Tuning Slide Placement

[tajmozach1898]

I have been playing for about 25 years and have noticed a trend in my tuning slide placement. It's usually a little further out that I would like.

My questions: How can I adjust my playing over time so that I can move my tuning slide farther in? Is there a definite drawback to playing with the tuning slide farther out than average?
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Schilke B5
B&S 3136/2
Yamaha 8335
Kanstul 920 Custom Class

[mm55]

[Turkle]

I would think that based on your particular horn, your particular mouthpiece, how far your lips go into that mouthpiece, whether or not you tend to play high/low on the pitch, the temperature of your horn and the room you're in, and numerous other factors both in and outside your control will affect where the "sweet spot" for your tuning slide is on a given day.

I think you should place it where it sounds best and not worry about it!
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Yamaha 8310Z trumpet
Yamaha 8310Z flugel
Curry 3.

[trickg]

Why does it matter?

Adjust your slide accordingly to account for proper intonation relative to the pitch center you are playing to, and call it a day.
_________________
Patrick Gleason
- Jupiter 1600i, ACB 3C, Warburton 4SVW/Titmus RT2
- Brasspire Unicorn C
- ACB Doubler

"95% of the average 'weekend warrior's' problems will be solved by an additional 30 minutes of insightful practice." - PLP

[cheiden]

In general, I discount tuning slide position unless it's causing you a specific problem. But there have been two unique occasions where it mattered. For a while, I had the bad habit of lipping everything down hard until my tuning slide had to be fully closed. At another time I started hearing pitches too high and no matter how far I pulled out I was still sharp. Obviously, I like to try on every single bad idea.
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"I'm an engineer, which means I think I know a whole bunch of stuff I really don't."
Charles J Heiden/So Cal
Bach Strad 180ML43*/43 Bb/Yamaha 731 Flugel/Benge 1X C/Kanstul 920 Picc/Conn 80A Cornet
Bach 3C rim on 1.5C underpart

[Dale Proctor]

Unless it's pulled waaaaaay out, it doesn't really matter much. If you pull one out a few inches, though, the valve slides become too short relative to the length of the horn and need to be pulled out a little, too so correct intonation is maintained.
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"Brass bands are all very well in their place - outdoors and several miles away ." - Sir Thomas Beecham

[Mike Sailors]

How do you sound? If you sound good, then I don't think it's a big deal.
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www.mikesailors.com

[Blackquill]

Focus on your sound. Only push it in if you notice your sound improves by doing so. Some teachers have a really good ear and can tell if your sound is centered or not and can make a recommendation of whether to push your slide in or pull it out. (most players play sharp) That is how I learned to play with a centered sound, actually....
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Trumpet is for extroverts only... no, wait... Trumpet is also for introverts who need an avenue for extrovertism!

[cheiden]

The Stamp method can help players improve their ability to play exactly where the horn wants to slot. This can help iron out issues relating to nominal tuning slide placement.
_________________
"I'm an engineer, which means I think I know a whole bunch of stuff I really don't."
Charles J Heiden/So Cal
Bach Strad 180ML43*/43 Bb/Yamaha 731 Flugel/Benge 1X C/Kanstul 920 Picc/Conn 80A Cornet
Bach 3C rim on 1.5C underpart

[Lukarino]

I used to play consistently sharp on the pitch center, which created this super dark, muffled tone. The three things I did to get my pitch on the center of the note (hence making my tuning slide move in) were
1. Putting my right thumb and index on the mouthpiece receiver, and shaking the horn (violently but comfortable on the lips, I found that up and down can work) as if it were an ultra intense vibrato until I hear the brilliance of the sound pop out. That’s the pitch center, and you adjust the tuning slide to where that brilliance is in tune.
2. Lip bending a note down a half step, then slowly up until you find the spot of brilliance (it can help to open up your jaw as you go down and keep it open)
3. Playing with a metal mute and making it buzz.
Hope this helps! But as others have said if it sounds fine you probably are fine. My problem was evident from the pillowy sound.

[mike ansberry]