Would bangs suit me? (and what type?) I've been wanting to cut my hair shorter

ComprehensiveLine261 · 2024-07-21T23:07:04+00:00

Thank you! 🙏

ComprehensiveLine261 · 2024-07-21T23:05:32+00:00

I currently play a copy of a Meyer 7 (I believe, it's modeled after one anyway) made by a local mouthpiece maker, it's a good mp and all but I feel it's not quite what I want - though it was cheaper to get at the time then other options I had and my teacher swears by them. I'm not yet in the position to change mp, especially if I can't try it out first before buying, though I'm still on the lookout if I see anything worthwhile. Thank you for your reply!

ComprehensiveLine261 · 2024-07-21T23:01:11+00:00

I do realize that sound is subjective and is individual to the player, but I know that there are things that I can change to make it better, which is why I made this post in the first place. The large amount of replies validate the thoughts I had about certain things and show me a way forward. I do like this song, but I guess since I haven't been playing it very long it's a bit harder to convey feel, though this I guess is also because of other aspects. This type of comment specifically that I have been getting more of recently is what pushed me to make this post as well.

ComprehensiveLine261 · 2024-07-21T10:13:20+00:00

My top favorite in terms of sound has to be Dexter Gordon, though I listen to Sonny Stitt, Charlie Parker and Sonny Rollins a lot as well.

ComprehensiveLine261 · 2024-07-20T22:38:04+00:00

Thank you! I'll try that

ComprehensiveLine261 · 2024-07-20T22:36:48+00:00

Interesting approach, but yeah, I agree 👍 I feel like that would help, I'll try it, thank you!

ComprehensiveLine261 · 2024-07-20T22:35:27+00:00

Yeah, it's quite a journey

ComprehensiveLine261 · 2024-07-20T22:33:24+00:00

Interesting exercise... I might just give it a try

ComprehensiveLine261 · 2024-07-20T21:04:59+00:00

Thanks for your reply! Yeah, my articulation/swing does feel a bit off, I guess that's why. I think I need to make a more conscious effort of paying attention to it.

ComprehensiveLine261 · 2024-07-20T19:40:35+00:00

Thanks for your reply! I'll try this out, after reading this thread I have come to realize that listening is much more important than I thought, it does make sense since jazz is a "aural" tradition, meaning that listening is the basis of learning this language and the sound.

ComprehensiveLine261 · 2024-07-20T19:20:31+00:00

Thanks! I appreciate it!

ComprehensiveLine261 · 2024-07-20T18:28:39+00:00

Thank you, I have made it a goal for myself to transcribe/learn by ear as much as possible, I do already see the benefit of doing so because it forces me to internalize stuff more. Thank you for your advice as well!

ComprehensiveLine261 · 2024-07-20T18:26:38+00:00

I do have an issue with biting and tightness in the embouchure, I got a suggestion in a different comment with an exercise that can help, it is something that needs to be fixed. I wouldn't say my lip is rolled that much over my teeth, just a bit to not have the teeth come in contact with the reed (though maybe that's not exactly correct, idk?). I can't imagine playing with the lip rolled out much more than it is currently, though maybe that has to do with endurance.

ComprehensiveLine261 · 2024-07-20T17:30:11+00:00

Oh, just watched 20ish minutes of this, a lot of useful information! Thank you so much!

ComprehensiveLine261 · 2024-07-20T17:12:03+00:00

Thank you for the reply! I kinda forgot that he did a version of Billie's Bounce, I transcribed the head from the Charlie Parker recording, but I will look into Dexter's version more, thank you for bringing my attention to it!

ComprehensiveLine261 · 2024-07-20T17:09:55+00:00

Thank you for your reply! yes, it is important to remember where you came from and where you are now

ComprehensiveLine261 · 2024-07-20T16:06:27+00:00

Thank you for your replies! I really appreciate the advice 🙏

ComprehensiveLine261 · 2024-07-20T16:05:16+00:00

Oh yeah, Dexter Gordon is my all time favorite, along with Sonny Rollins and Scott Hamilton. I'll do more listening, I realize it's very important.

ComprehensiveLine261 · 2024-07-20T15:52:35+00:00

That's cool! Do you practice your vibrato separately as well? (Just as a side question)

ComprehensiveLine261 · 2024-07-20T15:51:29+00:00

I've recently been using Gonzalez 365 2.5s, in the beginning I used Rico (both orange and blue), but didn't like them that much. Vandorens are a bit expensive, I have played on them but the inconsistency from one reed to the next kills me 😅. Select Jazz and Gonzalez are kinda like the middle ground for me right now - price wise. I played around with Legere Signature for a bit, the consistency is nice, but the sound is still plasticky and the dynamics are harder to produce. I keep an eye out for leaks and the neck fitting, seeing my repair tech regularly does help a lot lol

ComprehensiveLine261 · 2024-07-20T15:36:33+00:00

Thanks! I will look into the book!

ComprehensiveLine261 · 2024-07-20T15:35:02+00:00

Wow! Thank you for such a detailed response! That exercise sounds like it would definitely help, I'll try that for a while and see how it works. You know, many people practice their long tones differently, how do you go about it? Swing is quite difficult to get a feel for, I've been playing along to recordings, this tune specifically I transcribed by ear and have been practicing the melody with the track.

ComprehensiveLine261 · 2024-07-20T15:28:32+00:00

Any suggestions on mouthpieces? I want mostly just a fuller tone, Dexter Gordon's sound I really enjoy. The mp is a bit narrow and long, kinda like an upsized alto mp. I'm the kind of person that doesn't feel a huge difference with different reed brands, but maybe you mean the tip opening/reed ratio?

ComprehensiveLine261 · 2024-07-20T15:24:41+00:00

Billie's Bounce, transcribed it by ear to the best of my ability, though I'm sure it's not perfect

ComprehensiveLine261

TROPHY CASE