Reddit reviews Bach Trumpet Mouthpiece Visualizer
We found 2 Reddit comments about Bach Trumpet Mouthpiece Visualizer. Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
The Embouchure visualizer is designed for teachers to start a player off with the correct embouchure from the beginningThese student aid tools show at a glance when the mouthpiece is too high or too low on the lips, whether the lower jaw recedes, whether the tongue protrudes during the attack, and many other embouchure faultsDouble embouchure visualizer accommodates a trumpet on one end and a trombone on the otherThese student aid tools show at a glance when the mouthpiece is too high or too low on the lips, whether the lower jaw recedes, whether the tongue protrudes during the attack, and many other embouchure faultsDouble embouchure visualizer accommodates a trumpet on one end and a trombone on the other
You really need a trumpet teacher sitting right next to you to help you with this. But I will try to answer.
First of all, stop caring about range and start caring about correct, musical playing for every single note you produce out of the trumpet. For example, it doesn't really mean anything if a trumpet player can hit a grand C but can't play (and read) a nice, lyrical melody.
Now, on to your embouchure and your question. The tongue should be behind the lower teeth when paying. You articulate by hitting the top of your upper teeth with your tongue. You bracing your lower lip actually sounds kind of interesting, but over time you may utterly destroy that lip.
You need to replace your bad habit with a good one. This means you must consciously notice every time you brace your lower lip with your tongue, and move your tongue behind the teeth. Every time you notice the tongue doing the wrong thing you must correct it. This will take time, you need to ingrain this as a new habit and stop the old. Sometimes you will sound bad. Practicing will be filled with you just correcting this problem, but you gotta do it. I've been there, many trumpet players have when it comes to the embouchure.
You must support your playing with proper air support. Your shoulders must be relaxed, and your abdominal muscles must do the work of pushing the air. This must be a habit, if it isn't already. When you play those high notes instead of pushing your bottom lip, your strong abdominal muscles should do that work. You're probably young and strong, work your abs!
Even though your embouchure problem seems to be internal, you may benefit from doing some other things. Try standing in front of a mirror to keep an eye on your embouchure. Buzz, a lot, on the mouthpiece. Hold the mouthpiece near the end, away from the cup. This is difficult at first but will train you to produce sound without pressure. Maybe make use of one of these things.
Good luck, but you can do it. Many trumpet players before you have. Also, don't get down on yourself, if it's difficult just tell yourself to keep at it because it takes time (weeks). If you keep at it you will benefit greatly. You obviously don't have a problem hitting the high notes based on your post, so if you make this change you will surely be making some great music on the trumpet.
But, like I said, seek out a teacher. Let us know how it goes. If you really want I can give you a skype lesson (for free), I've been wanting to try that out.
Based on the demo video, this looks like an embouchure visualizer, except instead of a stick you hold on to the larger, outer ring, then buzz into the smaller end. For some reason there are springs separating the two halves, I guess to cushion the impact force on your face?
Their product description uses some confusing terms ("aperture strength"?!) and makes some big claims.
Personally, I think there is some merit to lip buzzing or using a visualizer, but you might need some guidance from a trumpet teacher familiar with these techniques. On your own, you can do more harm than good. Many trumpet players do not believe in lip buzzing or do it at all, so I certainly wouldn't say you need to do it.
However, my biggest reaction is that this costs $70! You can get a visualizer for less than half of that. Or spend even less and just use a pair of scissors or a ring. Or if you really want to shell out $70, get one of these bad boys.