Posted by Chuck(G) (longish) on August 06, 2002 at 10:46:14:
In Reply to: Wet playing vs. Dry posted by Curious on August 06, 2002 at 10:32:52:
Philip Farkas in "The Art of Brass Playing" pp. 35-37 makes a very strong case for the wet-lip method. Basically, he says that the primary advantage of the dry setup is that the mouthpiece sticks in place and doesn't slip around once it's been set down.
The disadvantges he cites are that (1) the mouthpiece can't be maneuvered easily to a better position once it's been set down (2) using the dry-lip stickum to brace the lips for high notes is a crutch; should your lips become wet, you're out of luck (3) Your lips are eventually going to become wet through perspiration or other external influences, no matter what you do and you'll have to take time out to dry them (4) Dry-lip players seem to develop lesions or sores on their lips more frequently than do wet-lip players.
The advantages of wet-lip cited are (1) Accurate positioning of the mouthpiece is easier (2) Better development of the embouchure results without using the adhesion of the skin to the mouthpiece as an aid (3) Better lip health is maintained.