Manny Laureano

"When I tune to middle C and move up the scale I notice my intonation going flat. Is this the result of a weak embouchure?, lack of practice?, poor quality instrument or mouthpiece?, or is this normal ?

"What can be done to create stable intonation throughout the range of the instrument."

dear Jazz,

I don't know anything about the way you play but I'm going to assume that you play normally, have standard equipment, and posess a normal high register.

If I'm wrong about any of that, get busy and put good time in practicing the basics.

If I'm right, you're going to get the standard lecture about Monette mouthpieces and what they do to correct the usual intonation problems in the high register. On second thought, go to the Monette website and read up on the Consant Pitch Center aspect of his mouthpieces. It's the reason I play those mouthpieces and horns.

So, if it's in your budget reality, grab a Monette mouthpiece that is about the right size for you from a friend and try it. You'll see that it helps very nicely. If you can get a hold of a Prana, all the better. It really raises the high C to a good pitch that makes playing the horn fun.

ML