Characteristics you should learn to identify
There are predictable characteristics of a great match that can help you steer towards the best fit for your leadpipe.
Characteristics of the Ideal matching Group : The slurs feel similar going both upwards and downwards, and they feel smooth and predictable leaving the note and arriving at the next note. While moving the slide gracefully from position to position, you feel the same sensations when you slur both directions.
The one to the right of the Ideal matching Group: The slurs pop quickly as you go up or down and there is a slight adjustment before you settle into the sustained note. When you move the slide, the partials change just a little too quickly and the notes don’t settle as easily into a comfortable pocket.
Two to the right of the Ideal matching Group: The slurs are the most unstable and touchy. The sustained notes don’t settle easily. The slide and the slurs aren’t easy to coordinate.
Three to the right of the Ideal matching Group: The slurs are a little slow to move through the partials and the sustained notes are slow to develop. Everything is a bit mushy. This is especially obvious when you move the slide. After the Ideal matching Mode, this is the second most comfortable.
Once you zero in on the leadpipe Group that works best for your leadpipe – you will notice this same leadpipe Group will be the best match for this leadpipe for each of the Hartman mouthpiece models that you may try!
Step #2:
Now let’s confirm that we’ve identified the correct Group through this tonguing exercise.
Go back and play the first four mouthpieces again playing these tonguing patterns. The mouthpiece that is best for these patterns should be the same as for the slurring patterns.
(click here to open it in another tab – it will be larger)
Characteristics to pay attention to regarding tonguing
Characteristics of the Ideal matching Group : The tongued articulations respond quickly and settle into the body of the note without being twisted into place. Transitions between notes are easy and predictable. Tonguing coordinates easily with slurring between the partials.
The one to the right of the Ideal matching Group: The articulations pop a little too quickly and there is a slight adjustment before you settle into the sustained note. When you move the slide, the partials change just a little too quickly and the notes pop just a bit too much.
Two to the right of the Ideal matching Group: Articulations are the most unstable and touchy. It’s hard to tongue and the sustained notes don’t settle easily. The slide and the tonguing aren’t easy to coordinate.
Three to the right of the Ideal matching Group: Articulations are a little slow to respond and the sustained notes are slow to develop. Everything is a bit mushy. This is especially obvious when you move the slide. In spite of the sluggishness, after the Ideal matching Group, this is the second most comfortable.
If your assessment indicate a different Group than the slurring tests, something is up! You may want to do these two tasks again...But, if you can't find a clear winner, the next task should do the trick! OK, let's move forward.