rowuk

There are many reasons why one specific note can be tough. A above high C (on a Bb trumpet) has a fundemental frequency of around 1568 Hz. That corresponds to a wavelength of about 8.5 inches.
The problem could be due to a resonant node in the trumpet with that length (or rather half of that length). It can also be a resonant node in you - between the diaphragm and mouthpiece somewhere or any combination of the above. It doesn't really make much difference. It is in the way, and your embouchure will not solve it. You build strength up there and overpower the physics!
I seem to remember the Holton MF Horns had the valves further back than many other models, supposedly to get one of the nodes "out of the valve cluster".
One of my students got sick yesterday, so I spent the time working on my high range. The Monette valves are pretty far back too and I did not notice any breaks between G and double D.
Don't get the wrong impression - those notes just "come out", they are not useable yet!

HinoteKU

hi all!

tony, it's interesting that you said that about greg - for ages i've felt that it was much easier to play high notes quietly than to play them loud. i may give greg's 'method' a go and see what come of it. i've always had a break on high Bb and B that i never can seem to get rid of - i've messed with different horns, mouthpieces, etc... no luck. also i remember back in the days playing something like laurie frink's "flexandos" up an octave, but very quietly, and i always felt great afterward.

greg pulled the lead chart on 'danca illusoria' and blew a couple of Bb's right out of the gate to check out his chops that night (the guy made 'em sound an octave lower btw, my god!) at any rate, it'll be an interesting method to pursue/peruse for a bit.

danny o

screamingmorris

On my ancient and broken Getzen 300 the High E and High G are also harder to play than the other notes.
I have been using a Denis Wick 4E mouthpiece with it.
Those notes are much easier when I use a Bach 300.

- morris

trumpetnick

Bach 300? What kind of beast is this?

screamingmorris

It's the trumpet used by famous musicians such as Itzhak Perlman, Benny Goodman, Bob Dylan, and Liberace.

Welcome to BachBrass.com

BergeronWannabe

Well, gotta tell ya it works! For about 3 weeks now I've been doing very soft scales (major, not chromatic) and holding out the top note remembering not to strain. Then I take a big breath and pick off the note and hold it again softly, then put some air behind it. F#-Ab come in nicely, but A and Bb don't slot. I jump straight to B. Oh well, keep practicing- remember relax! Efficient, not forced...it will come. Thanks Tony (and Greg!)
-Andrew