Mouthpiece "Scar?"

[Kingallen]

So this may not fit the forum topic of "fundamentals" however, after finishing my final Bandcamp and playing for about 6 hours each day in the high C area, I've been left with a dark mark right above my top lip where the upper half of my mouthpiece typically sits. Is there any way to get rid of it? Is it permanent? Is it because I'm playing with too much pressure? I think it's kinda cool because Wayne Bergeron has it too, but my mom is worried.
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Xeno 8335US
14B4-GP

[Halflip]

Have your mom talk to Wayne Bergeron's mom.
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"He that plays the King shall be welcome . . . " (Hamlet Act II, Scene 2, Line 1416)

"He had no concept of the instrument. He was blowing into it." -- Virgil Starkwell's cello teacher in "Take the Money and Run"

[kehaulani]

Some players have marked 1/2 rings in their upper lip and some with none. I have no scars so can't relate. I would have a good teacher/coach take a look at how you play and see if they can see any tell-tale reasons.
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"If you don't live it, it won't come out of your horn." Bird

Yamaha 8310Z Bobby Shew trumpet
Benge 3X Trumpet
Benge 3X Cornet
Adams F-1 Flghn

[BudBix]

Impossible to diagnose over the Internet. It's not uncommon to have a visible ring on your lip when you've been playing hard for a few days. If you're in pain and it doesn't go away seek medical attention.

[AndyDavids]

[JayKosta]

[cbtj51]

I've had a permanent mark on my upper lip as long as I can remember. If memory serves me, I first started noticing it in Summer of '68 during a very busy Drum and Bugle Corps season. Over the years, it has become more "topographical" in nature and guides my embouchure setup with no detriment.
I have played the same rim since 1971 and that has likely given the "scarring" more definition. Without moustache (rarely) it is somewhat visible, but as a part of my features for more than 50 years, no big whoop!

Talk to your teacher about it to get proper direction!

Life is Short, find the Joy in it!

Mike
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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

[peanuts56]

I've barely played over the last 20 years, and I still have a bit of a mark on my upper lip. I was a high pressure player as a kid. I managed to get that ironed out in my 20's. The mark never quite went away.

[huntman10]

I am old enough to remember Doc talking about that mark on the "Tonight" show maybe as far back as the 60's. He claimed he could spot any trumpet player by it. Maybe a bit of a slight exaggeration, but I know my 'stache leaves room for the rim!
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huntman10
Collector/Player of Fine (and not so fine) Brass Instruments including
Various Strads, Yammies, Al Hirt Courtois, Schilkes,
Selmer 25, Getzen Eternas, Kanstuls (920 Pic, CG)
Martin Custom Large Bore, Lots Olds!, Conns, etc.

[cheiden]

I would be concerned about a dark mark. It's certainly likely that it's due to too much mouthpiece pressure. A good teacher should be able to tell you if your particular mark is a little or a big concern.
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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

[TheHighNotes]

[Robert P]

[TheHighNotes]

[popTbop]

[wohlrab]

Ambiguous post about a bruise and we're already recommending different equipment. I love trumpet players

[popTbop]

[TheHighNotes]