I did a Google search this morning for "circle of breath" and Kehaulani's TrumpetBoard post regarding the "circle of breath" comes up 6th in the results. That's a good sign. By the way, ROWUK posted a reply to the "circle of breath" thread, which prompted my Google search. It's great to see him here.
When I started playing again (about 16 months ago after a 40 year hiatus) I spent time researching mouthpieces online looking for the “best” mouthpiece to start my comeback with. Lindermann’s post was one of many I read. I learned a lot about mouthpieces and came to the conclusion that mouthpiece choice was largely dependent on personal variables and goals.
My comeback mouthpiece safari led me to try a Yamaha 14B4, a Curry 3C., a Claude Gordon Personal (CGP) and a Conn 4, in that order. Size wise I don’t think any of these mouthpieces would be considered “specialized” equipment.
The 14B4 and the 3C. worked well for me (played each for serval months). The CGP produced a tone I liked, but it severely impacted my endurance, so after 2 weeks I decided not invest any more time on it. The very day (fate?) I decided to stop using the CGP I was organizing my garage and found the Conn 4, which was my first mouthpiece, and I decided to try it.
Playing the Conn 4 was like finding an old friend. It’s comfortable and easy to play. It also provides better endurance than the other mouthpieces, which is really important to me because of limited practice time. The only drawback is that I prefer the tone produced on the other 3 mouthpieces, but I’m willing to sacrifice a little on tone for the other benefits the Conn 4 provides, so I’m going to stick with it for the foreseeable future.
As a comeback player, I’m one the less experienced players here on TB and so far I really like what’s happening here. I like the friendly tone of the responses and comments. I think it will help attract the less experienced players, especially young students, and create word of mouth that, over time, will make this forum a success. Hopefully the nasty grumps from TH will stay away!
I haven't explored high-dollar trumpets either, but my 1947 Buescher 400 Model 225 seems to be the "one" for me right now. Love the way it plays and it's great looking trumpet.
@Dr-GO
I learned a lot from Rowuk as well. His "tough love" approach was very similar to the manager I learned the most from early in my business career. I hope he decides to join the forum.
My house has hurricane windows, so my neighbors can barely hear me. My first complaint when I started my comeback was from my dog, an 11-year old beagle. She howled at every note! Now, a year and a half later, she rarely howls. Either I improved or her hearing is going.
@Three-Sevens
Mike great to read your story. I packed up my horn in 1978, with every intention of playing again. I never thought it would take me 40 years to do so. I’m 62 and a few years away from retirement, but my kids are grown and now have some free time. I guess too much free time, a little over a year ago my wife told me I needed to get a hobby! So out came the trumpet. Since then I’ve been practicing on my own about 1 ½ hours almost every day. I’m playing in our local community band that has a great group of musicians (ages 12 to 90!). And two months ago I started taking lessons from a great trumpet teacher. I couldn’t be happier to be back on the trumpet!
Looking forward to being a part of this forum.
Jorge
Horn-U-Copia has a listing for a Knickerbocker Trumpet and describes it as a "Conn Stencil." From what I can see the engraving is different but otherwise they look like the same horn.
Born in Havana, Cuba, but moved to Miami, Florida when I was 3. Still in South Florida, currently living in Lake Worth.
I also wipe my valves and casings with a lint free paper towel or cloth before I oil them (read it on TM as well) and I agree it keeps the valves debris free. Well worth the effort.
@Dr-Mark
I really appreciate the help you've provided me. I will miss your posts. Good luck and I do hope you come back. Thank you!
I haven't explored high-dollar trumpets either, but my 1947 Buescher 400 Model 225 seems to be the "one" for me right now. Love the way it plays and it's great looking trumpet.
@Dr-Mark
Definitely helps! Great guideline for a short practice routine. One thing that stood out to me is bending notes. I have never used note bends as an exercise, but I will give them a try.
And I like that you have “fun lyrical stuff” as part of the routine. Adding a little fun to practice sounds great to me!
I really appreciate your thoughtful response! Thanks!
Great post. It raises questions I have about structuring practice time. As you stated, “the quality of practice is more important than the length of time it takes” and some of us don’t have three hours in a day to practice. So what’s the best way to structure your routine if you only have an hour a day to practice? Do you cut the time you spend on each objective and cover them all every day? Or split them up over two to three days so you can spend more time on each objective?
Kehaulani, Rich Colquhoun has a May 2019 post on Jerry Callet that provides a summary of Callet's method. He's posted a video of Callet teaching and provides a download of a Superchops book that Callet would give away at conferences. Here's the link:
I've never had my hands on an Aristocrat, but I have a 1947 Buescher 400 Model 225 and it's a great horn. Looks as good as it plays.
Born in Havana, Cuba, but moved to Miami, Florida when I was 3. Still in South Florida, currently living in Lake Worth.
@Kehaulani
I'm glad you mentioned the CG petal tones. I was wondering if I should do both. I'll keep both in my routine.
Using the BE lesson plans as a warm up sounds like the way to go. I'll give myself a decent amount of rest before moving on to the CG system. Thanks again Kehaulani!