Getting rid of it!

[MTGuru]

I notice(d) that I am more prone to breath vibrato when I am running out of air. I am not sure why this is or whether I am typical in this. Planning and practising breathing places may have help a bit.

Interesting. And a fairly natural reflex, I think. Diaphragm-driven breath vibrato can make it seem like you've got more air, because it forces you to use more conscious diaphragm control and "pump out" the breath you have left. But good breath control lets you do that without vibrato. And, as you imply, if you get to that point where you're literally running out of air, you've probably misjudged your breathing. Keeping around 25% to 33% of your lung capacity in reserve before taking a breath is a good rule of thumb.

[DrPhill]

Keeping around 25% to 33% of your lung capacity in reserve before taking a breath is a good rule of thumb.

Hmmmmm,
your thumb is more accurately calibrated than mine I am happy if I have enough to finish the phrase at the pace/place I had intended.

[Lancelot]

ah, it's a gentler kinder world now, innit!

Either that or there are a lot more lawyers available to sue knuckle-smashers.

[benhall.1]

I notice(d) that I am more prone to breath vibrato when I am running out of air. I am not sure why this is or whether I am typical in this. Planning and practising breathing places may have help a bit.

Interesting. And a fairly natural reflex, I think. Diaphragm-driven breath vibrato can make it seem like you've got more air, because it forces you to use more conscious diaphragm control and "pump out" the breath you have left. But good breath control lets you do that without vibrato. And, as you imply, if you get to that point where you're literally running out of air, you've probably misjudged your breathing. Keeping around 25% to 33% of your lung capacity in reserve before taking a breath is a good rule of thumb.

That is almost exactly what I tried to post earlier today. Internet ate my post.

Still, doesn't matter - you've got it now.

[MTGuru]

That is almost exactly what I tried to post earlier today. Internet ate my post.

Oh sure, as if we're going to believe that now. Might as well blame it on the dog.

[Aanvil]

heh, that wasn't me was it?

Seem like I remember something like that.

I got rid of it and now I've decided that, after hearing everyone and their brother including all the old timer recordings there isn't such a hard and fast rule.

Generally though you don't hear it much at all and it of course depends on a player individual and regional style but I don't think it's so wrong to sneak in a little like say on a long D where you can't use a finger vib. Nothing written you need to throw in a hard honk on ever single time. Mix it up.

That being said.

Don't do it.

When you don't then you can.

[Nanohedron]

Don't do it.

When you don't then you can.

So long as your vibrato doesn't sound like Édith Piaf's. I beg you.

[Magickdancer]

I guess I'm a little confused as to why vibrato is a bad thing in playing. I find it a nice change when hearing a long note, as long as the vibrato doesn't sound like someone is riding on railroad tracks. Joanie Madden uses vibrato to very nice effect (in my opinion), as well as other whistle players such as Tony Hinnigan. Whether it's done with breath or fingers, I don't know, but it sounds nice to me. : )

Kristen

[MTGuru]

heh, that wasn't me was it?

Seem like I remember something like that.

Hey, if the flute fits ...

Note to others: Teasing friends who are great musicians, who are bigger than you, and who have extensive martial arts skillz is not necessarily a good idea.

So long as your vibrato doesn't sound like Édith Piaf's. I beg you.

Uh-oh ... Aanvil and Piaf in the same thought ... I feel a head explosion coming on.

[R Small]

Avoid an Acker Bilk (Stranger on the Shore) type vibrato too.

[Aanvil]

Don't do it.

When you don't then you can.

So long as your vibrato doesn't sound like Édith Piaf's. I beg you.

What about on The Little Sparrow Reel?

[Denny]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fw07CDid0JM

[highwood]

@Kristen - Joannie Madden uses finger vibrato - sounds different and is 'traditional' in ITM - she also cautions to make sure it doesn't sound like a 'space ship' (or words to that effect).

A few respected ITM players use a little breath vibrato at times - emphasis on a little and many use electronic reverb which certainly is not traditional.

IMO to properly master vibrato you should be able to turn it off at will, have the taste to not over do it
and to simply not use it at times.

[Aanvil]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fw07CDid0JM

Damn you Denny!!!

I was blissfully unaware of this.

Now you've just scarred my inner child.

I hope you are proud of yourself.

[Denny]

oh, you know it!!!