player's big lips / wide rim (why?)
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Re: player's big lips / wide rim (why?)
I have some recollection of what it feels like when one's sousaphone collides with an overhanging obstruction, while under way at approximately a normal walking pace. I don't think there's any kind of rim that changes the fundamental relation between hard object, soft lip tissue and teeth - but ... the sousaphone's leadpipe assembly has already said goodbye to any pretensions of subtle dimensional perfection, and I wonder if anyone has ever tried introducing a flexible element that would soften the impact - and I guess might allow the player to play more accurately, as the mouthpiece would be bouncing around less.Dan Tuba wrote: ↑Wed Oct 13, 2021 9:27 pm My rim choice has more to do with large uneven surfaces, holes on parade fields, pot holes on city streets, and gravel practice lots/fields. My rim choice also depends on the fact that some days, I have to play perform, 6+ hours of on your face the whole time wind band, brass band(Nola), and brass quintet
So basically whatever rim doesn't cause my teeth to cut into/through my lips in all of those situations/circumstances listed above. If I were just sitting on a stage, and playing intermittently, then my choice would probably be different
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Re: player's big lips / wide rim (why?)
In my opinion, there are better choices of rim profiles/contours for marching on uneven surfaces/parade fields. Clarity/performance vs. endurance/career longevity, or perhaps a careful balance. It's great that we have so many options available to help us in a variety of situations/conditions. There's absolutely no reason to use the same equipment for every situation unless you lack the resources to acquire a variety of equipment, or unless it's your choice to "do it all" on the same equipment. When you have been doing my job for 20 +years, you really have to aquire a variety of tools to get the job done. Thankfully, I have the resources to do so. In my experience, I am seeing more and more playing injuries these days on the job. Approach plays a big role, however equipment does as well (in my opinion).
I'm really thankful that we have so many excellent mouthpiece/instrument manufacturers, and as a result of their expertise/skill, we have access to a lot of great equipment.
I'm really thankful that we have so many excellent mouthpiece/instrument manufacturers, and as a result of their expertise/skill, we have access to a lot of great equipment.
Conn 25J
Holton Monster 3+1 EEb
Faxx 24AW
Holton Monster 3+1 EEb
Faxx 24AW
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Re: player's big lips / wide rim (why?)
While marching on uneven surfaces, Lexan/polycarbonate rims, are much more forgiving on your lips/face, from my experience. Although, as others have pointed out, mouthpiece pressure can be a serious issue. Lexan/polycarbonate rims seem to allow the player to apply more pressure without realizing it. As do fatter, rounder/rounded rims.donn wrote: ↑Thu Oct 14, 2021 8:34 pmI have some recollection of what it feels like when one's sousaphone collides with an overhanging obstruction, while under way at approximately a normal walking pace. I don't think there's any kind of rim that changes the fundamental relation between hard object, soft lip tissue and teeth - but ... the sousaphone's leadpipe assembly has already said goodbye to any pretensions of subtle dimensional perfection, and I wonder if anyone has ever tried introducing a flexible element that would soften the impact - and I guess might allow the player to play more accurately, as the mouthpiece would be bouncing around less.Dan Tuba wrote: ↑Wed Oct 13, 2021 9:27 pm My rim choice has more to do with large uneven surfaces, holes on parade fields, pot holes on city streets, and gravel practice lots/fields. My rim choice also depends on the fact that some days, I have to play perform, 6+ hours of on your face the whole time wind band, brass band(Nola), and brass quintet
So basically whatever rim doesn't cause my teeth to cut into/through my lips in all of those situations/circumstances listed above. If I were just sitting on a stage, and playing intermittently, then my choice would probably be different
In my opinion, in regards to mouthpieces, there isn't a one size/shape/material fits all. A careful balance between overall performance/efficiency/endurance for the specific playing situation should be considered by each individual player when selecting equipment. Maybe it doesn't matter if you are only playing/performing in normal conditions/situations a few hours a week. From my experience, equipment absolutely makes a difference if you are performing in the "extremes" of the instrument (range, volume, technique,etc), in less than favorable conditions, and/or are performing/rehearsing for extended hours throughout the week.
Conn 25J
Holton Monster 3+1 EEb
Faxx 24AW
Holton Monster 3+1 EEb
Faxx 24AW
Re: player's big lips / wide rim (why?)
Now you have my attention.
I've noticed many piston valved tubas I've played over the year sport higher register fails. Not just a note or two but an entire section of a partial. For example, I'd play high F (bottom space treble clef) 1stV instead of open on my old Conn 36J (E 1-2 and Eb 2-3, or I'd adjust the first valve slide).
Sometimes there are even very unstable notes: the E (bottom line treble) on my Martin Medium is almost non-existent, in tune that is. Going up to the Gb and further is fine.
Not that I haven't encountered these issues with rotary valves, but it just seems to be more prominent on the piston valves I've played.
I should mention 98% of the piston horns I've played were older Americans, rotaries being newer models.
Whatever. I just want to play my notes without having to coax my tuba into playing them, in any register.
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Re: player's big lips / wide rim (why?)
@bloke As usual, I'm sure I'll be very interested in what you have come up with, though I am very much opposed to the fixed rim.
To me, your 33.2 #2 rim feels like doing the trapeze without a net above the staff, but the 32.9 mm #2 feels just like home.
I don't think my face is quite big enough for the 33.2 mm opening, so I'd rather be able to put one of my existing rims on a new backpart. I wouldn't care about the regression to a 2-piece. I wouldn't care what the materials were for the backpart.
I would like to be able to buy a couple 32.9 #2 rims in Lexan though.
To me, your 33.2 #2 rim feels like doing the trapeze without a net above the staff, but the 32.9 mm #2 feels just like home.
I don't think my face is quite big enough for the 33.2 mm opening, so I'd rather be able to put one of my existing rims on a new backpart. I wouldn't care about the regression to a 2-piece. I wouldn't care what the materials were for the backpart.
I would like to be able to buy a couple 32.9 #2 rims in Lexan though.
- bloke
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Re: player's big lips / wide rim (why?)
The prototype actually has a smaller opening than your ideal, but - if I produce them - they will probably be the size that you mentioned.
I guess you heard the little “pirate“ excerpt…
(I’m personally using all four of the embouchure openings with that rim style - on various instruments.)
I guess you heard the little “pirate“ excerpt…
(I’m personally using all four of the embouchure openings with that rim style - on various instruments.)
cjk wrote: ↑Wed Oct 20, 2021 1:00 pm @bloke As usual, I'm sure I'll be very interested in what you have come up with, though I am very much opposed to the fixed rim.
To me, your 33.2 #2 rim feels like doing the trapeze without a net above the staff, but the 32.9 mm #2 feels just like home.
I don't think my face is quite big enough for the 33.2 mm opening, so I'd rather be able to put one of my existing rims on a new backpart. I wouldn't care about the regression to a 2-piece. I wouldn't care what the materials were for the backpart.
I would like to be able to buy a couple 32.9 #2 rims in Lexan though.