Re: Tone

["Scorcher" <scorcher@xxxxxxx>]

Eric asks:
> Hi.  Lately I've managed to create a really nice blusey tone on all of my
> draw notes by, I believe, flailing my asophogus.(sp?)  I've been trying to
> find a way to recreate such a tone on my blow notes, but I have so far
been
> unable to.  I tried to make the R tounge flutter sound but I found that I
> can't even do that correctly.  So, any tips for improving the sound of
blow
> notes?

Eric,
Though I'm by no means an expert, I'll take a crack at it.

"Blues-tone" on blow notes is a combination of open embouchure,
diaphragmatic breathing, and vibrato, IMO.

Open your throat & jaw more - you'll hear the fullness of the note swell a
bit.
Your tremolo comes more from a bit deeper in your throat and your diaphragm.
Try saying "HUH!" as deeply in your chest as you can. Now try to get that
sound.

As far as tone generally (not specifically "blow" notes):

One other thing that's helpful is to use your hands as much as possible to
help shape the notes. In fact, many players (myself included) feel that hand
resonance is almost as important as embouchure to good tone.

Check the archives for "Hand Resonance" - should be some interesting
threads.

A lot of players like the Turbolid www.turbolid.com (no affiliation) to help
seal around the mouthpiece and get as much sound as possible out the back.
Helps seal your hands around the harp, too.

Also check out the turbolids website under "research" for some FASCINATING
videos related to embouchure & tone that Dr. Antaki (AKA "Turbodog") has
posted there.

If you don't cotton to the idea of a turbolid, and you have fairly large
hands, take a look at this pic http://tinyurl.com/3bfm2 to see how Phil
Wiggins (who has INCREDIBLE acoustic tone) seals his hands around his face
to help shape his sound.
 Hope this is helpful.
- -Scorcher