Searching for a better Mouthpiece

[Craig Swartz]

When I was in HS ca 1968-70, I used one piece to play everything. Pretty good high G-DHC, held down a spot int a super youth orchestra, first chair in a band that played the Midwest Clinic, and was dumb enough to not realize that our program was head and shoulders above the average, and even the very above-average. We did not have much of a jazz program in HS but I was very involved in rock bands and in college ended up playing 3-4 nights per week to supplement income and troll for chicks.

I did the college jazz program but it was infinitely different from what most places have today, and it never really occurred to me to use anything but that old Schilke 19 to play everything. I eventually "stole" a Jet Tone 3A from my tpt prof (I have no idea what it is "close to") to use in the rock bands and college big band, but I'm not certain it did me much good.

I believe I was fortunate to have had a pretty good foundation before I did all this stuff. (Remember that statement...) As per high register, the thing that really got me going at first was a clip from Herb Alpert TJB where someone (not Herb) screamed up to a "double Bb" I think in "Casino Royale". Most of us had been led to believe that a G over "high C" was about the best anyone had ever done, and suddenly that myth was shattered. While we had an amazing instrumental program in HS; jazz and all things not concert band or orchestra-related were severely and officially frowned upon. It wasn't much difference in undergrad...

I think I didn't get too interested in mouthpieces to increase range (generally BS, IMO) until Bill Chase and his rock band hit the scene with "Get It On". That opened a completely new world for me, but guess what? Over the next 40 years, I gravitated back to the 19 until I bought a Yamaha Chi C a year ago and made myself go back to a Schilke 15. I now also use a Reeves 42M for most commercial stuff but IMO, it only helps me achieve the sound I want to hear and perhaps assists me somewhat in the 3rd hour of the pizza/beer joint gigs on the lake. I have no more range nor endurance on the 42M. (Sorry, Bob.)

Long way around- learn to play the horn and make music first, worry about the mouthpiece last. You're in HS, by the time you get to my age you'll have played another 45 years or so if you keep at it, and there's lots of time to experiment. Odds are that you'll be done long before that, but I hope not. Good luck.

[dershem]

[HornnOOb]

You can't go wrong with a Denis Wick "Heavy Top". Comes in all sizes. I think I paid $89.00 for mine in gold. It gives me a big solid sound - especially in the low register.
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I rode in on a horse and can't seem to get out of L.A.

Severinsen Destino 3*
1971 Getzen Eterna 900S Severinsen Model
1984 Getzen Eterna 896 Flugelhorn
1951 Olds Special Cornet

Denis Wick 1C Heavytop
Getzen Flugel 3C

[Billy B]

Unless you are a very advanced player it is best to stay with a middle of the road mouthpiece. Bach 3C or 7C would do nicely.
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Bill Bergren

[kehaulani]

[Brad361]