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Re: squeaking on high notes

Author: Bob Phillips
Date: 2006-01-23 15:25

I've been having your problem since changing mouthpieces, reeds and trying to break myself of "half holing" the LH first finger in the altissimo. Its very frustrating, is it not?

Two things have helped me. I balance my reeds. The Ridenour ATG system gives a test for reed balance:

Play middle C;
Add register key (clarion G)
Open first LH finger (altissimo E)
Open LH pinky F#

Without changing embochure, the series of notes should play cleanly if the reed is balanced (and the horn is all ok).

If the reed won't make these jumps, check it for balance. One side or the other is probably stiffer than the other. The reed can be corrected by sanding lightly alon the hard edge and tip.

It will be bad for your ego, but good for your concience to have your teacher try your horn. Let him/er use your mouthpiece and reed, tho.

good luck
I've got my squeaks down to about 8% from 100% a couple months ago.

Bob Phillips

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