rowuk

Don't take the "fooled" part too seriously. It is just a question of what you hear vs what your audience hears. Because we cannot separate our eyes, ears, lips, lungs and brains, we have to accept the whole package as it is. I find it useful see the bigger picture.

Sometimes we work harder than necessary because certain aspects of playing or construction are not clear. I have spent a lot of time researching this stuff and see how misled the search for the holy grail can be!

If you learn to relax with a heavier, well braced horn, you work less hard than with a light instrument. More of the energy reaches those listening. If the lighter sound is your preference, go for it. You now know why!

The most efficient leadpipe (but not necessarily the best sounding) would be infinitely braced in my opinion so that it would not be free to radiate any energy from its outside surface.

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Whenever I feel blue, I start breathing again.