Variable embouchure for a single player

[hyperbolica]

When I play tenor, I'm a downstream player. Very high placement, according to Doug. But I noticed recently that when I play tuba, and maybe even bass bone, that my bottom lip is definitely extending further into the mouthpiece, and I'm probably flipping a little upstream. I don't fuss too much with all of these embouchure types, I leave it for others. But in this case, I think that a bigger mouthpiece winds up going down my chin instead of up my nose (there isn't any more space to go up), so it includes more bottom lip. I think it's making my tenor playing less stable.

So is there a remedy for this other than stop playing bass and tuba?

[Doug Elliott]

It's still the same embouchure type and it's completely normal for the bottom lip to start protruding more as you go lower in range no matter which instrument it's on. It's still downstream, just less so.

Sometimes the lower placement (due to the bigger mouthpiece and your nose) does become a problem, and that's one reason why a thin rim is good on bass trombone. And why I make narrow rims for tuba. That keeps your placement from dropping too low.

[Vegasbound]

Doug,

What would be your equivalent to a Bach 24AW with narrow rim?

[Doug Elliott]

ANYTHING is narrower than a 24AW.
My closest equivalent is a 126 rim, or N126 if you want even narrower, with an R cup and an RC American shank.

[Vegasbound]

ANYTHING is narrower than a 24AW.
My closest equivalent is a 126 rim, or N126 if you want even narrower, with an R cup and an RC American shank.

Would you use that shank on a Besson Sovereign?

[Doug Elliott]

BBb? Probably.

I'm not quite back in business yet, my machine is nearly back together but I'm waiting for a cable I still need. This has been a nightmare, it has not worked since mid August.

[Vegasbound]

BBb? Probably.

I'm not quite back in business yet, my machine is nearly back together but I'm waiting for a cable I still need. This has been a nightmare, it has not worked since mid August.

EEb tuba

Hope you get sorted soon for your well being, and the needs of the low brass community

[Doug Elliott]

Yes, the same. I may be changing my tuba shank designations - with the new backbores it seems like the different backbores for Eb and F tubas are unnecessary.