My wooden headjoint is my favorite because it gives me the feel that I want on Baroque music. However, this headjoint is very, very finnicky and requires me to be completely relaxed, especially my jaw and mouth. I never know whether I will be able to play the wooden headjoint from day to day -- some days I pick it up and it sounds wonderful, full and resonant and, most importantly, relaxed. Then the very next day I can struggle with it, actually being able to FEEL that my jaw is so tight and it seems that nothing I do will help. On those days I am very glad that I have my Sankyo headjoint that is much more forgiving.
Does anybody else have this problem? Any suggestions on how to handle and hopefully alleviate the problem? I've had this wooden headjoint for over a year now. When I am able to play it correctly, it sounds absolutely gorgeous -- and then there are the days when I want to cry. HELP!!
"Tight" Jaw problems
Moderators: Classitar, pied_piper, Phineas
-
MissyHPhoenix
- Posts: 368
- Joined: Fri Mar 14, 2008 5:19 pm
- Location: Hammond, LA, USA
"Tight" Jaw problems
Missy
Why Be Normal????
Why Be Normal????
Re: "Tight" Jaw problems
It might not be a problem with you but rather a difference caused by the design of your wooden headjoint's embouchure.
Many people thinks that it's an advantage to own a wooden headjoint that sounds just like a metal one. Makers are really capable of doing those super sounding wood headjoints. But what is the purpose of having it if there is no difference in sound if compared to metal ones?
So, based on what you described about your wood hj, seems to me that it sounds more like wood, it might be just adaptation problems. Those baroque and classical designs are famous by their high resistance. Just the opposite of the current metal hjs, that are in general so easy blowing.
By the way, I use to switch from too different metal headjoints. They are really different in design, and also sound differently. There are some days that I really prefer one of them (never the same...). But there are some days when any of the two are just perfect, even sounding so differently. My backup flute has a third hj that is also different from both the others... So you can imagine the mess when I wake up with my left foot...
Anyway, the way I manage this is just stopping and beginning from the start: long tones and patience. Let the time do its job. Nothing like the day after...
Many people thinks that it's an advantage to own a wooden headjoint that sounds just like a metal one. Makers are really capable of doing those super sounding wood headjoints. But what is the purpose of having it if there is no difference in sound if compared to metal ones?
So, based on what you described about your wood hj, seems to me that it sounds more like wood, it might be just adaptation problems. Those baroque and classical designs are famous by their high resistance. Just the opposite of the current metal hjs, that are in general so easy blowing.
By the way, I use to switch from too different metal headjoints. They are really different in design, and also sound differently. There are some days that I really prefer one of them (never the same...). But there are some days when any of the two are just perfect, even sounding so differently. My backup flute has a third hj that is also different from both the others... So you can imagine the mess when I wake up with my left foot...
Anyway, the way I manage this is just stopping and beginning from the start: long tones and patience. Let the time do its job. Nothing like the day after...
-
MissyHPhoenix
- Posts: 368
- Joined: Fri Mar 14, 2008 5:19 pm
- Location: Hammond, LA, USA
Re: "Tight" Jaw problems
Zevang, yes, my wooden headjoint does sound like a wooden flute, which is why I wanted it! 
I can't imagine why anyone would want a wooden HJ that sounds like a metal .... I mean, what would be the reason for it? Anyhoo, I feel very lucky because I have 2 very nice HJs that each give me a different sound and feel.
Thank you for telling me that you have problem days too. I was beginning to feel very stupid on my "off" days when that HJ just doesn't want to do what I want it to -- or when my jaw doesn't want to cooperate with the rest of my body, whatever way I want to think about it!
On the "good" days the HJ is so very fantastic that it gives me hope again. You wouldn't believe the resonance that I'm able to get it out of it on those days! It gives the Bach pieces a totally different feel from my other metal HJ. On the other hand, my Sankyo HJ is rich and powerful and very vibrant, and by no means do I feel that it is a less desirable sound. Like I said, I feel very lucky to have these 2 HJs!
If it is a matter of continuing to work with it, continuing to find out what is the best way to wiggle out the best results, then I can and will do that. I have never wanted to give up on it, just was frustrated with myself and what I thought of as a failure on my part.
One day I will figure it out and then I will have a good working relationship! As you suggested, I will slow down a little bit and work on basics again, and see where we go from there.
Thanks for the suggestions and encouragement!
I can't imagine why anyone would want a wooden HJ that sounds like a metal .... I mean, what would be the reason for it? Anyhoo, I feel very lucky because I have 2 very nice HJs that each give me a different sound and feel. Thank you for telling me that you have problem days too. I was beginning to feel very stupid on my "off" days when that HJ just doesn't want to do what I want it to -- or when my jaw doesn't want to cooperate with the rest of my body, whatever way I want to think about it!
On the "good" days the HJ is so very fantastic that it gives me hope again. You wouldn't believe the resonance that I'm able to get it out of it on those days! It gives the Bach pieces a totally different feel from my other metal HJ. On the other hand, my Sankyo HJ is rich and powerful and very vibrant, and by no means do I feel that it is a less desirable sound. Like I said, I feel very lucky to have these 2 HJs! If it is a matter of continuing to work with it, continuing to find out what is the best way to wiggle out the best results, then I can and will do that. I have never wanted to give up on it, just was frustrated with myself and what I thought of as a failure on my part.
One day I will figure it out and then I will have a good working relationship! As you suggested, I will slow down a little bit and work on basics again, and see where we go from there.Thanks for the suggestions and encouragement!
Missy
Why Be Normal????
Why Be Normal????
Re: "Tight" Jaw problems
I wonder if the wood could somehow be absorbing moisture.
Natural membrane covered pads allow a certain amount of
moisture to go through and that makes the pads swell up a
little to get to the right thickness to fill the gap between the
tone holes and the pad cups. If some of that was diverted into
the head, then you would not get proper sealing, and thus your
inability to play. That's a thought, and maybe someone else
knows more, and are able to nay-say it.
Natural membrane covered pads allow a certain amount of
moisture to go through and that makes the pads swell up a
little to get to the right thickness to fill the gap between the
tone holes and the pad cups. If some of that was diverted into
the head, then you would not get proper sealing, and thus your
inability to play. That's a thought, and maybe someone else
knows more, and are able to nay-say it.