HELLUP.

[old_git]

Symptons:-
Three weeks in, on my bid to out-Getz Stan and had one of those, 'aren't you stupid' moments. Suddenly this morning got the 'squeaks', possibly inspired by his Lordship last night. Alastair having been let down by his builders sent me a rebuilt ex-display 8, rather than the 5 I'd ordered, I am more than happy with the deal, and enclosed an ESM mouthpiece suitable for a beginner.
History:-
Got so far with it and then, being a resident know-all, decided that the well recommended Yamaha 'piece was required. Came back from shop with a 6C, well it's only 75 thou, same as C+ and ex-brass, now flute playing hard nut lips like mine could cope. Worked okay for ten days and this morning, did the usual warm ups, then onto long tones, two octave scales and then the 'squeaks' and what little tone there was, waved a fond farewell. Dug out the ESM and using the same reed that had previously squeaked, the tone was better than any time previously.
Remedies:-
These occur to me:-
1) Get a teacher but can't really afford it as a pensioner.
2) Listen to others who know better. Leading to
3) Your suggestions and guidance please.
Bill.
postscript:-Any suggestions about 'loaning the horn in perpetuity', will reap great displeasure and pain

 

[Linky Lee]

Well as it's a new mouthpiece your embouchure is going to have to adapt. The problem is you're moving too fast, I think.

In the time you've been playing you won't of developed a strong embouchure, the flute uses completely different muscles I'm afraid.
This means changing now won't help.

Stick with your ESM for the time being and when you feel like you need a step up in reed strength crack out the new piece and give that a go, it will probably be ok to switch around then.

Every time I get a new mouthpiece it takes a few weeks for me to know If it's going to be 'the one' I'll know within a few hours if it's good or not but you really need to spend time with them and let your embouchure adjust itself over a period of time until you really know.

 

[Bobby G]

I agree with Linky. Even though the mpc is not a particularly massive opening, it's likely to take some getting used to and will initially tire your embouchure quite quickly. How good are your low notes on the same mouthpiece?

Anyway, it sounds like you got a good deal on the horn 🙂 Have fun Bill!

Cheers, Bob