Hey Donavan, I bought one about a year ago. I think it is a useful tool. When I don't have enough time to devote to a full practice, it's a nice substitute. I feel the concept is sound and need to give it a more regular use.
Cool, great video, very helpful... I've been doing just the mpc isometric and it's already helping after a couple of days. Maybe i'll get the device too, thanks!
Thank you for this video. I have heard of the compression trainer but have held off on buying because it seems on the surface to be somewhat gimmicky. I appreciate hearing from someone who takes a thoughtful approach to the trumpet (you) regarding their actual experience. It’s much better than a marketing quote from a famous player.
Compressing with the tongue AND THE CHEEKS is where I get the benefit. Actually fill the cheeks, then compress the air with the tongue AND CHEEKS. Filling the oral cavity with air in the beginning of the compression tends to build cheek muscles to hold the relaxed lips in place, not letting the lips smile. Danny Falcone shared an exercise I try to do at night before bed. 20 slow reps, then later 100 rapid reps, both without removing the mouthpiece. I can definitely tell if I take time off doing this ALMOST daily.
One thing Adam Rapa mentions in one of his videos is strengthening the chops AWAY FROM THE TEETH. The PETE allows you to pull the lip from the teeth and do some strengthening there. I use both. The PETE is cool for those long drives with little to do. The TCS is better when NOT driving. @@trumpetthoughts
It's a gimmick with dangerous potential. If someone doesn't use just mouth compression with this, they can cause themselves a stroke or aneurism. To truly work the embouchure, you have to have air passing through the lips, making them vibrate. In addition to working the muscles, the moving air is what builds that thick tissue cushion that a lot of people refer to as a callus. When it comes to gadgets, it all boils down to one thing: The only thing that helps trumpet playing is trumpet playing. All gadgets are gimmicks designed to make money. Larry came out with a product using other people's money because he didn't have a retirement pension and because people are so gullible and willing to throw their money at anything that they think might get them to play high notes without as much practice, they'll take the bait hook, line, and sinker. Jeez! And as far as the endorsements are concerned - that's just a case of, "yeah, OK, I'll be a good solid citizen, just a good guy and say that you're product is great - I'll scratch your back and you'll scratch mine, one day I'll come out with a book and you'll endorse it."
Thank you for your review.. try using it slower especially on the downstroke. Using just the mouthpiece is not the same thing! That is a very effective isometric that I published in 2013. The ts is not isometric. It is isotonic. The variable backpressure of the meter allows the muscle fibers to move against the variable resistance
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I have it, I use it (especially during my holidays) and I love it. It's simple to use, and builds tremendous power in your muscles.
Couldn't agree more!
I bought one of these when it was still in crowd funding. I find it helps, particularly helping to strengthen the seal around the mouthpiece.
Agreed.
Hey Donavan, I bought one about a year ago. I think it is a useful tool. When I don't have enough time to devote to a full practice, it's a nice substitute. I feel the concept is sound and need to give it a more regular use.
I never really have enough time to practice enough every day. This gives you a chop workout on the days you can't put the time in.
Cool, great video, very helpful... I've been doing just the mpc isometric and it's already helping after a couple of days. Maybe i'll get the device too, thanks!
I've found it surprisingly useful.
Thank you for this video. I have heard of the compression trainer but have held off on buying because it seems on the surface to be somewhat gimmicky. I appreciate hearing from someone who takes a thoughtful approach to the trumpet (you) regarding their actual experience. It’s much better than a marketing quote from a famous player.
Glad it was helpful! I, too, was skeptical, but I'm finding it worthwhile.
Compressing with the tongue AND THE CHEEKS is where I get the benefit. Actually fill the cheeks, then compress the air with the tongue AND CHEEKS. Filling the oral cavity with air in the beginning of the compression tends to build cheek muscles to hold the relaxed lips in place, not letting the lips smile. Danny Falcone shared an exercise I try to do at night before bed. 20 slow reps, then later 100 rapid reps, both without removing the mouthpiece. I can definitely tell if I take time off doing this ALMOST daily.
Great comment! You're right - I feel the cheek compression moreso than the corners.
Thank you for a fair and balanced review.
My pleasure!
I'm intrigued--but isn't the hardware part of it just a pressure gauge and some tubing?
Yup.
No. This device uses TORR measurements.
How would you compare it to the PETE?
More useful than the PETE (and I own both). The CTS builds embouchure resistance, not just lip strength...
One thing Adam Rapa mentions in one of his videos is strengthening the chops AWAY FROM THE TEETH. The PETE allows you to pull the lip from the teeth and do some strengthening there. I use both. The PETE is cool for those long drives with little to do. The TCS is better when NOT driving. @@trumpetthoughts
It's a gimmick with dangerous potential. If someone doesn't use just mouth compression with this, they can cause themselves a stroke or aneurism. To truly work the embouchure, you have to have air passing through the lips, making them vibrate. In addition to working the muscles, the moving air is what builds that thick tissue cushion that a lot of people refer to as a callus. When it comes to gadgets, it all boils down to one thing: The only thing that helps trumpet playing is trumpet playing. All gadgets are gimmicks designed to make money. Larry came out with a product using other people's money because he didn't have a retirement pension and because people are so gullible and willing to throw their money at anything that they think might get them to play high notes without as much practice, they'll take the bait hook, line, and sinker. Jeez! And as far as the endorsements are concerned - that's just a case of, "yeah, OK, I'll be a good solid citizen, just a good guy and say that you're product is great - I'll scratch your back and you'll scratch mine, one day I'll come out with a book and you'll endorse it."
While I understand what you are saying, I disagree that all endorsees, especially myself, have such little integrity.
Wrong!
There is no way that using the cts would be sangerous or cause an aneurism . 😊
Thank you for your review.. try using it slower especially on the downstroke. Using just the mouthpiece is not the same thing! That is a very effective isometric that I published in 2013. The ts is not isometric. It is isotonic. The variable backpressure of the meter allows the muscle fibers to move against the variable resistance
Enjoyed your video very much and I am a first time visitor to your channel! Lots of smiles on my face throughout your initial synopsis Thanks 😁
Awesome! Thank you!