[hedges]

Hello All,
When I play my Meyer mouthpiece I get squeeks and when I play my concert mouthpiece I have no squeeks. I have tried other jazz mouthpieces and they squeek. Any tips would be great.
Thanks

 

[Dave Dolson]

Hedges: It could be the reed . . . have you experimented with different reeds, including strengths and cuts?

And, it could be the piece itself. I've experienced that before. On one alto piece, I sent it to Mojobari for some tweaking. It came back squeek-free. DAVE

 

[MM]

I used to have a similar problem. It sound like an embouchure issue--too tight and not even across the reed. Try the mouthpiece pitch thing and playing scales on the mouthpiece/reed alone. A good teacher, one who can really teach embouchure, will help. Just because a teacher can teach musical expression and technique does not mean he/she can teach embouchure!

 

[EZ]

If you have been playing the concert piece for a very long time then you may be so used to it that it could take a while to get used to anything else. If it doesn't cause any great inconvenience, you might want to consider spending a few weeks playing nothing BUT the new piece just to see if you might adapt to it.

Ditto on trying different reeds - the tip openings and air stream requirements may be different enough to warrant a switch. Maybe back off a half strength and see if there is any improvement.

Another thing is to have someone else try out your pieces and see if they experience the same issues. Could be an equipment problem.

Some private lessons could go a long way as well.

Keep up the good fight! It's worth it!

- Ed