Equipment Question Archives

Question:

I am having problems with the pitch of my instrument. I play a Blessing ML-1. When my partner and I are perfectly tuned, it still seems as if the my trumpet is pitch higher up or sharp. To ensure that it wasn't me I played my partners trumpet and visa v. and the ML-1 was doing the same thing. I hear that the mouthpiece controls some of the pitch, when I insert my mouthpiece it is shaky as if the shank is too large. I also hear that because it is a heavy trumpet it is pitched wrong. PLEASE HELP! WHAT IS THE PROBLEM?

Answer:

Susan,

Your mpc should fit the trumpet. Take it to a good repair person and have them look at it. there may be nothing wrong with either your mpc or the trumpet, but it should fit.

You state, "When I and my partner are perfectly tuned it still seems as if the my trumpet is pitch higher up or sharp." This is not clear to me.

If you are in tune, you both play the same pitch otherwise; you are "out of tune." Therefore, I am not sure what the problem is.

It does not matter where your tuning slide is in relationship to other trumpet players. Just move it to where it needs to be to play several notes in tune, i.e. F, G, and B. I suspect you are tuning one not and think the entire horn is “in tune” with everyone else. As the song says, “It ain’t necessarily so.”

The horn is NOT build to play in tune on every note. Many of the first valve pitches and open pitches are off as well as low D and C#.

Start practicing with a tuner for a while. Blow easy pitches and check the tuner on each note.

Nevertheless, the best way is to work with a private teacher for a while. They can help you fix this quickly.

DW

Q: I'm a student from Hong Kong and I've been playing trumpet for around four years. I'm wondering if the choice of mouthpiece is related to the thickness of my lips or not. I'm currently using a Yamaha 7c mouthpiece, and I've found that the responsiveness is not quite good when playing lower registers and I can hardly play any notes higher than double high B flat. Shall I have another mouthpiece? Is it the problem with my horn(Yamaha 2335G)?Or it's just because my skill is not good enough? Could you give me some advice?

Thank you very much for your help!

A: Alan,

Your equipment is fine. You have been playing on a mpc and trumpet that many trumpet players begin with. Nevertheless, you have progressed over four years AND you have probably gotten bigger physically than when you started. Therefore, it may be time to consider moving to the next stage of equipment.

I suggest you talk with your private teacher. (You do have a private teacher, don’t you?) He / She would be the best judge for you right now. But moving to a 5C --- or even a 3c equivalent ---may be a idea to consider. You might also think about going to a professional level horn. The combination a better fitting mpc WITH a pro level horn cannot be overstated, if you are serious about music.

All the best
DW

Q: What can i clean or polish my trumpet with?

A: That’s a great question. Thanks for asking.

OUTSIDE:
If the horn is lacquered ( yellow brass with a clear coat) use soap and water, then towel dry.
If the horn is silver, be careful!! Only because repeated cleanings (polishing) can wear the silver plating thin and expose the brass underneath,
Use any silver polish your family might use on silver. this can be very messy, so take precautions.

Drying: Cloth Diapers are great as they do not leave lint. I use those red shop cloths used by car mechanics. you can get them at Wal-Mart etc.

INSIDE:
Here is a link for cleaning the inside of the trumpet. Very good info here

http://www.musichem.com/articles/trmp_car_for_students.htm

You didn't ask about the inside, but I promise this is much more important and often overlooked.

Hope this helps
DW

Q: Dear Prof. Bowman,

I am an advancing student, and I have a question that has been on my mind. When single tonguing, where exactly should the tongue strike the upper teeth? I am not sure that I am doing it the correct way.

Also, as a twelve year old, I am going of to Juilliard Pre-College in the fall and I would like to have your opinion on a few topics:

1. I heard from the teacher that I will study from at Juilliard that none of the trumpet parts in the Juilliard Pre-College Symphony Orchestra will be written out for Bb trumpet (the only type of trumpet I own). I know transposition is an important skill, but when is it time to actually consider buying a C,D,Eb, or piccolo trumpet

2. Right now I own a Getzen 720 s model intermediate horn. It plays well for the most part, but it seems heavy, so my playing doesn't sound as brilliant as it should be, particularly in a quick baroque work. I play every once and a while on my teacher's Stradivarius and boy does it sound nice! I am very serious about my playing, and I want to know when it is time to move a step up with my instrument. Also, I cart my trumpet to school every day for band, and it gets shaken up with all that transportation (primarily, the bumpy bus ride). I am not sure I want the trumpet I seriously use to be banged up so (which brought on the thought of buying a new trumpet). What is your advice on this slight dilemma?

