• FAQ  • Search  • Memberlist  • Usergroups   • Register   • Profile  • Log in to check your private messages  • Log in 

Review of my ACB TA-4 mouthpiece



 
Post new topic   Reply to topic    trumpetherald.com Forum Index -> Mouthpieces
View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
JeffTheHornGuy
Veteran Member


Joined: 07 Feb 2013
Posts: 174
Location: Boston

PostPosted: Mon Nov 22, 2021 9:51 am    Post subject: Review of my ACB TA-4 mouthpiece Reply with quote

I've been playing almost exclusively on Austin Custom Brass mouthpieces for over 7 years now, and I was lucky enough to live near Trent's shop before ACB moved out to KC. I've been playing on the TA-4 for 5 years now as my primary lead/commercial piece, and I'm writing a review now because I hardly ever see this mouthpiece mentioned, which is a shame because I think it's very overlooked.

For background, I use the TA-4 top on Trent's MT (Medium-Tight) backbore. My primary legit piece these days has been my original ACB 3C top (which was one of the first made on their CNC lathe -- the "ACB 3C" characters were actually imprinted by hand!) on an ACB MO (Medium-Open) backbore. One thing you can take away from this is that the TA-4 is a mouthpiece that is easy to adjust to from larger mouthpieces.

The TA-4 is definitely a smaller inner diameter, around a Bach 10.5, but it has a very wide, semi-flat rim. I would describe the cup as bowl-shaped, and while it's shallow, it's certainly not extremely shallow. To me, the alpha angle feels steep, which gives me plenty of room for my chops. I can create a very full sound all the way down to a low F# that can blend with a section in a classical ensemble. However, if I really lay into it, this mouthpiece can light up like a lazer and play with serious volume. I've been playing this mouthpiece on tour with my indie-rock-soul-funk-band for the past year, and I haven't had any problems getting my sound to carry when mic'd properly. For me, the ideal scenario for this mouthpiece is in a pit orchestra, where the moderately shallow cup can give me that classic commercial sound, but the non-extreme nature of the mouthpiece allows me to play anything without standing out. While this mouthpiece can certainly scream, it does take a bit more effort than I'd prefer to get that "sizzle," which is why I just recently invested in a TA-Z top that I found here on the marketplace.

The TA-Z is marketed as having an identical rim to the TA-4 but with a shallower cup, and that claim is exactly correct from my experience. If ACB mouthpieces are one thing, it's consistent. The TA-Z definitely lights up more easily than the TA-4 but is also certainly a bit less versatile, which is exactly what I was going for. The TA-Z is still not an "extreme" mouthpiece, compared to something like a 13a4a or something like that. If you want one mouthpiece for ALL things that aren't classical or chamber music, the TA-4 should be on the top of your list. If you want something for more specialized playing, such as sitting in the lead chair or playing in a rock band, the TA-Z is a good place to start.
_________________
Trumpet player in Couch
Puje "Super T"
1970 Bach Stradivarius 37
Custom Lawler C7
Electronic music producer
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
GeorgeB
Heavyweight Member


Joined: 20 Apr 2016
Posts: 1063
Location: New Glasgow, Nova Scotia

PostPosted: Mon Nov 22, 2021 10:23 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

The TA1 is my main mouthpiece for most of my band playing and the ACB5CS is for playing with smaller groups. The one one thing I admire about the ACB lineup is how comfortable the rims are.
George
_________________
GeorgeB
1960s King Super 20 Silversonic
2016 Manchester Brass Custom
1938-39 Olds Recording
1942 Buescher 400 Bb trumpet
1952 Selmer Paris 21 B
1999 Conn Vintage One B flat trumpet
2020 Getzen 490 Bb
1962 Conn Victor 5A cornet
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
ricoboogie
Regular Member


Joined: 08 Oct 2020
Posts: 22
Location: Canada

PostPosted: Tue Dec 28, 2021 5:11 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Has this mpc been discontinued? When I look at their site, all I can find are the TA-1 (and variations), the TA-2, and the TA+various letters.

I’m curious because I’m on a safari looking for relatives of the Bach 10.5c and the TA-4 as described here seems interesting.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
GeorgeB
Heavyweight Member


Joined: 20 Apr 2016
Posts: 1063
Location: New Glasgow, Nova Scotia

PostPosted: Wed Dec 29, 2021 3:01 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

ricoboogie wrote:
Has this mpc been discontinued? When I look at their site, all I can find are the TA-1 (and variations), the TA-2, and the TA+various letters.

I’m curious because I’m on a safari looking for relatives of the Bach 10.5c and the TA-4 as described here seems interesting.


They can do anything you want, even if it isn't listed now. The guy to talk to about mouthpieces is Josh McDonald :
mpcsales@austincustombrass.com

He is a great guy and really knows his stuff. Ask a question and the answer is real quick.
George
_________________
GeorgeB
1960s King Super 20 Silversonic
2016 Manchester Brass Custom
1938-39 Olds Recording
1942 Buescher 400 Bb trumpet
1952 Selmer Paris 21 B
1999 Conn Vintage One B flat trumpet
2020 Getzen 490 Bb
1962 Conn Victor 5A cornet
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Display posts from previous:   
Post new topic   Reply to topic    trumpetherald.com Forum Index -> Mouthpieces All times are GMT - 8 Hours
Page 1 of 1

 
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum


Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2005 phpBB Group