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how many play with a moustache or beard? any problem if you do? would like comments.thanks ,dentaltuba

This has been discussed before.

I have a moustache and full beard. I keep it trimmed neatly, and have no problems . . . at least none that I can blame on facial hair, horn, or mouthpiece . . .

Definitely not. If i have more than one days worth of stubble and my low range becomes weak and anemic. Maybe that is just me, but I have to shave everyday else my playing suffers.

I've gone back and forth between 'stache and no 'stache and have concluded that I need to practice.


All I've noticed with a shaven face is that the mouthpiece is "stickier" to the skin. It doesn't really affect the playing at all, but it's definitely more comfortable.

I`ve played with a moustache for 30 years and have never had any problems with it.
I just have to trim it so it does`nt reach over the lips
I play all sorts of low-brass instruments and it does`nt bother me on any instrument.
But of course: I`ve used to it
Roger

Bottom line: a few day's growth = BAD; a month or more = NO PROBLEM

The Jackson wrote:IAll I've noticed with a shaven face is that the mouthpiece is "stickier" to the skin. It doesn't really affect the playing at all, but it's definitely more comfortable.

I agree with the first part; playing without makes the mouthpiece stick to my face.

I find that I'm a wet-lip player, and need a little movement of the mouthpiece on my chops.

Roger Fjeldet wrote:I just have to trim it so it does`nt reach over the lips
Roger

I agree with Roger, also. I keep mine trimmed neatly so that it doesn't reach over the lips. That bothers the crap out of me - not for playing, but for everyday living.

My vote is "not"... but I think it is mostly a matter of personal preference. It is really uncomfortable for me to play when I haven't shaved.

Every so often I must grow some facial adornment for theatrical purposes. Mustaches seem to harm my embrochure...beards don't.
But to paraphrase an old master...

There was a tubist with a beard,
Who said, "It's just as I feared.
Those bristle-y hairs
Have caused me nightmares
And turned my low octaves all weird."

I have worn a very short full beard for many, many years. ... mainly because I'm just too darned lazy to shave! At the level of playing I'm required to do... I can't imagine it making any difference.

I have had a mustache ('nother one of those multiple approved spelling words, eh?) for decades but just grew the beard since I left the Navy about a year ago. I have to trim the 'stache pretty short once a week to maintain a good seal and I keep the area below my lip shaved. Kind of an anti-Dizzy Gillespie.

I have had a Vandyke for 43 years ever since I got out of the Marines! and I have never played without my neatly trimmed upper lip ..BUT! I'm certainly no expert on the subject not even close! never having played in a band just alone..................................................bigbob

I surrendered to an attack of constructive apathy over the holidays (12/20 through 1/3) and let my whiskers grow. On my one and only playing gig between Christmas and my return to work (3 performances over 2 days) I rediscovered a painful truth. Playing with facial hair takes time to get used to, and trying to do so on site, without preparation beforehand, is fraught with peril. Totally unprofessional on my part. As soon as I got home the first evening I shaved a hole for my mouthpiece.

This seems to have been missed...

Nobody looks "cool" with a moustache.


If I ever let any facial hair grow out, it's often the "soul patch" area. It surs in my mouthpiece and doesn't bug my lower register.

Then again, being in the military, I don't have facial hair often. Or hair on my head, for that matter...

I've grown a "winter beard" for the last 3 years or so. I'm bearded from about November to March, unbearded the rest of the year.

I like playing a lot better with no beard, but I can deal with it when the beard is there. It took some getting used to though, just like everything else.

Nobody looks cool with a moustache? Two words......Burt Reynolds....

Another two words.....Tom Selleck.