Finding the Right Concert Mouthpiece

[mike.II]

I'm a student trumpet player who's been playing on a 3C for a while due to teachers instructing me to play on one and I always felt like I wasn't getting the most out of my horn. I'm starting to question whether that's what I should be playing on as I've always been running into endurance issues.

I've heard that when looking for a mouthpiece, you should start with finding your rim diameter that feels most comfortable. How can I tell what rim diameter is the best fit for me?
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Mike Anderson
Bb: Yamaha YTR-8335LAII
-Lead: Bob Reeves 42ES
-Concert: Yamaha 17B4
Picc: LA Benge Bb/A
Flugel: Victory VFLH-TSGL

[Brassnose]

The eternal question. I started on a 16.5 mm inner diameter JK 5C in 1980, only played three mouthpieces (JK 5C, Yamaha 14A4a, Monette B4L) up until ca. 2018/2019. Went on a semi-extensive mouthpiece safari (bought and tested about 15 or 20 mouthpieces) during the pandemic and discovered that I do best on 16.5 to 16.8 mm (nominal, as per the manufacturer) inner diameters that are combined with an „open feel“ (AR, ACB) — not sure it’s the throat or the backbore or both.

The other thing I found is that I do much better on rounded or round-feeling rims such as AR, ACB, Klier, Warburton, GR, Frate, Amati (not sure my Amati is representative of the whole bunch, though ).

So, there is much more than the diameter. In your case I’d ask your teacher for an opinion and maybe borrow two or three pieces with different sizes to see what happens. BUT: playing too many different mouthpieces in too short a time won’t get you anywhere.

Sorry, I know this post is only soso helpful.
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2019 Martin Schmidt eXcellence
1997 Blessing XL cornet
1992 Bach 43GH/43
1989 K&H Model 15
1980/2023 Custom Blessing Scholastic C 😎
1977 Conn 6B
*****
AR/Klier/Yamaha + an old Amati C1 1/2

[stuartissimo]

[Craig Swartz]

FWIW- in my case, the alpha angle of the rim seems more important to my playing, sound, flexibility, range, contrast in dynamics, and apparent speed of response than the rim diameter.

[Trumpjerele]

That's a great question. I've been pondering this for a while.

Now I think that you adjust the mouthpiece size based on the sound you want to achieve. Of course there are exceptions, but lead trumpet players tend to play with smaller rims than orchestral players. It's not because of differences in anatomy, but because of the sound they're looking for.

You'll have to find a mouthpiece that works for you and gives you the results you're looking for.

If it gives you the sound you want but it tires you out too quickly and stops sounding the way you want it too soon, it's no good. If it's comfortable, you can play for hours on it, but the sound isn't what you want, it's no good either. Sometimes all you have is a compromise between these extremes.
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Notice!!! Amateur musician without formal studies

Trumpet: Yamaha 8310Z
Mouthpiece: the great Yamaha11b4

Sax tenor: Yamaha YTS 23
Mouthpiece: Otto link tone edge

[JVL]

hello
try a 7C, and if still too wide, try 10 1/2 C.
Then, later, you can refine with other brands and models
best

[mike.II]

So I have 4 different mouthpieces lying around, the closest two alike are a 3c and a 7c.

One unique issue I noticed between both of them is that the octaves aren't equally tempered. When I get middle C in tune the low register is a little bit sharp where it sounds good and even worse, the high register is a little flat where it sounds good.

So not only am I looking for a mouthpiece that better fits me, I want a mouthpiece that has better intonation too.

I'll playtest my 7C for a while and then I'll get back to you guys.
_________________
Mike Anderson
Bb: Yamaha YTR-8335LAII
-Lead: Bob Reeves 42ES
-Concert: Yamaha 17B4
Picc: LA Benge Bb/A
Flugel: Victory VFLH-TSGL

[jondrowjf@gmail.com]

Is it possible to test out mouthpieces at a music store? If not buy a used mouthpiece or borrow some mouthpieces.
Are you looking to go smaller or larger? If the 3C is too large try a 5C . If to small try a 1.5 C mouthpiece.
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Schiller shepherds crook
Wick 3B, 4 W gold classic mouthpieces
Wick adjustable cup mute
Straight mute
Mendini tenor sax, Yamaha 5C mouthpiece
Legere synthetic reeds and some cane reeds

[Manuel de los Campos]

[plankowner110]

Mike.II You may find this very helpful.

https://www.trumpetherald.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=26763
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C. G. Conn 1B "Vintage One"
Bach 6C

[zaferis]

It's NOT about rim diameter.

rim shape
rim diameter
cup shape
cup depth
throat size
backbore shape / length
how it pairs with the particular trumpet

Is it time to start experimenting? maybe. Ask your teacher - He/She knows your playing the best.

If it's time:
start within the same brand - you're on a Bach 3C? try a 1.5C, 5C, 7C.. note the differences.
Then maybe a Curry 3C (copied from an old Bach design) less bite and a tick bigger in diameter than a current Bach 3C.
Yamaha 14B4, 16C4?

Best if you have a teacher or associate that knows something about mouthpieces and has several that you can try without buying.
I don't know many trumpet teachers that don't have a drawer full of mouthpieces (left over from experimenting) for just this purpose.
_________________
Freelance Performer/Educator
Adjunct Professor
Bach Trumpet Endorsing Artist
Retired Air Force Bandsman

[Ed Kennedy]

[Andy Del]

Mike - you are posting a LOT of questions about equipment. You say you are instructed to play on a 3C. Have you discussed your concerns with your teacher? They may be like me, and will try to listen and suggest a way forward…

If not, then you’ll need to do what we all did, go looking and trying. Bigger smaller, different rim profiles, cups, throat sizes backbones, etc. What will work for you will not work for everyone. BUT, there are some hints which may help.

- It takes a lot more finesse to play on a small mouthpiece.
- Middle of the road is there for a reason, most of us are surprisingly average!
- 7C, 3C, 5C, 1 1/2C are all pretty close together in rim size (middle of the road), we are talking a mm or so: so look for the cup and rim to see where the differences lie.
- A new mouthpiece usually feels terrific straight away. That honeymoon period will not last. Be prepared for it.
- Nothing, absolutely nothing is a replacement for many hours of practice!
- Be a PITA at your local music shop and try mouthpieces. You might just luck into something for you!
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so many horns, so few good notes...

[Sforzando101]

Suggestion:

Pick a mouthpiece, then practice a lot.

Under the direction of a good teacher.
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Sforzando101