I cannot thank you enough for your time!

Sincerely,

Jacob Paul

A: Dear Jacob,

Great questions! Let’s get started!

I have found that the best place to single tongue is not on the back of the upper teeth at all, but rather about a quarter inch behind where the teeth meet the gum. If you can flutter tongue, try it a few times and see where the tongue is striking. I believe you will find it is hitting at the point I just described. This is your body’s way of telling you that this is the most “Efficient” place to tongue. Efficient meaning you can tongue the fastest at that spot. And a good quick single tongue is what is needed to play most pieces. Experiment with the flutter, and let me know what you find out

Concerning various key trumpets. I would defer to your own teacher about the right time to buy the higher trumpets. I believe it is important to have a good grasp of the Bb trumpet before you even think about other horns. The next horn you would want to start playing would be the C trumpet. There is plenty of time for the high horns in late high school and college.

In answer to getting a new instrument, again, I would ask your teacher for recommendations about brands. I play Yamaha horns, and have found them to be excellent, but there are many great horns out there, and it’s a matter of personal preference. You mentioned that you didn’t want to buy a new trumpet and then have it get all banged up. For us trumpet players, buying a case that offers protection is very important! I would suggest you buy a case that has a strong outer shell, and plenty of foam padding inside to keep your horn from being jostled. There are several fine cases manufactures. Look for a case that has the characteristics I mentioned, and you will be set!

Congrats on your successes so far Jacob and best wishes with your future endeavors.

Q: I have recently taken up the trumpet as a secondary instrument. I have played the trombone a little over six years. I have had my trumpet for about a year, although I have not tried to seriously practice (not just play) it until the last month (when I decided to take a low band class next year with trumpet). I do not take lessons with the trumpet due to time and expense, but I do play on taking some over the summer. I can play second year band music on the trumpet fairly well, although whenever I start my practice the trumpet is painful against my lips. I use a large bass trombone sized mouthpiece and am wondering if a larger trumpet mouthpiece would make the transition between instruments easier. On trombone, I have a very good range with the ability to play D, two octaves above middle C with ease, but my trumpet range does not exceed much over E (tope line of the staff). I currently play on the same mouthpiece my trumpet came with, a 7C.

Thank You For Your Time.
Sincerely, Jennifer
Cleveland, OH

A: This is a quite common problem among people who try to play many instruments. It stems from the fact that different wind instruments utilize different muscles in the embouchure. The larger trombone mouthpiece you are currently playing on has strengthened certain muscles. The trumpet mouthpiece, being much smaller, is trying to call on other muscles that don't have the strength yet. While you might be a good enough musician to learn the fingerings and such, the muscle development is going to take time.

I confront this question a lot, and the phrase that really pops into my mind is "Jack of all trades, Master of none". Playing several instruments takes time away from the serious practice needed to master one. Pavarotti doesn't sing an aria, then pull out a violin and start playing, does he? To succeed at an instrument takes dedication and practice time. Don't let the lure of "learning lots of instruments" distract you from getting really good at one.

Q: Do you know the difference between the old Bach 3C's and the new ones? On a lot of the mouthpiece comparison chart's you will find one mouthpiece that compares to an old 3C and another that compares to a modern 3C.

A: As far as I have been able to find out, Bach has not changed the size or shape of their mouthpieces since Vincent Bach put his stamp of approval on them. A 3C from 1970 is the same size as a 3C you could buy today.

Q: I have played trumpet for as long as I can remember and I have a question with regard to the impact of the material on the sound of the instrument. I read in a German newspaper an article about a local manufacturer. He mentions that a brass instrument is practically "dead" after 10 years of use because the overtones disappear and the sound will become dull. On the other hand, there are soloists, especially cornet player, who use old instruments for their performances. Now, how does the sound of a trumpet change with the age? And can that go so far that this instrument can no longer be used for performing?

A: Thanks so much for your question. I honestly didn't know the answer myself, so I called up Cliff Blackburn, maker of Blackburn Trumpets, to help me out. There are three things that can happen as an instrument ages.

