Experience with Marcus Reynolds' Stratos device?

[sf105]

I've recently been recommended (by a famous player) to Marcus Reynolds' Stratos device for improving embouchures.

Does anyone have any experience with it?

S

[Wilktone]

Yes.

Excessive mouthpiece pressure is symptom of something else. If you're having issues there, catch a lesson with a good teacher who can identify your embouchure type and help you work out how to play in a way that works with your anatomy.

The other claims that Reynolds makes on how it works involve "directing the air stream so it's blown straight down the shank" and "allowing blood flow to the lips." These are baloney.

If you're having trouble keeping your jaw forward (assuming that this is the correct way to play to fit your anatomy) it could maybe help you, but it's value here is simply a feedback tool to help you keep your jaw pushed forward. There are other ways to go about this that don't involve $100 plus shipping.

There is some give on the rod that presses against your chin, but it will interfere somewhat with how your "pivot" as you play. This is an important part of embouchure technique and when it's not working correctly could be the source of excessive pressure in the first place.

Put the money you would spend on the Stratus and take a lesson with Doug Elliott, it will be much more effective.

Longer review of the Stratus here.

Dave

[StephenK]

I'd ask if this famous player has used it and with what results. It's no magic cure for anything, and tricky to use imo.

[tbdana]

I think it's a gimmick that is worse than useless.

[MStarke]

I have seen this advertised repeatedly as well. I am also not too convinced and currently don't see myself trying it.
But I don't think it's necessary to totally discredit it.

There is very little real science and known facts on brass/trombone playing. Most of it is strong beliefs, best guesses, plausible explanation. Some of it believable with a relevant amount of actual empirical study, very little of that written down and/or publicly available. Very different approaches with generally similar degrees of success (lip buzz vs mouthpiece buzz vs no buzz??).

So I can totally imagine that this thing helps some people and thereby has its purpose. No matter if the inventor explains it correctly or not. And in the end it is also not more expensive than another mouthpiece or leadpipe.

[harrisonreed]

The MRI data that came out a few years ago is pretty "sciencey". You don't blow air "straight down the shank", except for very low notes. I'd be skeptical of a device that trains you to do that, because the airflow is entirely dependent on the jaw, tongue position, and aperture. AKA the embouchure.

So you train the embouchure to direct the airstream efficiently, and correctly. The only muscle you need to build is the ability to hold the embouchure in this range of air directions that you need. Sure, you can lose that muscle control if you stop practicing, but it's not something you need a device other than the trombone to train back up. And it's not like lifting weights.

It's a fine motor skill, not crossfit.

[Olofson]

I found this.

[sf105]

I'd ask if this famous player has used it and with what results. It's no magic cure for anything, and tricky to use imo.

They seemed very keen on it and tried it out with several students at the event. When I asked about the theory behind it, the answer was a bit vague -- hence my curiosity.

[Wilktone]

I've found Reynolds to be very accessible and he's more than willing to get back to inquiries. Personally, I also found that he didn't quite answer the question I was asking and his is very tireless on promoting his device, so you might also get the "hard sell" if you reach out. There is (or used to be, at least) a Facebook group he started called Brass Embouchure Advice. When I was a member of that group I found it to be almost exclusively devoted to the Stratus, so if you're curious you could join over there and learn more.

But his theories about it are on his web site and videos. As I mentioned here and in the longer review I posted, I don't think they stand up to scrutiny.

So I can totally imagine that this thing helps some people and thereby has its purpose. No matter if the inventor explains it correctly or not. And in the end it is also not more expensive than another mouthpiece or leadpipe.

Sure, I also can think of some limited situations where I think it might be helpful. The question is always whether the, not insignificant, cost is worth the fix. I think that there are not only ways to address those situations that don't involve any special equipment, but that they are ultimately more effective. If a student has a playing issue the cost of a new mouthpiece or lead pipe isn't justified, spend the money on lessons instead.

But that's my free advice, and you get what you pay for. If you're curious enough, reach out to Reynolds. He'll be more than happy to get back to you.

Dave