Here is my vote for the best new product at the ITG. It is called the Buzz Clip. It is a device that fits between the mouthpiece and receiver, forming a gap. When you play the horn it forces you to concentrate on finding the center of the tone and on the air stream. I found it especially usefull when used in my hotel room with a practice mute. It makes the horn feel more open and is still quiet. Great for centering the tone, and much better than using the practice mute alone.

I know this is going to become an important part of my routine.

Check out Home At $13.95 it is a no brainer to get one of these things.

Cheers,
Dave

Hi Dr. Dave,
I finally have some time to figure out how to navigate this site, so now I would like to say thank you very much for your kind words. A review such as this carries a lot of weight from someone with in depth knowledge of trumpet workings such as you do.

Buzz Clip Guy

Interesting concept. Since the mouthpiece sits a bit out from the instrument, do you still get reactions from pressing the valves?

What is it made of?

Sure - you can play the trumpet as regular, but since the metal of the mouthpiece isn't touching the metal of the receiver, you get a half buzz / half trumpet sound. Essentially I forces a player to focus on fundamental production while playing which translates into greater efficiency habits while playing. Another benefit is since there is a small gap, if you have to play with a practice mute, the excess back pressure that is typical with these mutes escapes through the gap. It is made from polypropylene plastic. This flexible material also absorbs some vibration and also makes it tough to damage from the sitting, walking on it, etc. which inevitably happens. Thanks for your inquiry.

Buzz Clip Guy

I was quite upset when I got back from the ITG and thought I had lost my Buzz Clip. Fortunately I found it again and have been using it regularly.

Our orchestra season is over and my summer project is to concentrate on basics - especially on technique, scales, etc. I have been quite surprised at how using the Buzz Clip, which forces me to zero in on the center of the tone, has actually helped my articulation. I think that by making sure I hit the center of the note my attacks with multiple tonguing are cleaner. This was an unexpected benefit.

I agree that using the Buzz Clip with a practice mute is 200% better than the practice mute alone.

Cheers,
Dave

For all who are practicing articulations, try this exercise too. A teacher of mine showed this to me years ago and has helped me greatly. Now that I apply it with the Buzz Clip, I have noticed extra benefit.

1. Set a metronome at 60.
2. Play an mp-p middle C staccato 8th.
3. Remove the trumpet from the lips and wait 3 beats.
4. Re-apply the trumpet to the lips.
5. Breathe on the last 8th rest before you play
6. Play a mp-p B staccato 8th.
7. Repeat the remove, wait, re-apply, breathe parts
8. Play a C#, etc.
9. Expand in half steps in both directions

This exercise assists with articulation, accuracy and clear centering. The quick breathing before you play assists in air use, and embouchure set-up familiarity. Combining elements like these provide another alternative to practicing and can either become part of a regular practice day, or just the occasional check-up depending on individual players' needs (and patience).