Shallow mouthpiece can ruin a embochure?

Newzbomb

Hi,
My name is Daniel Nusbaum from Tucson Az...
So i have been reading these forums, and i want to know what types of damage i could be doing by playing on the 14a4a Schilke? or anything similiar to that. I've seen some comments on here, that say this could ruin an embochure.
My guess is that, someone could blow really hard and tear some muscles. Or is there something else that i should be aware of?I currently play on a Schilke 14a4a, and have been for quite some time. I have decided to switch because i'm worried that i won't develop a stronger embocure. Look to move to something like a 3c.
Thanks for your time,
Daniel Nusbaum

Dale Proctor · Posted: Mon Dec 21, 2009 8:46 am Post subject:

I don't think you risk hurting yourself on a 14A4a any more than on any other mouthpiece. It's a small, specialized mouthpiece, which is more suited to "lead" type playing, but there's no harm in playing one if that's the sound you like and the type of music you play. I personally don't like the tight blow and tone I get with one, but that's just my preference. If you play "legit" music, something a little more mainstream might be more suitable.
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Juergen · Posted: Mon Dec 21, 2009 8:46 am Post subject:

I wouldn't say you will ruin anything. I believe that every mouthpiece requires some small changes to be successful on that piece. The change from a 14A4a to a 3C is a big change and will definitely take some time to get use to.
I have switched from a 3C to a 6A4a and it's great. If you are getting the sound and range you need/want out of the 14A4a there is no need to switch to a 3C just because some people hate small mouthpieces. Now with the 3C you may get a darker tone, which is generally good. Hope this helps.
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GenoValet · Heavyweight Member Joined: 30 Aug 2006 Posts: 1244

Take a look at the Marcinkiewicz catalog under the Signature Series; every mouthpiece from Roy Roman E1.7 on down would be considered shallow or very shallow. I would file the 'will ruin' statement under 'myth.'

TMPTChewie · Posted: Mon Dec 21, 2009 9:22 am Post subject:

butxifxnot · Heavyweight Member Joined: 08 Jul 2004 Posts: 2353

gbdeamer · Heavyweight Member Joined: 31 Dec 2007 Posts: 2307

Ed Kennedy · Heavyweight Member Joined: 15 Jan 2005 Posts: 3187

Mouthpieces are just tools. Pick one that works for the job you are doing. You might need something with a deeper cup if you are doing any orchestra, concert band or brass ensemble work to take the edge off the sound. A Yamaha 14B4 or 14C4 would be a good choice because the rim is very close to the Schilke. If all you are doing is big band, jazz and commercial playig yoou don't need to change unless you don't like the sound. When I worked at Schilke's years ago, a bunch of us used that mouthpiece to good effect. I had a slightly larger backbore and a little undercut (lower alpha) put in the cup and it worked for the big band and latin band work that I ws doing at the time. You are more likely to hurt yourself using too big a piec on a loud and high blowing gig than the other way around. If you use the Schilke in an orchestra the winds and strings stting downrange from you are the ones who will get hurt.

Yamahaguy · Heavyweight Member Joined: 09 Dec 2004 Posts: 3992

Mouthpieces don't ruin an embouchure...playing incorrectly does.
Peace,
-Dennis

dbleC · Regular Member Joined: 03 Nov 2008 Posts: 81

Juergen · Posted: Mon Dec 21, 2009 12:40 pm Post subject:

agolden · Posted: Mon Dec 21, 2009 1:09 pm Post subject:

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Crazy Finn · Posted: Mon Dec 21, 2009 4:39 pm Post subject:

As everyone has said - no. Your embouchure will be fine. Your tone might suffer - or not - but other than potentially producing a shrill sound, you'll live.
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TMPTChewie · Posted: Mon Dec 21, 2009 9:02 pm Post subject:

Crazy Finn · Posted: Mon Dec 21, 2009 9:35 pm Post subject:

Nice picture on your avatar TMPTChewie! I'm pretty sure I recognize it. Good movie.
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TMPTChewie · Posted: Mon Dec 21, 2009 9:40 pm Post subject:

garrett901 · Posted: Mon Dec 21, 2009 11:50 pm Post subject:

Another myth... Shallow mouthpiece produces shrill sound...

It will greatly help with producing a brighter sound, but can still be toned down... not mellow, (I’m talking about playing a trumpet, not a coronet or flugelhorn) but toned down. The mouthpiece is a tool. Use it as such, don’t let it use you!!! Improper playing technique will ruin your chops faster than just about anything else…
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Yamahaguy · Heavyweight Member Joined: 09 Dec 2004 Posts: 3992

cheiden · Posted: Tue Dec 22, 2009 8:45 am Post subject:

I think most of the comments so far have been true and appropriate for more experienced players. For younger and less developed players I do think that any specialized equipment can skew your development with potentially long lasting results. In high school I picked up Holton ST302 (0.468" bore) and a JetTone MF2 mouthpiece (the cupless wonder). I have no doubt that the bad habits I developed playing that rig are still working against me today.
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Jon Arnold · Heavyweight Member Joined: 07 Jan 2002 Posts: 2030

anyone who thinks equipment will give them something they don't already have is mistaken. Equipment will help with a certain sound, (ie. brightness, edge) but if the physical strength is not there, forget it. I think there is a lot of pressure on younger players to play high without first developing the proper playing fundamentals. I played on a Bach 37 and a 3C for years before I tried anything else. I did not experiment with other mouthpieces until after I graduated from college.

I would rather play properly and still be able to play when I am 70 than ruin my embouchure to squeeze out a few notes now. Just my 2 cents.
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