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Pbone and playing in tune
Posted: Fri Dec 15, 2017 3:42 pm
by ttf_HeyPauly
I seem to find it nearly impossible to play in tune on my Pbone. I'm wondering is it me that is just terrible or do I chalk it up to the horn. I'm planning on getting a brass horn but I'm not sure if I should bother.
Pbone and playing in tune
Posted: Fri Dec 15, 2017 4:22 pm
by ttf_watermailonman
Quote from: HeyPauly on Dec 15, 2017, 03:42PMI seem to find it nearly impossible to play in tune on my Pbone. I'm wondering is it me that is just terrible or do I chalk it up to the horn. I'm planning on getting a brass horn but I'm not sure if I should bother.
Well...
How long have you been playing? It takes time to learn the positions and it takes time to develope the embouchure.
It is the player who plays an instrument in tune because all instruments are different and the harmonics line up differently. I have a PBone and it is not more out of tune than other horns. It is probably you and not the horn. Have you got a teacher? Let him try the horn. Play scales and long tones. Get a cd with easy tunes and play a long. Don't give up.
/Tom
Pbone and playing in tune
Posted: Fri Dec 15, 2017 4:25 pm
by ttf_BGuttman
Are you trying to play with the plastic mouthpiece that came with it? Reports have been that it's pretty crummy. See if it gets better playing with a brass mouthpiece (or even a decent plastic like a Kelly).
Pbone and playing in tune
Posted: Fri Dec 15, 2017 4:31 pm
by ttf_HeyPauly
I have been using a Faxx 12C mouthpiece with it.
Pbone and playing in tune
Posted: Fri Dec 15, 2017 4:34 pm
by ttf_HeyPauly
Quote from: watermailonman on Dec 15, 2017, 04:22PMWell...
How long have you been playing? It takes time to learn the positions and it takes time to develope the embouchure.
It is the player who plays an instrument in tune because all instruments are different and the harmonics line up differently. I have a PBone and it is not more out of tune than other horns. It is probably you and not the horn. Have you got a teacher? Let him try the horn. Play scales and long tones. Get a cd with easy tunes and play a long. Don't give up.
/Tom
I've been playing on and off for a few years. Thanks for the tips, I will try them out.
Pbone and playing in tune
Posted: Fri Dec 15, 2017 4:54 pm
by ttf_timothy42b
Do you play out of tune, or just think you do?
You have to test it by recording a rehearsal.
I recorded myself recently playing the alto pBone, and while I was clumsy and played some wrong notes (forgetting what position I wanted) the recording showed I played in tune. Actually I think there's a snip of it here somewhere.
The pBone does give you less feedback off the bell. Maybe you're not hearing yourself as well as you're used to.
The alto is a bit squirrelly, upper octaves are a bit flat and have to be adjusted or you can use alternates. The tenor is pretty close to how a brass one plays.
Pbone and playing in tune
Posted: Fri Dec 15, 2017 10:13 pm
by ttf_harrison.t.reed
pBones do go flat in the upper register.
Pbone and playing in tune
Posted: Sat Dec 16, 2017 12:40 am
by ttf_watermailonman
Quote from: harrison.t.reed on Dec 15, 2017, 10:13PMpBones do go flat in the upper register.
Not my PBone and I'm using the original mouthpiece.
/Tom
Pbone and playing in tune
Posted: Sat Dec 16, 2017 2:03 am
by ttf_svenlarsson
Quote from: watermailonman on Dec 16, 2017, 12:40AMNot my PBone and I'm using the original mouthpiece.
/Tom
The same for me. I use the original mpc, not flatt in the high range. If u put a to large mpc in any horn you will be flatt in the high range. Of course you can get used to that and compensate.
Pbone and playing in tune
Posted: Sat Dec 16, 2017 6:15 am
by ttf_timothy42b
Hmm. Maybe I should try the original mini pBone mouthpiece then.
Pbone and playing in tune
Posted: Sat Dec 16, 2017 12:33 pm
by ttf_davdud101
Quote from: timothy42b on Dec 16, 2017, 06:15AMHmm. Maybe I should try the original mini pBone mouthpiece then.
I found that to be an interestingly designed piece. Terrible for actual playing, but the overall shape and design is cool
Pbone and playing in tune
Posted: Sat Dec 16, 2017 4:23 pm
by ttf_timothy42b
I tried it tonight.
It greatly reduces the flatness in the upper register. It's almost in tune.
It's a little small for me though.
Pbone and playing in tune
Posted: Sun Dec 17, 2017 8:08 am
by ttf_svenlarsson
Quote from: timothy42b on Dec 16, 2017, 06:15AMHmm. Maybe I should try the original mini pBone mouthpiece then.
Aha you are talking about a PBone in Eb? I have not tried those. I was talking about the regular PBone in Bb.
An alto trombone is difficult to play in tune when you havent practised enough yet.
The Bb PBones could be different from exemplar to exemplar. The ones I tried , maybe 5 or 6 did all play in tune. With the original mpc.
Pbone and playing in tune
Posted: Tue Dec 19, 2017 5:28 pm
by ttf_VVJOFan
Tuning has never been an issue for me with the stock mouthpiece or a metal one.
The issue with my particular instrument is that the slide has always been horrible. Like major muscle groups required to move it most of the time.
If I get it really clean and very dry it almost feel free but still will not move without my hand pushing it around.
Is this normal? What do you other pBone users do to get the slide moving?
Wayne
Pbone and playing in tune
Posted: Tue Dec 19, 2017 6:46 pm
by ttf_watermailonman
Quote from: VJOFan on Dec 19, 2017, 05:28PMTuning has never been an issue for me with the stock mouthpiece or a metal one.
The issue with my particular instrument is that the slide has always been horrible. Like major muscle groups required to move it most of the time.
If I get it really clean and very dry it almost feel free but still will not move without my hand pushing it around.
Is this normal? What do you other pBone users do to get the slide moving?
Wayne
I play dry. It is not as good as a regular slide but works allright.
/Tom
Pbone and playing in tune
Posted: Tue Dec 19, 2017 7:33 pm
by ttf_BGuttman
Quote from: VJOFan on Dec 19, 2017, 05:28PMTuning has never been an issue for me with the stock mouthpiece or a metal one.
The issue with my particular instrument is that the slide has always been horrible. Like major muscle groups required to move it most of the time.
If I get it really clean and very dry it almost feel free but still will not move without my hand pushing it around.
Is this normal? What do you other pBone users do to get the slide moving?
Wayne
Did you polish the brass stockings and make sure there are no lifted edges?
Pbone and playing in tune
Posted: Wed Dec 20, 2017 5:34 am
by ttf_timothy42b
Quote from: BGuttman on Dec 19, 2017, 07:33PMDid you polish the brass stockings and make sure there are no lifted edges?
That brass corrodes quickly and then the slide drags.
You need to use car paste wax on the slide, and keep it really dry, wipe and swab it after every use.
I got my tenor working very well that way. The mini was not quite so successful. I play for a little bit and then it feels like it gets suction in there.
Pbone and playing in tune
Posted: Wed Dec 20, 2017 5:34 am
by ttf_timothy42b
Quote from: BGuttman on Dec 19, 2017, 07:33PMDid you polish the brass stockings and make sure there are no lifted edges?
That brass corrodes quickly and then the slide drags.
You need to use car paste wax on the slide, and keep it really dry, wipe and swab it after every use.
I got my tenor working very well that way. The mini was not quite so successful. I play for a little bit and then it feels like it gets suction in there.