1) The brass goes through a process called "age hardening" that will make the horn sound different. But this takes many years to occur (decades!) A Mount Vernon trumpet doesn't sound the same today, as it did when it was first made.
2) As the instrument gets corroded inside, the high frequencies of the horn are lost. So as an instrument gets corroded, the sound will become warmer, and less bright.
3) But the single thing that has the greatest effect on an instrument's sound over time is the wear of the moving parts. As a trumpet gets worn, it develops leaks in the valves and slides, and this has a big impact on the sound. If the leaks become too serious, than the horn can become unplayable.

Hope that answers your question! Tell your friends about the Youth Site!

Q: I am a freshman at the Central Conservatory, China. I want to purchase a professional German or Austrian made rotary valve B-flat trumpet. Could you give me some advice on which brand to choose? Thank you very much.

-Simon Lee

A: It’s great to hear from you Simon. As I have mentioned in other answers, picking a horn is a very personal decision. You should solicit many opinions, and try as many horns as you can. Scherzer, Ganter, Yamaha, Bach, and Cerveny all make professional model rotary trumpets, and I am sure there are others I am forgetting, too. It is not fair to recommend any one particular brand in this column, because it does a disservice to the many fine brands available. Good Luck!

Q: I play trumpet as an amateur. Could you tell me what size Bach mouthpiece corresponds to the Jet-Tone 10-M model? Jet-Tones have a shallow cup that consumes little breath for me, but I am interested in a Bach.

Sincerely yours,
Stefanus Dewanto
Indonesia

Q: I am wondering whether or not to switch to a Monette or Bach Mega-Tone mouthpiece. I am a 3rd year student in 9th grade and would consider myself to be a good cornet player. I have played many challenging solos and made 11th chair all-region band in Texas. I play 1st parts most of the time and sit first chair. I was also wondering if I was ready to switch to one of these mouthpieces. I play a Bach 3C. Which mouthpiece should I use, and if Monette, what size?

A. As we addressed in a previous answer, mouthpiece choice is such a

a personal decision, you really need to seek the advice of a professional teacher. Choosing between a Bach or Monette is like choosing between Ford or Chevrolet. Each has its strengths, and each has its supporters. There are advantages and disadvantages to both. To advocate one type or another in this column would do a disservice to the many fine mouthpiece brands available currently.

Both mouthpieces you mentioned are quite substantial. They have added metal through the shank that their advocates claim enhances the focus of sound. With trumpet players, mouthpiece fades seem to move in cycles. Skinny mouthpieces with very little metal were once popular. The cycle moves back and forth periodically. Consult your local trumpet teacher for a recommendation about the one that is right for you!

Q. I have heard of a trumpet in Europe that is better or higher quality than a Bach Stradivarius, which I am told is the best American horn. Do you know anything about it? If so, what is it called? Where can I find it? About how much would it cost? Thanks for your time.

A. Looking through the most recent The Woodwind and The Brasswind catalog, there were around two dozen different trumpet manufacturers advertised, and there are probably that many more custom trumpet manufacturers around as well. There are several quality European trumpet manufactures. It’s really impossible to single out which one you might be referring too. Is the Bach Stradivarius the best American horn? Well that would depend on the player. The real question is, which is the best horn for you! Popularity should not necessarily determine your choice.

Ask yourself this. Would your favorite trumpet player sound as good if he were playing a different horn? The answer is: most likely yes. The choice of equipment is not nearly as important as developing your fundamental musicianship skills. It’s the last step in fine-tuning your own concept of what kind of sound you want. Professional trumpet players choose a horn based on their own concepts of what a good playing horn should have. Some prefer a heavier trumpet because they like the dark timbre and rich overtones they produce, others like a lighter horn because of the added response and brighter sound. It can be very confusing at times. The best way to pick out a horn is to try out a lot of different models and pick the one that aids you in your playing goals. Ask your teacher, friends, and local professionals for recommendations if you like, but don’t forget; choose the horn that’s best for you!

Q. I'm a tenth grade student, and this is my fourth year playing the trumpet. I am playing on a 7C, and I don't really feel like it's good enough for me anymore...but I don't know what I should go for. I tried a friend's, who is playing a 5B, and the rim seemed a little bit narrower, and it was easier for me to play high, but it felt strange. How do I choose which mouthpiece is best for me...doesn't it depend on the person? And also, how much will a mouthpiece that will satisfy my playing needs cost me?

