MP Suggestions

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Pumpkin70
Posts: 5
Joined: Wed May 11, 2022 7:09 am

MP Suggestions

Post by Pumpkin70 »

I’ve been playing on a Denis Wick 2AL for a while now, but recently I’ve found it doesn’t have a certain “punch” I’m looking for. I know mouthpieces are a highly personal choice, but I just want to hear from others, perhaps some suggestions, or some exercises to extend my low register, and get it to sound full rather than hollow.
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BGuttman
Posts: 5892
Joined: Thu Mar 22, 2018 7:19 am
Location: Cow Hampshire

Re: MP Suggestions

Post by BGuttman »

I would suggest a Skype lesson with Doug Elliott, but here are my thoughts:

1. Are you playing a tenor trombone or a bass trombone? A 2AL is more of a bass mouthpiece than a tenor and will sound a bit "woofy" on a tenor.

2. Are you having problems playing the upper register in tune? If so, maybe the 2AL is a bit too large for you.

3. Are you centering the pitch? If you have mistuned the instrument and have to compensate by "lipping" the notes one way or another you can sound hollow. Make sure you are putting the slide in the right position and hitting the center of the "slot".

Remember, I haven't heard you play and am only guessing. A consult with someone like Doug will get you answers much quicker.
Bruce Guttman
Merrimack Valley Philharmonic Orchestra
"Almost Professional"
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