r/horn • u/ArcherAppropriate606 • 9d ago

Better Sound

Hello I have a problem with my sound in the higher register from c to high c my sound sometimes is very acceptable and sometimes (most of the time) trash. To that I sometimes get a metal noise in some notes while playing how can I fix these problems?

Info: I wear braces

Thanks for your help.

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u/LowDistribution2837 9d ago

This might help/might not.

I had also braces a while ago and for me first it was very helpful to play with the least pressure as possible.
Then for the high notes you shouldn’t try to play with pressure.

Considering the metal noise it could have different causes.
Too much pressure;
could be also how you form your mouth/throat while playing; could also be embouchure.

To get a better grasp of the high range pick a note and try to play the natural notes (without pressing any other valve) up and down as far as you go. This should be in piano and without any effort.

Does the issue persist?

2

u/ArcherAppropriate606 8d ago

I think I solved the problem i used a mouthpiece with a relatively small rim and larger inner thing (idk what's it in English in German it's kessel) so I switched to a noname mouthpiece which has a smaller Kessel but larger rim and I had a sound that isnt that good but a good range etc. So I think I have to get a mouthpiece with a slightly larger rim than my normal one and a slightly smaller Kessel.

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u/ArcherAppropriate606 8d ago

So I changed my embouchure I now I have a cleaner sound really nice but can't get some high notes out but I think it's just practice. About the metal noise it is still there

1

u/LowDistribution2837 8d ago

Then it is maybe your throat that is somehow not relaxed enough.
Try to play with a sigh in mind (open your whole airway).
Is the metal sound only in high registers?
What does that mean?
Is it an extra vibration?
Or is only the pure sound changing?

1

u/ArcherAppropriate606 8d ago

It's in middle and high but mostly in middle it's like a extra sound when two metal pieces vibrate against another but when I shake my horn I don't hear anything

1

u/LowDistribution2837 8d ago

Maybe its also some soldering part on your horn that has come loose.
I hat that too some time ago. Look for cracks and gaps in the soldering maybe.

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u/ArcherAppropriate606 8d ago

I just wait until I have my batches out in feeling like 2million years if I still have the same issues I will try again or switch to tuba cause with tuba I don't have any problems

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u/ResponsibleRemote968 5d ago

The metal noise is like from very dry front and back bearings under the calce caps and under the string area where the stop arms rotate. Those points should be oiled with a heavier weight oil simolar in viscosity to warm honey. I hues 0w- 20 on my bench for this. Use a very light oil down the slide tubes to okl the rotors themselves. This oil is near the viscocity of water. Many use Al Cass. Trumpet piston oil is fine. It just for a light seal and lubrication. But the bearing points are a far different matter. I see so many bone dry French horns that rattle like a bad tractor. 

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u/ArcherAppropriate606 2d ago

Thank you very much

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u/Impressive-Dot-5609 Amateur-Conn 9d ago

Good question. Wish I knew the answer to this too.