A. You are exactly right! Mouthpiece selection does depend upon the person! As trumpet players, we want a mouthpiece that will be comfortable, and help produce the tone, range, endurance, and articulations we are looking for. Check the Ask the Teacher archives, too. Randy Grabowski gives a detailed account of the different parts of the mouthpiece and their functions, which would be good to refer to. There are a wide variety of shapes and sizes of mouthpiece available. I can tell you that, in general, I have my high school students playing on mouthpieces around 3C in size (or larger, depending upon the player). I am of the opinion that a player should play the largest mouthpiece they can comfortably handle, to aid in tone production. Mouthpiece selection is such a personal choice, it is difficult to make a specific recommendation. I suggest you consult your local professional trumpet teacher to assist you in the process. Good Luck!

Q: I am a trumpet learner from China, and have been playing for about six years. My uncle recently bought me a piccolo trumpet, and I have found that it is more difficult to play than the common B-flat trumpet. It will take the same mouthpiece that I use for my regular trumpet, but the sound is not very good. How can I make the instrument sound good, and what is the correct mouthpiece to use?

A: Most trumpeters (especially younger ones) find the piccolo trumpet quite challenging. Many people make the mistake of trying to play it in the same manner (similar intensity and volume of sound) as their regular b-flat instrument. You shouldn’t! It has roughly half the length of the conventional b-flat trumpet and isn’t designed to be played with force. Try and play it with a LIGHT sound, and don’t expect it to sound like your normal instrument.

The piccolo trumpet is essentially the highest voice of the brass family, but it should not necessarily be used just to facilitate high register playing. The small-bore size often contributes to a great deal of resistance, which causes the inexperienced player to utilize a more physical approach. This reduces airflow and often produces a bright, harsh sound as well as poor endurance.

As with most aspects of performance discussed in this column, the problem can be helped by proper airflow in addition to a lyrical, artistic approach to playing. Add the piccolo trumpet to your daily practice in a GRADUAL manner beginning with some easy, melodic tunes. Concentrate on sound quality as opposed to technique. DO NOT force the upper tessitura! A few minutes a day at first, once you are sufficiently warmed-up, will suffice. More time can slowly be added as the comfort level increases. Slow practice from Stamp’s “Warm-ups + Studies,” Davidson’s “Technical Studies,” or Clarke’s “Technical Studies” can be a nice place to start. Getchell’s “First Book of Practical Studies” followed by the piccolo trumpet methods of David Hickman and Gerald Webster are also helpful. Finally, the “Low Etudes for Trumpet” by Phil Snedecor are enjoyable and useful once the student has become adapted to the instrument.

It is important to develop an ideal for the piccolo trumpet sound early on in the process. Listen to a lot of recordings! Maurice Andre was the pioneer for the modern day piccolo trumpet in the mid-twentieth century, and many of his recordings are available. There are numerous trumpeters today, all of whom exhibit various methods of playing the instrument.

The issue of mouthpieces seems to be an ongoing quest for the trumpeter. Most people use a mouthpiece on the piccolo that is a little shallower than the one they play on their large b-flat trumpet. This seems to help playing in the high register without forcing the sound. While a large “b-flat” mouthpiece might produce a weak, tubby sound, one that is too shallow might cause the sound to be too bright and thin. A good compromise is often found somewhere in between the two. It would be especially helpful to seek the advice of a qualified teacher who can help monitor your progress and offer advice on the selection of equipment that would be best suited to you.

Q: I read a lot in the ITG Journal about how players often switch mouthpieces between performances. Can you explain the differences in mouthpieces and why it might be better to use a particular mouthpiece in one performance and another mouthpiece in a different performance?

A: The reasons trumpeters change mouthpieces from piece to piece (or for various performances) generally come down to aspects of personal comfort and ease in playing, as well as changes in tone quality and variations in timbre. For most accomplished trumpeters, a change in mouthpieces doesn't necessarily produce an expanded range as much as it allows for a more appropriate sound with less effort. For instance, a player might have the ability to play up to f'" with relative ease on a 1B mouthpiece. The resulting sound may be nice for certain situations; however, it would be inappropriate for lead playing in a "big band" setting. The player would most likely opt for equipment that would help produce a more appropriate sound with less effort. Another example might be the player who is performing pieces on a concert that call for the B-flat, E-flat, and piccolo trumpets. That player will undoubtedly find it necessary to use different mouthpieces on each instrument in order to achieve the desired positive results. A professional always endeavors to choose equipment that gets the job done with the best and most appropriate sound; one that allows for the most musical product with the least amount of work.

