Some players have difficulty figuring out how to position the Wedge when they see it for the first time.
This is because it is completely different from anything they have experienced before.
How is the Wedge Oriented?
- The Wedge is always played with the sloping shoulders at the sides as shown, never top and bottom.
- This orients the long axis of the slightly oval shaped cup up and down, not sideways like other oval mouthpieces.
- We place a small indentation on the outer aspect of one or both rims in order to help with orientation.
- The dot is positioned top and bottom as shown in the photograph, never side to side.
What do I have to do to adjust to the Wedge?
- It takes very little time to get used to the Wedge.
- Most players do not have to make any adjustment to their approach.
- If you are having difficulty adjusting the trick is to get the feel for the more centrally focused embouchure and go with it.
- Think “pucker” and “gripping” the sides of the mouthpiece with your chops.
- This seems to encourage a more focused, central set up with the mouthpiece.
How Does it Feel?
- You may note a sensation that the corners are not supported, and may initially even notice some leak of air there.
- This indicates that you have been relying on your mouthpiece for corner support.
- The leak will go away as you get used to the mouthpiece and as it works on your chops over a few days to produce a more closed setup with lots of natural vertical compression.
- Performance will improve as a result.