playing after shaving

[lmf]

Shaving may be a problem for some, but bathing each day (or more times) is good.

[spitvalve]

I find it hard to play if I have more than 24 hrs worth of stubble. 25 years ago I grew a full beard and got used to playing with it--though I couldn't double on trombone with it. After wearing the beard for about eight months I shaved it--on the day of a gig. Big mistake. My chops felt so weird and I was fracking notes all night. Took several days to make the adjustment. I've stayed clean-shaven since.
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Bryan Fields
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1991 Bach LR180 ML 37S
1999 Getzen Eterna 700S
1977 Getzen Eterna 895S Flugelhorn
1969 Getzen Capri cornet
1995 UMI Benge 4PSP piccolo trumpet
Warburton and Stomvi Flex mouthpieces

[LoraB]

[John Mohan]

I have no issues playing right after shaving. I have very slight issues if I have about one day's worth of stubble (gets better by the second day, though I usually shave every day).

Other than a few years here and there when I used a manual shaver, I've always used the Phillips Norelco shavers - they work much better, for me at least, than any other electric I've tried. My first one lasted from about 1980 until just a couple years ago, though I did have to change the batteries around the year 2001. Forget about replacing the blades with the expensive replacement kits that Philips Norelco sells and claims should be changed every year or so - totally unnecessary.

I no longer shave with a manual because I don't want to take the chance of getting a nick that would effect my playing.

[Tpt_Guy]

Shaving usually doesn't cause me a problem. Occasionally I used to get irritated by the various shaving creams and gels that I had a difficult time completely removing, and that caused a problem, but no longer.

[iiipopes]

I also find it opposite. I play better with a fresh shave. Last "No-Shave-November" for cancer awareness I grew out my mustache and beard for the first time. I kept it until the weekend before Memorial Day. I found I could not center my mouthpiece properly; the mustache and beard on the lower lip, on all three brass I play: trumpet, euph, tuba, would not center. Everything came back after I shaved and played the Memorial Day gigs.
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King Super 20 Trumpet; Sov 921 Cornet
Bach cornet modded to be a 181L clone
Couesnon Flugelhorn and C trumpet

[Flip Oakes]

I need to play on a clean shaven face, ideally perhaps 2-3 hours after shaving. after 12 hours I can hear and feel the difference in my sound. I cannot play on a beard or stubbles after a day. I also play dry, and I use a Braun Electric Shaver
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Flip Oakes “Wild Thing Trumpets”
2559 Mottino Dr.
Oceanside, Ca. 92056-3421
760-643-1501


Delivering the distinctive Wild Thing Sound since 1994

[Sharkbaitboi]

My mouthpiece slides around too much when I haven’t shaved and I dont wanna go for the semi circle look...

Shaving keeps some nice grip going and usually fixes my playing problems that showed up from one day to the next to a certain degree

[cbtj51]

Straight Razor until I went to basic training at Fort Leonard Wood. I guess the military figured it could be used as a weapon. I've had at least a mustache since then (1970) thru 6 years Army Band and beyond. I have had a beard non-stop since coming back almost 4 years after 14 years out. I do trim my upper lip closely in the mouthpiece impression area using surgical scissors (just a few hairs that cause a problem if I let them go for a few days). I am extremely careful and focus like it is a surgical procedure using a magnifying mirror. So far (48 years) no problem. Haven't played on naked chops for decades so I can't comment if there is any effect or not.
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'71 LA Benge 5X Bb
'72 LA Benge D/Eb
'76 Bach CL 229/25A C
‘92 Bach 37 Bb
'98 Getzen 895S Flugelhorn
'00 Bach 184 Cornet
'02 Yamaha 8335RGS
'16 Bach NY 7
'16 XO 1700RS Piccolo
Reeves 41 Rimmed Mouthpieces