While mouthpiece designs fluctuate widely among manufacturers, the following outlines various generic mouthpiece characteristics and their effects on performance:

· Rim:

Narrow rim = greater flexibility; less endurance

Wide rim = greater endurance; less flexibility

· Bite (this is the inner edge of the rim):

Sharp bite = greater accuracy; less flexibility & endurance

Round bite = greater flexibility & endurance; less accuracy

· Cup Diameter:

Wide cup = low register easier; upper register more difficult

Narrow cup = upper register easier; lower register more difficult

· Cup Depth:

Deep cup = darker sound; lower register more responsive; upper register

flatter and more difficult

Shallow cup = brighter sound; upper register more responsive; lower

register less responsive

· Throat Shoulder or Edge (the section between the bottom of the cup and the throat):

Sharp throat shoulder = brighter sound (more upper partials are present) sometimes harsh and strident

Round throat shoulder = mellow, darker sounds

No throat shoulder = lack of presence and substance

· Throat:

Large throat = greater volume; less resistance; control more difficult

Small throat = softer sound; easier to control; less volume

· Backbore:

Opens quickly = greater volume; darker sound

Opens gradually = better controlled tone; more centered; less volume; brighter sound

Q: I am in the 10th grade and have been playing the trumpet for about 6 years. My instrument is old and I think that it is time to get a new one. What should I consider when shopping for one and where you would recommend I look?

A: When trying to decide whether or not you need a new instrument, it's probably best to ask yourself if your present one is holding you back. Just because you have an old trumpet doesn't mean that it's not good. While you might be able to decide by yourself, it would be more helpful to consult a qualified trumpet teacher in the area. This person can help you determine if your instrument is limiting your ability to improve. Some obvious things to check are whether or not the trumpet is relatively free blowing (not stuffy), if the intonation is good, whether the response is even in all registers, and if it allows you to achieve a rich, vibrant tone.

This same trumpet instructor should be able to tell you where it would be best to purchase a new instrument should you need one!. There might be a local music store that will give you a good bargain, but there are also discount stores that offer good deals. It is important to consider your own playing interests and how you will use the instrument. Also, if you plan to attend a particular university to major in music, it would be good to seek the advice of the trumpet professor at that school. Finally, try to get many trumpets so that you can play them for several days under normal conditions.

Q: I plan to buy my own student model trumpet (I've rented one up until now). What should I be looking for in an instrument?

A: You want to find an instrument that blows freely (not too much resistance), has a good scale (good intonation throughout), and produces a beautiful, singing sound. Check with your local music store to see what brands they carry (and how expensive they are), talk with your band director to see if any students are selling a good instrument, and discuss this with a competent trumpet player in your area. If you are serious about music as a career, it might be advantageous to purchase higher quality professional model. However, a good student instrument would be fine if you don't have plans to play much past high school.

It is always best to have three or four instruments from which to choose. Also, someone who knows your playing (private teacher or band director) should listen to you play the instruments. If this isn’t possible, have a capable trumpeter in your area play the instrument you choose to ensure that it is acceptable. Having a good instrument is important if you wish to excel!

Q: I have been playing trumpet for almost five years and am using a 3cmouthpiece. For some reason, I seem to be over-shooting certain high notes such as f" or a"; they always seem to come out as the next note up with that same fingering. What should I do?

A: It sounds like a combination of not hearing the notes well enough along with (perhaps!) too much muscle tension. While there are several easy exercises that can help correct this problem, perhaps the simplest would be to consider adding some mouthpiece buzzing to the practice routine. Buzz some easy tunes that are in a comfortable range, try some slow-moving arpeggios, and buzz through the passages that you seem to consistently miss. For better accuracy, utilize the piano by playing with one hand and holding the mouthpiece (while buzzing!) with the other. This improves your listening skills and gives you a better sense of where the notes are played. Provided you are already using an ample amount of air, your problem should easily be solved!

