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Re: Practicing with reed strength 2, playing with 3

Author: kdk ★2017
Date: 2019-01-17 03:36

September wrote:

> Hello,
>
> I'm trying to fix some long-established bad embouchure habits
> (keeping my chin down, essentially). I usually play the #3
> reed, but notice that playing the lower chalumeau register in
> the piano, it's notably breathy in sound.

Breathy sound can be caused by a few different things. You don't mention what mouthpiece you're using. Is it in good condition - in particular are the rails blemish- and damage-free?

A small air leak in the upper section somewhere could cause breathiness in the low register but not interfere as much with the second register because you already have an open hole (the register vent).

You may not, as already suggested, be taking the best amount of reed into your mouth.

>
> Is itt a bad idea to practice embouchure/chalumeau parts with
> the #2 reed at home, and playing #3 for the higher parts/in
> practice with the rest of the band?

It would be better to find out for certain why your lower register is breathy-sounding. I wouldn't be enthusiastic about your using two different strength reeds. It shouldn't be necessary. Next best thing would be, if the solution to the breathiness is a #2 reed, to learn to play the higher notes on the same #2 reed. In my opinion if your mouthpiece really needs a #2, it should be capable of being played with the softer reed all the way up.

Karl

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