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Re: Squeaks on Middle B, C, and D

Author: kdk ★2017
Date: 2011-05-06 02:08

jjkimtennis wrote:

> Hi, I'm sorry, I don't know why I said middle B, C, and D
> haha... I actually meant low B and A. Jeez,

That's, of course, an important difference from squeaking on the long notes above the break (B5-C5).

> Anyways, I looked at my mouthpiece again
> closely today, and I noticed that I do have some small chips.
> Nothing very big, but when I run my fingernail along the tip,
> there is one chip that my nail stops in, as well as a couple
> that cause some friction, rather than a smooth run. Along the
> rail, there is another chip that the tip of my thumb nail can
> rest in. None of these chips are huge, but they are noticeable
> with a careful look. Can small chips such as these really make
> a difference?

Absolutely yes!

>
> The squeak comes almost every time I play a middle B and
> sometimes on the notes below it. My notes in the upper register
> are fine. It's just middle B, A, and G, with most of it at B.
> When I play these notes, I can hear the notes for a fraction of
> a second, and then the squeak kicks in.
>

The best way to be sure would be to try playing with a different mouthpiece - ideally another B45 so the reeds you have now will likely work on it. If you use a very different mouthpiece as a test, you may introduce reed problems if they don't work well with the test facing. If you can't find someone who owns and will lend you a B45 to try for a few minutes, any undamaged mouthpiece will at least tell you if the squeaks are still happening or not.

> I've been experimenting with my embouchure, and when I play
> with less mouthpiece in my mouth, the squeaks get a little
> better.

Unless your lower lip is really too far down the mouthpiece to begin with, this isn't likely to be the cause of the problem - squeaks from taking too much mouthpiece would be more generalized over the compass of the instrument and the sound would be harsh and spready - I doubt if a competent private teacher would have let you play that way.

> I use a Van Doren B45, I believe. Would you guys suggest replacing it?

Yes, if the squeaks go away when you try a different mouthpiece.

> if so, do you know of any good deals? I am not exactly made of
> money at the moment haha.
>

Vandorens don't exactly cost an arm and a leg (less than $100). But if you need something less expensive, student mouthpieces like the Fobes Debut, or Hite Premiere are good starter mouthpieces that can be found at most online outlets. You can price shop easily enough among the online suppliers.

Good luck,
Karl

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