Q: I am a young trumpet student that has never spent as much time or energy on care and maintenance of my instrument as I would like. I am, however, considering buying a more expensive horn in the near future and realize that such an investment would require a lot of care on my part. I have never been told what methods of care for a trumpet is best and what specific steps I should take to ensure a long and healthy life for my horn. Do you have any suggestions? What do you do regularly to maintain your horn? What products would you recommend purchasing?

A: There are several things you can do to ensure that your instrument is always in good shape. Supplies for good maintenance can usually be found in a cleaning kit, and include a long, flexible brush, a short, stiff brush, slide grease, valve oil, and a cloth. These normally come with a new instrument, and replacements can easily be acquired at your local music store. The flexible wire with stiff bristles on either end ÷ what we call a "snake" ÷ is used to scour the insides of the trumpet. The short, tapered brush is used for cleaning the mouthpiece. For the slides you need slide grease or lanolin, which can be found in a pharmacy. The bottle of oil is for the valves. A soft cloth will keep the outside of the instrument looking bright and shiny.

Once every few months (maybe before the start of each semester), the trumpet should be taken completely apart and cleaned. Starting with the valves, take each part off and place carefully in slightly warm bath water. It's nice to use some mild dish detergent in the water. After allowing the trumpet to soak for a while, use the snake in all of the tubes (even in the valve ports). Dry the trumpet and each part with a soft towel (so it won't scratch), and add the grease or lanolin to each slide. The valves should go in last, taking care to line them up cautiously and drop them right in. Never turn them on the way down, as this will cause scratches (and possibly sticking)! A few drops of valve oil should be added before putting them in (thoroughly coat the valve), and can also be applied through the first and second slides. Also, it might be helpful to note that most valves have a number on the side (1, 2, or 3) that helps you to decide where it is placed.

A few other items include: 1) You might notice that the little caps at the bottom of the valve casings acquire quite a bit of dirty oil. Use a cotton ball or Q-tip to clean these. 2) Clean your mouthpiece often. A Q-tip will also work here. 3) Care of the outside is easy. Use a soft cloth or chamois and wipe it off before putting it away each time. For silver plated trumpets, one can use a mild silver polish to keep it looking like new.

In between major cleanings, it would be helpful to let a strong stream of warm water flow through the trumpet once every two weeks. This will help keep it clean and flush out those unwanted particles. Likewise, be sure to clean the mouthpiece on a weekly basis. Good oral hygiene is also a good idea! Brush your teeth after eating, and avoid playing the trumpet after drinking soda. Finally, swabbing out the lead pipe before putting the instrument away for the evening can help prevent unwanted pitting. A swab can be easily made by taking a two foot length of line, attaching a lead split shot (from fishing) at one end and a small swatch of cloth or chamois at the other. Regular care will keep your instrument in better shape and allow you to more thoroughly enjoy making music!

Q: I'm in the fifth grade and just started band. My grandmother loaned me an old trumpet, but the valves are sticking. We took the valves out to fix them, but I don't think we put them in the right way. Please help! We can't afford a new instrument, and I really want to play!

A: This problem is easy to fix. Each valve should have a number on the side of it that lets you know which one it is (1, 2, or 3). That way you can be sure to put the correct valve in the corresponding casing (1st, 2nd, & 3rd). Also, most valves have one or two guides on the side that match notches on the inside of the valve casing. Usually, there is a large and small guide that has a corresponding notch. Match the guides and notches, and carefully drop the valve into the casing. If you can turn the valve around you probably didn't do it right, so try again. [You might want to check out one of the previous questions that concerns caring for the trumpet] Once they are all in correctly you should be able to play beautifully. Happy practicing!

Q: I have been playing the trumpet for two years and am wondering if I should stick with my 7C mouthpiece or buy a new one. Any suggestions?

A: It would be best to work with an accomplished trumpet teacher in your area to adequately answer this question because it seems as if every trumpeter has a different opinion when it comes to mouthpieces. Often, young students will change to a larger mouthpiece as they mature and develop physically. Since this is different with everyone, it is difficult to pin down exactly when to change. If your lips feel constricted in the mouthpiece and your tone is rather stuffy, it could be a sign that it's time to change. To complicate matters, many trumpeters recommend that you play on the largest mouthpiece you can handle, while others feel that it is best to play the smallest mouthpiece that you can handle. Confusing? You bet! It is probably best to ask yourself whether or not things are happening in your playing that warrant a change. That's where it would be most helpful to talk with a professional who knows your playing and can give you an answer that will point you in the right direction.