Low note trouble

[acritzer]

I am now on my 4th full day of SA and am having trouble with the lower register...Ab, G, Gb specifically. This has always sort of been the case for me but now that pedals are mixed in and I'm giving myself a good workout each day they seem to be worse.

The pedals are one thing, but these "real" notes are very sensitive, often coming out very soft or not at all. I'm beginning to find myself paranoid that when I do get them more solid I'm doing things to my setup by accident that I shouldn't. For example, a slight pucker, or letting the chops slide open too much, etc. I know CG avoids chop talk, but I just feel a little fat recently.

Poor Bruce has already fielded a number of emails from me, I thought I'd jump on here and see what you guys think.

On another note, the tongue level, air power, and upper register are all improving!

[cinci-sop]

I had that same problem for a while, cleared up on its own. I think it is just a matter of something new to get used too.

By the way, I haven't forgotten about that music, still waiting to get the PDF's I will email her again today.
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Yamaha Xeno Eb Cornet
Lawler SA Cornet
Schilke XA1 Cornet
Schilke B5 Trumpet
Benge Piccolo
Kanstul 725 Flugelhorn

[Comeback]

Not a regular CG thread poster/reader, but as I have been on my comeback trail I have been reminded that lower register quality is mouthpiece sensitive for me. I had to experiment to obtain satisfactory response bottom to top of my useful range with the instruments that I play regularly. If this post is not germane to your concern, please disregard.
Jim
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Bb Trumpets: 2000 Bach Stradivarius 180S37, 1972 Getzen Eterna Severinsen
Bb Cornet: 2008 Blessing XL-CR Shepherd's Crook
Flugelhorn: 1990 Blessing Artist

[acritzer]

[jengstrom]

I don't know what your routine was like before, but if this is significantly different, especially if it is exercising parts of your chops that weren't getting much exercise before, it is natural for the chops to rebel for a while. As long as you're not in pain, give it a few weeks before getting alarmed. SA can be brutal at first. Things will probably calm down.

-John

[trptdoc]

Stick with Bruces advise. He knows what he's doing and his first hand observation is crucial. Pedals definitely make things feel different but if your doing them correctly things clear up quickly. Proper use of pedals really can help correct a lot of incorrect habits. It does take time. I've been teaching and doing pedal routines for nearly 40 years and can say they really make a difference but MUST be done properly "or not at all", to quote Clark and CG.

[Matt Parkinson]

Another thing to bear in mind as well as more rest is that you are not over blowing when you go down, remember that you need less power and more volume of air as you descend, think Taw!

Hope this helps!