I seem to have a "wet mouth" as well, though I can tonge fine. After playing for a while, spit accumulates in the mouthpiece so much that the sound is a bit muffled, and you can hear a raspy sound from the spit. When this happens I suck on the mouthpiece to clear the mouthpiece (works moderately well). I don't know if this relates to your problem, but I would like to hear from others with wet mouths.
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Here's what works for me:
-Swallow saliva in the mouth before you play.
-In rests draw the air in quickly to "suck" the moisture back into the mouth.
-Polish the back on the reed.
Rub the reed on the inside cover of a music book on a PERFECTLY FLAT SURFACE. Rub with moderate pressure with the grain of the wood until it makes a clicking sound, and then increase the pressure and rub another 50 strokes. If done correctly, the back of the reed will be as smooth as glass, and the water will form droplets and roll off of the reed like the water that hits a newly waxed car. You can polish the same reed several times to increase the effect. Reeds that are polished in this fashion tend to play more responsively and they last longer.
-If all else fails get a vacuum hose like your dentist has and hang it in the corner of your mouth when you play.
(Just kidding - my clarinet teacher once suggested this for my "wet mouth" problem.)
-Swallow saliva in the mouth before you play.
-In rests draw the air in quickly to "suck" the moisture back into the mouth.
-Polish the back on the reed.
Rub the reed on the inside cover of a music book on a PERFECTLY FLAT SURFACE. Rub with moderate pressure with the grain of the wood until it makes a clicking sound, and then increase the pressure and rub another 50 strokes. If done correctly, the back of the reed will be as smooth as glass, and the water will form droplets and roll off of the reed like the water that hits a newly waxed car. You can polish the same reed several times to increase the effect. Reeds that are polished in this fashion tend to play more responsively and they last longer.
-If all else fails get a vacuum hose like your dentist has and hang it in the corner of your mouth when you play.
(Just kidding - my clarinet teacher once suggested this for my "wet mouth" problem.)
Some tips
I can tell you from experience that wet mouth is a very hard habit to break. I'm very big on improvisation, so I am used to all types of things happening during a live performace. In one case, (I was around 12 when this happened), I was the featured saxophone player in a convention concert. I had to improvise in my fillers, but halfway through the concert, my saxophone starts getting a disgusting tone to it. I realized that it was because the reed was getting wetter than it should be. I had to be quick and undo my mouthpiece, polish the reed, and redo the mouthpiece before the solo began... I've never felt so nervous in my life! But I found that a way to break the habit is to try to not drink a lot of water before a performance. This worked for me, but I still had recurring "wet mouth" situations.
A couple of years ago, I found that there is a reed that is very resistant to moisture buildup, and tone deformation. The first time I tried out the "Plasticover" reed, I immediately loved it! Try out the plasticover reeds, and give me your opinion on it. Some people say that there are different kinds, but the only ones I've seen are black, have a slight purple "gloss" when they're new, and have a brighter tone than the wooden reeds. I now use nothing but plasticover reeds when I give performances, and they have never failed me. Actually, I only had to replace the reeds after about a month each. They are very break- resistant!
So, I hope that this info will help you take care of your wet mouth problem. Remember, you are not alone in this situation!
I can tell you from experience that wet mouth is a very hard habit to break. I'm very big on improvisation, so I am used to all types of things happening during a live performace. In one case, (I was around 12 when this happened), I was the featured saxophone player in a convention concert. I had to improvise in my fillers, but halfway through the concert, my saxophone starts getting a disgusting tone to it. I realized that it was because the reed was getting wetter than it should be. I had to be quick and undo my mouthpiece, polish the reed, and redo the mouthpiece before the solo began... I've never felt so nervous in my life! But I found that a way to break the habit is to try to not drink a lot of water before a performance. This worked for me, but I still had recurring "wet mouth" situations.
A couple of years ago, I found that there is a reed that is very resistant to moisture buildup, and tone deformation. The first time I tried out the "Plasticover" reed, I immediately loved it! Try out the plasticover reeds, and give me your opinion on it. Some people say that there are different kinds, but the only ones I've seen are black, have a slight purple "gloss" when they're new, and have a brighter tone than the wooden reeds. I now use nothing but plasticover reeds when I give performances, and they have never failed me. Actually, I only had to replace the reeds after about a month each. They are very break- resistant!
So, I hope that this info will help you take care of your wet mouth problem. Remember, you are not alone in this situation!
I am a beginner and thought, that wet mouth and lips (except wet reed) is better for sound producing. During practising I drink (or better say, wash my mouth to make it wet) and often lick my lips. To me, dry mouth seemed improper naturally. :?AOMsaxist said:I can tell you from experience that wet mouth is a very hard habit to break. I'm very big on improvisation, so I am used to all types of things happening during a live performace. In one case, (I was around 12 when this happened), I was the featured saxophone player in a convention concert. I had to improvise in my fillers, but halfway through the concert, my saxophone starts getting a disgusting tone to it. I realized that it was because the reed was getting wetter than it should be. I had to be quick and undo my mouthpiece, polish the reed, and redo the mouthpiece before the solo began... I've never felt so nervous in my life! But I found that a way to break the habit is to try to not drink a lot of water before a performance. This worked for me, but I still had recurring "wet mouth" situations.
A couple of years ago, I found that there is a reed that is very resistant to moisture buildup, and tone deformation. The first time I tried out the "Plasticover" reed, I immediately loved it! Try out the plasticover reeds, and give me your opinion on it. Some people say that there are different kinds, but the only ones I've seen are black, have a slight purple "gloss" when they're new, and have a brighter tone than the wooden reeds. I now use nothing but plasticover reeds when I give performances, and they have never failed me. Actually, I only had to replace the reeds after about a month each. They are very break- resistant!
So, I hope that this info will help you take care of your wet mouth problem. Remember, you are not alone in this situation!
Thanks for the suggestions
Thanks, everyone, for your ideas. I haven't tried a non-woden reed yet, but I am trying all the other suggestions (except the dentist's vacuum, but that's on order ) and I think it is helping.
Thanks, everyone, for your ideas. I haven't tried a non-woden reed yet, but I am trying all the other suggestions (except the dentist's vacuum, but that's on order
) and I think it is helping.
If you are gonna be 'sucking in', I'd advise that you pay special attention to the hygiene of your mouthpiece and reed.... you don't want to be sucking in yesterday's gunge which has had some time to 'fester'
If I leave a wet reed on for a day or so it quickly gets black mould on it... yuk!
If I leave a wet reed on for a day or so it quickly gets black mould on it... yuk!
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