Big vs. small mouthpiece when range-building?

JeffTheHornGuy

Recently I have been doing some range-building/endurance-building exercises and I was just wondering weather it's more beneficial to play said exercises on my orchestral (1.5C) or lead (14a4a) mouthpiece. After all, the high notes will mostly be used on the lead piece, but I'm aware that using the orchestral mouthpiece may build more "lip-muscle". Thoughts?
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cheiden · Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2014 9:43 pm Post subject:

I say do the bulk of your routine on a good general purpose mouthpiece. Especially for developing range and endurance. Then put in time as needed on your specialty pieces.
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razeontherock · Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2014 9:53 pm Post subject:

What is your usable range on each? Do you have performances scheduled that require each?

brassjunky · Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2014 10:09 pm Post subject:

Interesting question. FWIW in Roger Ingram's book he recommends doing range practice on your lead piece, I guess since that is what you will be using when you play really high. I see advantages in this as your chops will get used the knack of using the lead mouthpiece to play in the extreme register.
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bach_again · Posted: Wed Jul 23, 2014 12:01 am Post subject:

crzytptman · Posted: Wed Jul 23, 2014 7:16 am Post subject:

I agree practice both if you play both. I do the bulk of my playing on my all around (Flip Oakes 3C-O), so that's what I do the bulk of my practicing with. I spend time transferring my skills to the shallow piece (Flip Oakes 3-L) from time to time, and when I have a situation coming up.
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James B. Quick · Posted: Wed Jul 23, 2014 8:07 am Post subject:

Throw away the 14a4a. Play the 1.5C for everything. It will take a little longer to develop, but in the end you will have a great range and nearly unlimited endurance.

jbq

a 14a4a would make a good mosquito call...

Mike Sailors · Posted: Wed Jul 23, 2014 9:02 am Post subject:

EdMann · Posted: Wed Jul 23, 2014 9:06 am Post subject:

Yeah, Mike. I'm with you. I'll get caught with my 1.5 in the horn and on a good day can play most anything with it, and sure enough, go to the big band piece and I end up muscling it and have to make the adjustment. If you don't know the 14A4 well, you have to spend some time with it.

ed

Bill W · Posted: Wed Jul 23, 2014 9:12 am Post subject:

I do the same excercises on both pieces, softly and go as high as I can without straining on both. Of course I can go higher on my lead piece. Build control and consistancy on each and you will know when you need to use each piece and will have the confidence and relaxed concentration to get the job done.. JMHO
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Mike Sailors · Posted: Wed Jul 23, 2014 9:12 am Post subject:

John Mohan · Posted: Wed Jul 23, 2014 9:35 am Post subject:

x9ret · Posted: Wed Jul 23, 2014 9:54 am Post subject:

Today I ordered that controversial Schilke 14A4a mouthpiece.

For improvising jazz stuff I find that my range is OK going up to high D but then gets weaker. That seems to be respectable enough. Sure I'd love to bang it up another octave but it doesn't seem essential for making a good jazz solo.

For big band lead parts, I def need to try a different mouthpiece to get power and edge up there. Will let you know how I get on

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INTJ-disable · Veteran Member Joined: 01 Mar 2014 Posts: 361

I use the rim shape and diameter that best fits my face, then vary the cup, throat, and backbore to match the style of playing. For me that means two MPs for Bb trumpet with the same rim, backbore and throat. One has a medium shallow cup that I use for 90% of my stuff (lead, Broadway). The other has a medium deep cup I use when I want no edge in my tone at higher volume levels when above the staff--like when playing with a chamber orchestra. I practice with the MP I use the most.
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JeffTheHornGuy · Posted: Fri Jul 25, 2014 5:06 pm Post subject:

To clarify:

The mouthpieces are in my signature. they are not exact 1.5c/14a4a, but similar models from the stomvi flex lineup. I like both of them, but I was just wondering which would be most beneficial to practice with.

Thanks for all of the input.
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James B. Quick · Posted: Fri Jul 25, 2014 6:18 pm Post subject:

"Throw away the 14a4a.."

oxleyk · Heavyweight Member Joined: 12 Apr 2006 Posts: 4180

From my own experience the Stomvi Flex 1.5 rim feels so much larger than a Curry or Bach 1.5. Have you tried a Flex 3 rim? It's a more reasonable size and shape. I have a Flex 3G that I use for everything.

You could also try a Curry 1.5C or 1.5M. Great sound and range and they won't fight you like the Stomvi 1.5.

Kent

mcgovnor · Posted: Fri Jul 25, 2014 8:34 pm Post subject: The

The notion of formulating mouthpiece changes in order to play better "lead" trumpet is ill-conceived.
Practice and play on a mouthpiece you sound the best on in 8 or nine out of 10 applications.
For that last application or two, if it means that much to you or it is not attainable to you any other way, find a mouthpiece you can pick up and achieve the desired result on for a few minutes, or a few passes or pieces.
You may want to find two..
Proceeding in this fashion, your fundamental, once fully established, will not be damaged or altered too much. You will hear your best sound and pitch, consistently.
I have had success, and have seen notable others, excellent functioning full time players, who work in big band, Broadway, quasi legit and jazz settings employ this approach.
Further, the greatest success I've witnessed and experienced has been one of the following 3 combinations. A Bach 3c type player who does most playing on his 3c, and then moves to a Purviance 4*k4, or 8, as needed. A Bach 3c type player who then moves to a Purviance 4*3, or 9, as needed. A Reeves 42 or 43 C or M type player, who moves to a Purviance as previously mentioned, or a 42 or 43 s with a 692 28 underpart. These combinations seem to facilitate this type of thing..maintaining good sound, pitch and reasonable flexibility. The move from a Bach is somehow really enhanced landing on the Purviance.

jazz_trpt · Posted: Sat Jul 26, 2014 3:27 pm Post subject: Re: The

jgadvert · Posted: Sat Jul 26, 2014 4:56 pm Post subject:

In my opinion, use a mouthpiece that (facilitates..love that word) what you want to do.

I wonder how many teachers endorse using/switching different mouthpieces for various music you play?

Reason is..lips are sensitive to getting used to your setting, mpc etc...

I just feel like switching sizes increases your chances of cracking and missing notes. Something to be avoided at all cost (at least during a performance)

Big and small is relative to lip size/thickness.

For me a 1 1/2 C is a bathtub. Too large. Yes; I could practice my butt off and learn to play with it..but why make my job harder?

I use a mouthpiece that is in between large and small (although closer to small) for everything.