Best Brass KAI Groove Mouthpiece

[cyber_shake]

Just wondering if anyone has experience with either the Best Brass Groove Mouthpiece or the special KAI model? They are doing some different things compared to traditional mouthpiece design. The multi-length system, determined by cup depth, remind me of Brasswind Research Mouthpieces, but I've never seen anything like the KAI design.



Typically finished in gold, I have opted for silver, as I play with dry chops and prefer silver to the slippery-feeling gold finish.

The KAI model features a unique cup design called the 'accelerator', designed to aid in range.



Here is the text from the Best Brass website:
As described above, ‘Groove' assists the vibration of the lips in all registers, but the 'Accelerator' produces this effect specifically in high registers, and will literally accelerate the vibration, allowing the player to easily add up to a fifth to your range*, all while keeping the rich sound and rim comfort of our C cup. Whether you currently play our mouthpieces or not, you're going to want to give Kai a try!
* we should note that some of our testers were unable to adapt to this unorthodox design, but about three out of four were able to add significantly to their high register. The result is quite surprising even to us!

I just couldn't resist trying one ... so the order has been made.
_________________
Blaine
brasshurricane@gmail.com

Schagerl LU5A
DaCarbo Unica
Adams A4 LT-S
Adams F1
Schagerl PT-200S

[Matthew Anklan]

[cyber_shake]

[cyber_shake]

I received the KAI. It is a very comfortable rim and bite on my chops. Yes, it does add range. Tone is a tad brighter than my current favorite = Yamaha 14B4 GP. My issue is that I have fat lips that swell a bit when I play ... the 'accelerator' makes the cup smaller, so it tends to close down (my lips bottom out), once I've played for a while. Will spend more HTOF / Horn Time On Face to see if I can ultimately use it or not.
_________________
Blaine
brasshurricane@gmail.com

Schagerl LU5A
DaCarbo Unica
Adams A4 LT-S
Adams F1
Schagerl PT-200S

[Locutus2k]

Does this "Kai" mouthpiece have the "Groove" enhancement, too? Groove enhancement is in the throat.
_________________
------------------------
Edwards X-13
Lawler TL5 Balanced 30th Anniversary (#2 of 5)
Lawler TL5 L bore
Bach NY Special edition 2008
Flugel Van Laar Oiram Ack
Mark Curry mouthpieces
------------------------

[cyber_shake]

[JonathanM]

Very interesting - thanks for posting; and your pics are a treat.

I'm a little surprised the initial downsize to the smaller interior cup isn't smooth; I'd think they'd want as little resistance in that area as possible. I'm sure they considered this; is the point addressed in their info?
_________________
Jonathan Milam
Trumpets: 18043B, 18043*, 18043 Sterling Silver +, 18037 SterlingSilver+, Benge 4x, Olds: '34 Symphony, '47 Super, '52 Recording
Flugle: Strad 182
Puje: American Belle
Cornet: Olds Recording & Super

[cyber_shake]

[darksmoke]

[deleted_user_687c31b]

I've played a Best Brass Groove 7E for a while...didn't know they had any 'special physics features' though, so in hindsight I might be a good testcase with less 'placebo effect'.

The mouthpiece played well in the upper register, but it was a very 'screamish' piece (it was a struggle blending in with the section on the more classical passages, but for rock/funk at FFF it was great). It did have a kinda raw jazzy sound I really liked, but ultimately I didn't feel it gave me an increased range or anything (at least, not much more than my current lead piece). It was also very shallow (almost flat) and very, very heavy. And switching between mouthpieces during a gig was really tough.

That was my experience though, ymmv.

[cyber_shake]