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Old 05-02-2008, 12:30 PM   #12 (permalink)
Brekelefuw
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Re: the myth of "fast air"

Quote:
Originally Posted by rowuk View Post
I would say that any change in air "speed" would be neutralized by the resonant system. The only "speed" that changes is the speed of sound for the lips based on the pressure behind and in front of the lips. They vibrate (open and close) based on that pressure state.

Here is something to maybe help the visualization:
Play a low C as loud as you can - count the seconds. Then do the same thing 2 octaves higher. If your air is faster, you run out of air sooner, but it just ain't happening. You can hold the high C out MUCH longer!
In clinics, Bobby Shew explains that by saying you need a pint glass of slow air to play the lower stuff and a shot glass of really fast air for the high stuff. Less air, more speed, or more air, lower speed.
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