Comments:

"A great tool for developing embouchure strength!"

Tim Morrison, International Soloist, former Principal Boston Pops

"A valuable teaching tool and the logical extension of the pedagogical principles advocated by Armando Ghitalla."

Marc Reese, Empire Brass

"Chop-Sticks™ has been a wonderful strengthening tool for me. I recently won the state level MTNA competition but struggled with my endurance throughout the entire program. I needed to improve this problem for the regional level to come next. I noticed right away that Chop-Sticks™ targeted the muscles needed to keep a solid embouchure and am very pleased with the results. This is a very good tool for double reed players."

Update: Lisa won the regionals in January and became a National Finalist.

Lisa Timm, DMA Bassoon

"I finished 2 hours with power and strength, hitting high C's regularly when I shouldn't be able to. I'm having more fun playing than ever. I have such strength!"

Tom Slothower - freelancer, trombone

"It has increased my strength dramatically...overall I give your product a high score, and I would recommend CHOP-STICKS™ to anyone that wants more strength and endurance."

J.M.- trombone

"Where I have found them to be of great benefit, is when I'm on holiday and I want to keep some semblance of an embouchure...I also find that the isometrics involved, using the weights helps point out which of the main muscles are used in the correct formation of an embouchure...I think the 10-week weight program that you've outlined is very thorough."

professional symphony player - trombone

"I've been using lip isometrics for quite a while, having picked up the concept from some lessons with Vince DiMartino at the Skidmore Jazz Institute. Quite recently, I've been using the 'pencil exercise' concept. When I learned of your CHOP-STICKS™, it sounded like a logical extension of the 'pencil' concept. I had already started to wonder about the pencil technique's limitations. After a couple days of use, I am very pleased with the concept and ease and comfort of use...the theory behind the concept makes total sense to me, and I also appreciated the information in the booklet (also, the case is so well designed, I think I'm going to order a couple of extras!) I believe I'm going to see some good results in the areas of endurance and intonation with continued use of this amazing tool."

Pat Wristen - jazz musician, trumpet

"Why use Chop-Sticks™ anyway? Your corners are the foundation of the embouchure. This is what gets tired first when doing the exercises. Many people have apparently found an increase in the high register, but I am also seeing a strength in the pedal tones. If one thinks of the corners of the mouth as the 2 anchor
points of a "string" (the lips), similar to the pegs and bridge of a string instrument, than the goal is to allow the lips ("string") in between to freely vibrate. On tuba, the only way to get the pedal tones is to really let the lips go free. To do this and still produce sound, one needs strong anchors, namely the corners. Without these firm corners, the lips retain too much tension and are restricted to the point of having less vibration than what is necessary for quality sound to be produced. So...the Chop-Sticks™, by strengthening the corners, help free the area of the lips
responsible for the tone.

I have also found that my embouchure has somewhat spontaneously moved to the center after over 40 years of being off center. This felt strange initially, but produced a better quality of sound than I had ever had. I am not advocating that everyone needs to play in the center, but in my experience, the Chop-Sticks™ facilitated this movement naturally and I play with more accurate tone placement that I did before."

Chris Barnes - tuba

"...I find the biggest improvement in reducing mouthpiece pressure, and intonation. I feel I can play more relaxed, keeping the corners firm and letting the air do the work...if you work into using them SLOWLY they WILL improve your playing. Also, you must give it a good 8 weeks, at first you will feel very stiff when you play (first week or so) but be patient, it will be worth it."

military musician - trumpet

"I am mainly using CHOP-STICKS™ to retain muscle tone when I'm not able to play...I have road time* before and after work to use CHOP-STICKS™."

J.P. - trumpet hobbiest

"My son is really enjoying the challenge of improving the time he can hold the Chop-Sticks™ and it's perfect for days when he's too tired to do much serious practice.
Thank you again for your help."

Susan, mom from Australia

"I like to keep one set in my car and one set in my bag, so I always have one with me"

J.L.P. - DMA, trumpet

*For safety reasons, Liemar Technologies LLC does not advocate the use of CHOP-STICKS™ while in motion. Keep out of the hands of small children.