Condensation in the Mouthpiece
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Condensation in the Mouthpiece
Okay tuba players, I am having an embarrassing problem. Whenever I’m playing or practicing
I keep having to wipe out my mouthpiece because of a built up of moisture. Probably every 10 minutes.
What am I doing wrong?
I keep having to wipe out my mouthpiece because of a built up of moisture. Probably every 10 minutes.
What am I doing wrong?
Mack Brass 410 CC and St. Petersburg 3v Eb
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- bugler
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Re: Condensation in the Mouthpiece
Not a thing.
- iiipopes
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Re: Condensation in the Mouthpiece
It means you have proper breath support. I have to empty frequently as well. Carry on!
Jupiter JTU1110, RT-82.
"Real" Conn 36K.
"Real" Conn 36K.
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Re: Condensation in the Mouthpiece
Instead of talking to your plants, if you yelled at them would they still grow, but only to be troubled and insecure?
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Re: Condensation in the Mouthpiece
Might not be anything wrong. Keep a rag handy...too much or too little can affect articulation...also try tilting your horn forward in your lap, drains towards the leadpipe.TubaofGilman wrote: ↑Sun Nov 14, 2021 4:11 pm Okay tuba players, I am having an embarrassing problem. Whenever I’m playing or practicing
I keep having to wipe out my mouthpiece because of a built up of moisture. Probably every 10 minutes.
What am I doing wrong?
~Oregon~
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Re: Condensation in the Mouthpiece
It can be annoying when you snatch a quick breath, imbibe the mixer causing a chocking fit.
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Re: Condensation in the Mouthpiece
Tubas rule. And some of us also drule. It's why I always have a handkerchief or towel with me.
JP/Sterling 377 compensating Eb; Warburton "The Grail" T.G.4, RM-9 7.8, Yamaha 66D4; for sale > 1914 Conn Monster Eb (my avatar), ca. 1905 Fillmore Bros 1/4-size Eb, Bach 42B trombone
- Art Hovey
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Re: Condensation in the Mouthpiece
It means that your mouthpiece receiver is nearly horizontal. I prefer to blow downhill, as most other brass players do. That way most of the water goes down to my water key. Most tuba manufacturers seem to believe that we don't like that, and insist on a nearly-horizontal mouthpiece orientation.
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Re: Condensation in the Mouthpiece
I think some of it is condensation and some is saliva.
The reason I think that is the scale that builds up. It seems to me condensation would not contain any calcium or magnesium and not scale, but obviously scale happens, so it must come from us.
I don't know how you would tell the percentage of condensation vs saliva. I suspect the low range of tuba contributes to a larger aperture and more saliva entering than something like trumpet or French horn.
The reason I think that is the scale that builds up. It seems to me condensation would not contain any calcium or magnesium and not scale, but obviously scale happens, so it must come from us.
I don't know how you would tell the percentage of condensation vs saliva. I suspect the low range of tuba contributes to a larger aperture and more saliva entering than something like trumpet or French horn.
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Re: Condensation in the Mouthpiece
If you have a bowl shaped cup then the orientation of the lead pipe is not so relevant as water runs down hill, both ways.Art Hovey wrote: ↑Fri Nov 19, 2021 9:56 am It means that your mouthpiece receiver is nearly horizontal. I prefer to blow downhill, as most other brass players do. That way most of the water goes down to my water key. Most tuba manufacturers seem to believe that we don't like that, and insist on a nearly-horizontal mouthpiece orientation.
- Art Hovey
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Re: Condensation in the Mouthpiece
Not so much when you are blowing. Another advantage of a downhill receiver becomes apparent when you play on risers. Seeing the conductor becomes difficult if your leadpipe is in the way.
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Re: Condensation in the Mouthpiece
I thought the air steam was concentrated in the centre of the MP?
Who ever looks at the conductor??