Frequently Asked Questions

High Gear Low Gear Stack 7 up to F Over Double High 7: Using the Harrison Wedge 7FC-SST-25

I discuss some ideas about how to set the chops up for extreme upper register playing. I comment on Walt Johnson’s book, Jim Manley’s approach and Jerry Callet’s book.

Trying Out the Harrison Wedge for a Cornet Mouthpiece

Upon discovering the Wedge mouthpieces, I settled on a 1.5 A with a Warburton 9 cornet BB. This is my final choice for a cornet rig. The video clip below outlines my process of choosing this mouthpiece for my cornet.

This video is about 5:45 long.

More on the Hi-Gear Embouchure

I have been getting a variety of questions about how to either implement or develop this technique. As I work on it myself, I will post answers to these questions as soon as I feel I can address them.

The following clip is about 6:14 long.

Playing Low Notes on an Asymmetric Mouthpiece:

I have had quite a few inquiries about how to achieve the low register on the asymmetric mouthpiece. I have a clip on using this mouthpiece posted above, but I only very briefly address the lower register. On this clip I specifically address the low notes. There is one miss-statement on my part: I say that by lowering my jaw I am allowing the lower lip to flop around more. I meant to say the upper lip. However, as these clips are prepared extemporaneously, I felt I addressed the question the way I wanted it to.

This clip is about 4:24 long.

Fascination: Bottoming Out In Shallow Mouthpieces

In this clip I open with the Lennie Niehaus arrangement of Fascination for his duet book written for Bud Brisbois,”Trumpets Today.” Then I launch into a discussion about bottoming out in shallow mouthpieces. This has been a recurring question that I have been receiving via emails.

This clip is about 9:30 long.

How To Make A PVC Natural Trumpet

This is pretty clearly explained. I forgot to mention that the “bell” is a simple kitchen funnel.

This clip is about 6:30 long.