The Oboe BBoard

The Oboe BBoard The C4 standard

New Topic | Go to Top | Go to Topic | Search | Help/Rules | Smileys/Notes | Log In

Re: Lower Lip, upper Lip

Author: d-oboe
Date: 2006-10-04 02:07

You'd have to be clear about what it means to "play upper or lower lip."

I think that because of the angle the oboe is held (downwards) it only makes sense to play with the top lip more forward. Otherwise, the bottom jaw will interfere with the sound. I don't think it would be a big difference though.

Consider also, that each person's physiology is different and might not look exactly like elaine douvas' embouchure when she plays. From pictures that I've seen, Elaine douvas has pretty thin lips, so when she plays, it might look like she has really tucked that bottom lip under, when in reality it's probably just neutral. My teacher at McGill has a fleshy low lip, so when he plays it looks like his lips are just even. Go figure.

I always like to advocate doing away with all the upper/lower discussion and just play on as little reed as possible. To play this way, you have to be playing essentially "lips only" - by then it won't matter which lip is forward and which is under, because no teeth (or lip-covered teeth) will be involved. The only downside to this playing is that you have to be able to adjust your reeds so that they have a smooth, pure crow - you won't be able to bite or muffle a chirpy reed playing this way.

Reply To Message | Avail. Forums | Flat View

Newer Topic | Older Topic

Topics