What to get next moving from a Schilke 14B

[BBB1976]

Hi
I used to play a Bach 1 1/4 C and now play a Shilke 14B.
Looking for a good all round mouthpiece, and I heard the 14B is really for jazz players.
I'm classically trained so looking to keep that sound.
What would be a good compromise mouthpiece to get that's good for all round playing and teaching? What are the Yamaha's like?
Don't know much about mouthpieces so never really tried a lot.
Any suggestions much appreciated

[Seymor B Fudd]

[Craig Swartz]

What do you dislike about the Schilke 14B? We'd probably need to know that first- if you are concerned that someone's description of it is that it is a "jazz" mouthpiece while you consider yourself "classically trained", I wouldn't worry much unless you absolutely are not creating the sound you want, or think you want.

Mouthpiece selection can be a strange thing- In many cases I believe the sound one hears "in their head" before any wind is ever begun has a lot to do with what comes out of the bell. When I purchased my first Schilke trumpet back in 1969, I'd previously been playing a cornet so Ren asked what I was using for a mouthpiece since the cornet piece wouldn't work. I told him Bach 3C, so for another $15 he threw in a gold plated Schilke 15 which I used throughout the next 3 years. Someone had a gold Schilke 19 when I was a Jr in college and gave it to me and I played on it for something like 30 years. I don't think anyone knew I'd switched. About the same time my college teacher had a Jet Tone 3A that he lent me (forever, actually...) and I used it for jazz band and in the rock bands I was playing in. Used it for years and still have it. I even used it during one professional symphony set and no one seemed to notice. Finally, at about age 60, I went from the Schilke 19 for the majority of my playing (orchestral) to the old 15 and that's where I still am, using a Reeves 42M for more comercial work and the same with a 692 backbore if most of it is upper register. Regarless of what I'm using, however, I think most of the people I play with would know it's me even in the dark, for better or for worse...

Anyway, there are so many variables it's tough to make any sort of recommendations over the internet. It might help "out here" a bit if you described what you were looking for, but I suspect it has something to do with someone (who may or may not have a clue) telling you that said 14B is a "jazz mouthpiece". The real question should be: "how do I sound on it"? I'd follow that up with: "what might I gain from a change to help me with my sound?" From there you can try to tweak things like flexibility via certain rims or really get into the weeds experimenting with different backbores, Reeves Sleeves and other gap adjustments, and then even a full horn blueprinting or PVA. In the end, however, you are still, with all the changes, probably going to sound "like you" no matter your choice.

If you are not happy with your own basic sound, I suggest a lot of listening to live performers and some lessons with a person who knows how to teach or in the very least, has the kind of sound you'd like to learn to make. Good luck, I know this probably sounds like junk but please consider how many slightly used mouthpieces there are for sale on this site alone. Good luck with your search.

[Christian K. Peters]

Hello all,
I have been toying with the same dilemma. Trying too find a slightly deeper match to the Schilke 14B. The 14 is pretty big feeling in feel. I keep going back to my Symphony M3C, though it feels slightly smaller with a similar depth. My Warburton 4MD is feeling OK, but I think that I still have not found something that is just between a 14B and a 14. I played a 15B through high school and college and was satisfied with that until I was not playing hours a day...Then it just felt too wide.
_________________
Christian K. Peters
Schilke Loyalist since 1976

[Jerry]

Bach 3C or Curry 3C.

Good all-rounder that can get a classical sound (but not as full as your 1.25C) and be a little easier than the 1.25C to get a zippier sound when needed.

[kehaulani]

[BBB1976]

Thanks for the replies guys.

A friend is sending me a straight Schilke 14 to try. Might be a good choice, and when I have to play lead, I can bang in my 14B or 14 a4a!
Also, am going to try a Yamaha 14B4 - supposed to be a good one!

Thanks again, all best

[Vin DiBona]

A Schilke 13 might work. It is roughly a Bach 3C. The one
I played at Schilke was very comfortable and I might go see them again when all their products are back from the shows.
R. Tomasek

[Ed Kennedy]

The Schilke 15B was a copy of an old (Mt. Vernon?) Bach 3C, originally a custom piece for Chicago freelancer John Cvejanovich. The 14 was a copy of a NY or Mt. Vernon 1 1/2C. When I worked at Schilke in the early 70's I played a 14, a 14 with Schmidt backbore and 25 throat on my C and a 14A4a with the standard 'a' backbore, 26 throat and a bit of undercut for big band and latin work.

My advise, pick a rim that works for you and go from there.

Herseth played a a 7 rim until his accident. John Hagstrom (CSO) uses a Yamaha signature around the size of a 5B. The sound is in your head. Use whatever makes it easiest to achieve that sound.

[markwu071]

yamaha 15c4 (2c) or 16c4 (1.5c) would give you a good legit sound
_________________
King 2055 .462
Bach TR600 student model

Bach 1.5c 22/24
Yamaha 16E4 GP (1.5A) 18/(24?)
Yamaha 14A4a stock
CKB 3C 26/(117?)

[Goldplate]

I think the Schilke 14 is good option for you to try. I usually play on a Schilke 14 on a B-flat trumpet, but have also used a 14B over the years. I prefer the playing on the 14. I also like the B&S 1.5C that came with my C trumpet. It feels close to the Schilke 14, but with a brighter sound.