp with?? it really really hurts! I have a very deep, let's say cut, on my bottom lip, because I probably bite too hard. How can I make this go away??? How can I prevent it??
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Author: Heidi
Date: 2002-04-28 18:22
I find that a common problem too....I use a teeth gaurd to keep direct contact between my teeth and bottom lip from happening. My teeth gaurd is actually a piece of masking tape doubled over on itself and folded over my bottom teeth. It is inexpensive and durable, and it works pretty well. Your bottom lip will still hurt, but not nearly as badly as before...it will allow you to play for longer periods of time with less discomfort.
Good luck!
Heidi
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Author: carmen izzo
Date: 2002-04-28 20:21
Instead of focusing on biting the mouthpiece with your lower lip, id say when you put the mouthpiece in your mouth, apply pressure from your clarinet onto your upper teeth and all you should worry about with that lower area is keeping the embouchure closed and the chin flat.
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Author: GBK
Date: 2002-04-28 20:49
FT...Carmen is on the right track with his advice...
However:
Getting help with embouchure problems (yes, you do have a problem which should be addressed) over the internet is not wise.
What does your private teacher think - as s/he is the one watching you play?
If you do not have a private instructor, it may be time to seriously consider one, as your embouchure needs to be looked at.
If you cannot afford a private teacher, perhaps an advanced player that you know can give you some help, or put you on the right track.
Do not look for remedies for your discomfort - rather, fix the embouchure problem permanently...GBK
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Author: Brian
Date: 2002-04-28 23:00
GBK wrote:
"...perhaps an advanced player that you know can give you some
help, or put you on the right track."
How unlike you! Have you checked your temperature lately?
Just kidding GBK!
Peace!
Brian
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Author: Wes
Date: 2002-04-29 00:20
Consider talking to your dentist about getting your teeth made a little less sharp. I've had this done and it helps a lot. For the top side of the mouthpiece, a thin, small clear patch is a good idea. I'd rather not have to put in plastic guards or athletic tape over the bottom teeth. Good luck!
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Author: Ed
Date: 2002-04-29 15:41
Make sure your reeds are not too hard and that you can play with firm muscle pressure from your lips, but not jaw pressure (biting)
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Author: Jim P
Date: 2002-04-29 16:47
One thing to keep in mind - if the problem is really your embouchure, not sharp teeth, using some sort of pad can prolong bad habits. A couple of years ago I was having a similar problem, and my instructor suggested using a folded cigarette paper to protect my lip. The immediate problem went away, but I no longer had an incentive to correct my embouchure. For over a year I didn't play without a paper. Recently I weaned myself from the paper. It was a little painful for a while, but I think my embouchure and sound are both better now.
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Author: gemmaelizabeth
Date: 2002-04-30 16:43
Cigerette paper does help, if you only use it though when you have been playing ALOT and you really can't put the clarinet in your mouth without welling up, then you don't become as dependant on it. Personally, I wouldn't say that using cigerette papers has ever altered my embouchure. It depends how sensitive your mouth is and if you need to use it you need to use it. There is no need to go through uneccessary pain.
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Author: William
Date: 2002-04-30 17:39
For a permanent solution and eventual pain relief, try starting each practice session using the double lip method of embouchure. It's somewhat the same as if you were to suck real hard on a soda straw, using only your lips to form the necessary vacume. Of course on the clarinet, you blow into it (DUH!!!), but it is basically the same "lip set"--no upper teeth on the mouthpiece, just upper lip, and keep your chin flattened. This is a ligitimate embouchure that many pro players use exclusively, but even if you don't adopt it for your own playing, you can transfer the principle of more upper lip support to your conventional "teeth on" approach and learn to play without so much "bite." You will also learn to get more sound out of "reed control" rather than relying on the reed's hardness. Many clarinet players use reeds that are too hard in their attempt to achieve the "big" sound. If you learn to use more upper lip for pressure (not just the upper teeth), you will experiance no more lower lip pain (from overbiting) and you will realize more endurance in your playing time. To start, play a double lip long tone "open" G with crescendo and diminuendo < > (best I can do on this keyboard). Then, play it again the same way < > with your "teeth on" embouchure, but try to retain some of the upper lip support--and achieve somewaht the same sound. Once you can do this on open G, then try some other notes, acales and etude chunks using double lip exclusively, switching after a few minutes to your usual embouchure--but keep the "feel" for upper lip support. That is the key!!!! Sorry to be so wordy, but it is hard to describe this embouchure approach via cyberspace. If you have any more specific questions, you may contact me directly wnsfuller@charter.net Hope this all helps--Good Clarineting!!!!!!!!
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Author: Britt
Date: 2002-05-01 02:17
You can actually use denture pads or gum wrappers to prevent this. Just fold it over your bottom teeth. Also, yeah, you probablly are biting down too hard. When I first started playing I have the same problem. When you don't bite down as hard, the reed will be able to vibrate better, too, and you will get a better tone. And, it comes with practice, too. Your lip will eventually "toughen up." Good luck and take care of that lip!
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Author: Aaron Rubenstein
Date: 2002-05-01 02:59
Always consult with a good clarinet teacher on this problem.
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Author: Gayl
Date: 2002-05-02 21:17
FT,
Ouch! Cutting up small strips of denture cushions and folding them over your teeth is a good way to ease the pressure of your teeth. However, you might want to investigate if you are biting down too hard. Put some ice on your hurts, and let is rest for a bit. Oh, and you can buy denture cushions at a Rite Aid store, or Long.. the brand that I use is called EZO. They are cheap, and one box lasts me a really long time. All they are a piece of cloth with wax on them, don't worry they don't taste like anything. Good luck.
Gayl
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