Questions on Modular Mouthpieces

[cgaiii]

I know that many have used modular mouthpieces and I searched around in the forum archives for comments, but could not find any information comparing them to one-piece mouthpieces.

Do you notice any difference between playing on a modular (say three part) mouthpiece and a one-piece mouthpiece of the same configuration?

The modular mouthpieces seem like a way to do a lot of experimentation, but is is best to go back to a one-piece mouthpiece when you finish experimenting and find what you like, or just stick to the modular one?

I have only played solid mouthpieces up to now, but would like to do some experimenting and am thinking of trying some of the modular ones. Instinct would tell me that having separate pieces must have some effect, but since I have no experience, I am curious as to what others think.
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[trumpetplanet]

I like the Warburton system because of the range of designs being consistently available in different sizes. But after experimenting with them for a few years I found myself changing things less and less.

Certain backbores work better with certain cups - a mouthpiece needs to be balanced or you're going to end up compromising good form to make it work. Often intonation can be really messed up by choosing the wrong backbore too.

The advantage of a one-piece mouthpiece is that it has been designed and tested as is whereas this often isn't going to be the case with a modular design. You end up being the tester and you may not actually be qualified to do that... it was the case with me in the beginning.

It's also worth thinking about what you're comparing the modular mouthpiece with. I'd say that any relatively average Warburton set-up would be better than most of the popular stock mouthpieces.
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[zaferis]

I have experimented with Curry mouthpieces... having some cut for Reeves Sleeves and some cut to be a 2 piece design (Warburton style).. And yes, over time I did start to notice a difference. first of all adding the ability to change backbores and gaps became frustrating - always tweeking/looking for a minutely "better" fit.

I did find that I prefer the one piece design, noticably. I will argue that there is some intrinsic difference between "modular" pieces and a one piece design. Not sure that I could explain it with numbers.. but can tell you in side by side playing, over a long stretch of time, I find more consistency, tonal control, and accuracy from stock Curry's vs. any cut or blank design that I've tried.

The only modification that I use, from Curry's stock line-up is on my CL Bach 229 (large bore C). I prefer a 3C with a 25 throat (not the stock "loose" 27)
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