The Oboe BBoard

The Oboe BBoard The C4 standard

New Topic | Go to Top | Go to Topic | Search | Help/Rules | Smileys/Notes | Log In

Re: Breathing and Long Tones

Author: Oboe Craig
Date: 2011-02-25 21:17

I think you raise a couple good points.

The freer blowing reeds have less resistance as felt in the diaphram/gut for me.

I think the issue Robin may be dealing with relates to the reed's demand on the chops for support, not just breath support.

Read Cooper Wright's discussion of reed styles on his site where he distinguishes the Ohio 'Mack' sound from Philly... where the Ohio reed is heavier and perhaps requires a little embouchure pressure (biting) to play up to pitch.

I always try for a reed with no extra chops support requirements, but practically, do play some that need help being up to pitch on low d. And I mean by that a slight rolling in of the lips until some traction happens, really an inward pressure on the lips not an up and down biting pressure assisted by teeth (like the bad old days...:)) Teeth support is a killer and never should be acceptable.

If the reed requires no teeth biting, and I mean none, there becomes an acceptable small range of resistances I can play happily with for long times.

And to your point, at least for up close recording, the slightly more resistant reeds come across as more creamy (good term) and richer (rather than darker).

The reed I played on the LA Sashay piece I shared a few days ago is one I would describe just that way. And for those reeds, the pass/fail test for me relates to the quality of sound on the short fingerings, notably on Cs for 2nd and 3rd octave.

That after passing all the other playing function and stable intonation needs.

Post Edited (2011-02-26 03:18)

Reply To Message | Avail. Forums | Flat View

Newer Topic | Older Topic

Topics