[TPIN] Playing too sharp on a different horn.

[J Perales]

Playing too sharp on a different horn.

I have a question here for the trumpet pros of TPIN,
which I have great respect for and have always been
very insightful. Any help to shed some light on this
phenomena is very appreciated.

Yesterday I went to play a song in at my local
congregation and as I started playing the song which I
had rehearsed previously during the day, I was playing
amazingly very sharp. I stopped, consulted for a
second with the keyboard player, and tried again, but
it was way off tune. I remained amazingly calm and
relaxed but proceeded to play another song which
worked out just fine.

Later I discussed it with the keyboard player and he
mentioned that I was sharp about a whole 1/2 step off.
I was glad he mentioned it because it confirmed
something that I've been noticing for about a year
now.

I've been playing for more than a year with a large
bore horn which is excellent, and definitely a better
horn than my old one. The strange thing is that while
playing with accompaniment tracks that I've played
before certain songs are off tune (that's my playing).
One particular song I can't play because it's most of
the time too sharp and never in tune. 

Also when I play in different directions, or locations
(example: too close to a wall, playing over monitors,
or playing next to the drums), the sound I hear is
also off.

This is really distressing, and bad music. This never
happened before with my old horn. 
I've never played out of tune (sharp or flat), I say
this humbly.

The old horn has a medium large bore and has more
(resistance) than this one, and I'm still playing with
the same mouthpiece, which has always suited me fine.

My assesment: I'm beginning to suspect (tell me if I'm
wrong...) that because the old horn required more
effort to play over the years my facial muscles have
become used to tightening up and the habit is now
working against me with this new easier to play horn.
I'm overcompensating.

About 4 months ago there was a thread discussion about
Large Bore horns, and someone, (I think it was Mike
Vax perhaps or another major Pro), mentioned that they
just could not play a large bore horn. 
I'm wondering this goes for me also?

Your replies are greatly appreciated.
Thanks so much in advance.

Sincerely,
James P.