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Re: Over-bite/Under-bite Question

Author: kdk ★2017
Date: 2010-12-30 02:53

To make sure I understand what you mean by an "overbite" - which teeth are more forward? Bottom or top?

Usually I read about players with * under-bites* - top teeth are forward and come down more than "normal" in front of the bottom teeth - playing more vertically because the mouthpiece naturally falls downward toward their bottom jaw. If your over-bite is the opposite of this, I'm not sure I can picture why playing with the clarinet closer to your body would be more comfortable.

In any case, where your top teeth fall on the beak of the mouthpiece isn't necessarily an indicator of how much reed you're taking on the bottom. If your instrument position is closer to your body - i.e. more vertical - the more acute mouthpiece angle will certainly result in your teeth being closer to the tip, but you still may be - probably are - taking a good deal of reed in. The amounts would be more equal only as you point the instrument out more toward horizontal.

I find that reeds feel less resistant as I lower the angle of the mouthpiece. I've always felt it was because gravity was pulling the reed more firmly against my lower lip and teeth, creating a greater degree of natural pressure than when I hold the instrument up and more horizontal.

Karl

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