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Re: reed strength

Author: sfalexi
Date: 2014-11-18 17:23

Paul Aviles wrote:

> I take a slightly different tack on this issue. The
> observations above seem correct but I take issue with the
> teacher's insistence on harder reeds. I always prefer making
> the weaker option work (given your exact problem of there being
> no middle ground). It is a matter of utilizing the embouchure
> differently (or just USING the embouchure). Remember the
> embouchure is not a clamp, it is only a stable platform (or
> rather, "a stable opening") for the reed/mouthpiece system.
> Using more cheek muscles and engaging more of the upper lip
> muscles are key to allowing the weaker set-up to work.
>
>
> It sounds like the 3 1/2 strength reed is your "wall." It seems
> counter productive to "force" yourself to make this set-up work
> for you.
>
>
> Approaching "from the other side" makes subtle changes in pitch
> and timbre much easier.
>
>
> AND, if you ever considered double lip (which has nothing but
> good things to teach you) this would be an EXCELLENT time to
> give it a shot.
>
>
>
>
>
> ...............Paul Aviles
>

Beautifully said. I'd slow clap if I could!!! Same thing I would have suggested, but he said it much better than I would have!!! Give it a shot. I prefer to use a slightly softer reed myself with a very stable platform embouchure and I love the flexibility and ease of playing it gives me.

>
> Post Edited (2014-11-18 15:53)

US Army Japan Band

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