Does the mp feel completely natural to you?

Robert P · Heavyweight Member Joined: 28 Feb 2013 Posts: 2596

When setting up does the mouthpiece just pop into place like it belongs there or do you have to coax it, move tissue around to get it to fit and feel like the mp is in the right pocket?

If the former, has it always felt completely natural, second nature to you?

Also if you would, indicate if you feel you have thinner or thicker lips.
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JayKosta · Posted: Thu Apr 18, 2019 1:45 pm Post subject:

Mouthpiece fits fine without any need for coaxing or 'adjustments'. On first placement of a playing session, the rim does feel a little small, but everything works as expected and it feels 'like usual' for the whole session.
70 yo, Caucasian male, 165 lb, 70 inches, typical lips and teeth .
Bach MV 7 played since age ~12, replaced with a new Bach 7 a few years ago.

Jay
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Richard III · Posted: Thu Apr 18, 2019 2:54 pm Post subject:

Mouthpiece feels natural from beginning to end. No looking for right spot. No adjustments. The same on different diameters and rim shapes. Upper lip thinner than bottom, but neither is at extreme end of anything.

In the past when a mouthpiece felt wrong or felt sharp edged, I wasn't pushing forward with the lips and giving it the proper cushion. Hasn't happened in a long time (years).
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brassmusician · Veteran Member Joined: 25 Feb 2016 Posts: 273

Sometimes my lips are unruly and don't want to settle into the mouthpiece. I think it occurs when there is some swelling or fatness from playing the trombone or a hard gig. I have found that doing Stamp pedal exercises gets things back on track. Caruso also tweaks things into feeling right as well. I have a lot of flesh in the middle upper lip, cupid's bow. Dryness in my lip can cause problems too - a recent phenomenon in a long playing career. Stops the vibration happening easily. Only effective remedy I have found it to drink a lot, and I mean a lot of water.
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Turkle · Posted: Thu Apr 18, 2019 4:46 pm Post subject:

When I was younger I could just pick up the horn and play - didn't need a warmup.

I'm now in in my late 30s and I have to warm up before I play.

Part of my warmup is designed to find my set point. For me, I anchor the mouthpiece on my bottom lip with lower jaw slightly out. Once the blood gets moving in the lips and I loosen up, then my anchor point becomes clear and I can play all over the horn.

Lips are average.
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