re:clean pucker

[Tan Cheng Ann <BA2319140@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

From: hippo@xxxxxxxxxx (Hugh Messenger)

>>yes...but i found out that the true trick came when i rolled my tongue into
>>a U-shape (aided by pressing both sides of my mouth together). the shape
>>forms a channel for a narrow stream of air, that gave me a very clean single
>>note and nice tone.
>
>Although this may work, IMHO it is not such a good habit to get into.  It
>will limit the range of tone, how you can bend notes etc.

>   -- hugh

but i am *not* having any problem with bending and tone. 
on the contrary, the bend/tone sounds better (clearer and fuller).
i don't really roll my tongue much. it's just that when i press my
mouth together on both sides to obtain a narrower stream of air,
the tongue would feel tensed on both the sides too. it feels like
rolling my tongue, and when i checked with the mirror, the center
of the tongue forms a slight groove/channel.
what do you pros do to get the clean pucker (beside from eating the
harp which i find impossible at this stage!)? can you explain to me 
what happens in the mouth and tongue?
For the time being, the technique that works and sound good 
is a good technique (IMHO). :-)    

:-| harping smiley!



-cheng ann