Modern Mouthpiece Recomendations

[rockonlp]

I'm back into playing after some time off. I usually play a Curry or Bach 1.5 C. I'm finding a lot of modern pieces that look interesting but I don't know if they are really that revolutionary or worthwhile. Lotus, GR, AR Resonance, multiple Monette lines. I love trying out new things but where to start? I live in a small rural area in Arizona. No local shops, no professional players, no resources. What do you like for a first stop exploratory piece in this newer world of gear?! Thanks!

[RandyTX]

Maybe start with what you don't like, or perhaps would like to improve about your current setup?
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"Music is like candy, you throw the (w)rappers away."

[Richard III]

What kind of music do you want to play?
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Richard

King 1130 Flugabone
King 12C mouthpiece

[rockonlp]

My current pieces are fine, Curry 1.5c. I play on a large bore Yamaha Xeno. I play in a community jazz band and orchestra. I would be looking for an all around piece. Again I don't necessarily need to change but I like trying new stuff. Curious if the modern pieces are really anything different or improved or anything.

[Richard III]

[Brassnose]

For me, the rim of the mouthpiece is key. If you know you like a round rim or a flat rim or a sharp rim, you can already eliminate some pieces. I like round rims, so Lotus, Bach, Tilz, and a few other are out. Seems like a rather primitive approach but has worked well for me.
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2019 Martin Schmidt eXcellence
1992 Bach 43GH/43
1989 Kühnl & Hoyer Model 15 flugel
1980/2023 Custom Blessing Scholastic C 😎
1977 Conn 6B
1951 Buescher 400 Lightweight
AR Resonance, Frate, Klier

[david johnson]

Stork 2c is worth a look.

[Fredrik]

It's always fun to try new stuff. For me it can be quite inspiring too with my practicing especially in periods when I haven't alot of gigs or rehersals. New gear is fun 😀

Curry mouthpieces are really top class. Are they perfect for everyone? Of course not... But I'm now back on Curry after trying and buying alot of different brands.

If you like your Curry 1.5 try a different cup in the same rim size if you want a change in sound. If your new piece isn't cutting it after trying it out it'll be easy to get back to your other Curry.

Trying mouthpieces out at random can really mess your chops up, at least it did to me, and I don't think I'm alone...

Kind regards and good luck!

[abontrumpet]

[Irving]

Newer doesn't mean better. Plenty of players still use Bach . If you are a come back player, I would suggest concentrating on the fundamentals of playing. Mouthpieces won't do anything for you. Spend your money on lessons. I know that this mostly a hobbyist's site, but somebody needs to say that looking for a mouthpiece that will make coming back easier just doesn't exist. On the other hand if you just enjoy buying mouthpieces then have at it.

[scottfsmith]

I would consider trying one of the Lotus/AR/Monette types as they have a different concept behind them; the GR are just variations on the more standard designs (they are great variations, but there is not as much need to check them out).

Personally I am a Monette fan, primarily because they have an ease of playing to them which makes it possible for me to play faster, cleaner, longer. BUT it can take a long (or a very long) time to get to that spot as it is a very different philosophy of playing. I thought the tone was not completely optimal on the Pranas but the new Unity design solved that. Currently I am playing on the Unity B6-7M and absolutely loving it. I had a Unity B2-7 and it was too big for me; for you the B4 will probably be the size. Note I am going to sell my B2-7 so PM me if you want a good deal on it. Speaking of good deals, yes price is the major downside. Fortunately there are lots of used ones out there, and the AR ones are also better deals (never tried them though).

I agree with the remark above that the most important thing is the playing, not the details of the gear. But if you like fiddling with gear it can be a fun thing to mess with. I personally plead guilty to this.
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Thane Standard Large Bb / Monette Unity B6-7M mpc
Lots of vintage trumpets and mouthpieces

[Jerry]

[Brassnose]

I’d agree with the above post. While I don’t play GR (anymore) they are great mouthpieces and are not „just variations“ of conventional pieces.
_________________
2019 Martin Schmidt eXcellence
1992 Bach 43GH/43
1989 Kühnl & Hoyer Model 15 flugel
1980/2023 Custom Blessing Scholastic C 😎
1977 Conn 6B
1951 Buescher 400 Lightweight
AR Resonance, Frate, Klier

[stuartissimo]

[epoustoufle]

I'd agree with a previous poster who said the rim (shape) is critical. A lot of people seem to like the flat/square rims (3C style) while others prefer the rounded rim (5c style).

It would be a good idea to narrow down the variables by trying the Curry line. From flat to narrow: 3c, 1.5c, 7c, 5c. The diameters differ too but the main effect initially is the rim shape. I find the 3c end of the range gives me an airy tone and flubbed attacks while the 5c end works pretty well immediately.

After sorting that out, the cup depth, drill size, backbore, blank style, etc. etc. all have a big influence. I tend to find shallow cup depth helps with range but limits tone color. The backbore too - narrow backbores "light up" at higher volume but may sound tinny/trashy in a classical context. Most of this is subjective and not as mechanically important as the rim shape (and diameter).

Good luck!!

[Irving]

[Aj]

Surprised that Reeves seems to fall off the list these days….

Reeves make some of the most efficient mouthpieces for Big Band and Commercial music imho. Great overtones in the sound.

Try a 43M or perhaps a 43.5M for all round Jazz and Commercial. The S cups are super as well but much brighter. I use an SM Custom with 692S backbore. Reeves C and B cups will pass for a more legit sound if needed, tho not renowned for this.

Lotus and Monette large throat mouthpieces dont really work for me, though I love the bigger tone you get. Monette B6 is a nice allrounder as it’s throat isn't too large.
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Mr Inbetween

[Jerry]

Reeves also makes a Classical Series. Different from Bach, Schilke, GR, Monette, etc.

Even though it didn't work for me, I thought the 6C that I have has some very positive playing characteristics: crisp attack, huge low register, open blow.

(If anyone wants the 6C, I'd let it go for a very reasonable price.)

[stuartissimo]

[RC Horn]

Not sure how far you are from Mesa, AZ, but Milano Music sells several brands of mouthpieces, including Lotus.