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Re: Bull frog effect

Author: ohsuzan
Date: 2006-01-25 13:56

<<If the reeds are too soft, it will feel like trying to pedal really fast on a bike with no resistance. >>

Thanks, d-oboe -- that's the best image for what a too-soft reed feels like that I've ever read.

I do think that some folks just "color up" in the face, whether or not they are exerting too much pressure. (Maybe these are the same folks who blush easily?) But I've read once too often about "watching the oboist turn purple", and have wondered if that degree of strain was somehow mandatory or fundamental to correct oboe tone. I am very glad to hear that it is not.

For me, really good abdominal tension is where good playing starts. When the abdomen is doing the heavy lifting, so to speak, the embouchure is freed to be responsive.

Susan

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