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The
mouthpiece is the sole point of contact with the lips and thus has
a key impact on both comfort and sound. Some players simply stick
with the mouthpiece their instrument is provided with (usually a
middle of the road specification suited for the instrument), whereas
others continually experiment, never giving up their search for that
elusive "perfect" mouthpiece. One thing is clear, mouthpiece
preference is a personal choice and what is right for one player
may be completely unsuitable for another.
The following information aims to explain about the various variables of
a mouthpiece's shape and how they affect its performance. In addition we've
tried to aid selection by giving comparison charts and narrative on which
models are the most popular.
The "Geography" of
the Mouthpiece
The mouthpiece has various component parts as shown in the diagram: |
| The
dimensions and shape of a mouthpiece has a direct impact on its feel,
playability and sound. We have isolated the various variables below
and given a brief explanation of their effects on the mouthpieces
characteristics. |
Cup
Diameter (Internal Rim)
In general, a small cup diameter makes it easier to play high notes and
can increase endurance, but volume is limited. A larger cup diameter, on
the other hand, provides plenty of volume and easy low tones but endurance
may be sacrificed. |
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Rim
Contour
Since this is the part of the mouthpiece that comes into contact with the
lips it is a critical parameter for playing comfort. Rim contour also has
a large effect on attack and clarity. The majority of players prefer a
relatively flat contour with the peak closer to the inner edge.
Rim Thickness
A thick rim provides greater lip contact area for easier high notes and
extended endurance but lip movement is limited thus reducing tonal flexibility.
A thin rim offers plenty of control over a wide range but can quickly cause
fatigue. A medium thick rim is the choice of most players. |
Rim
Bite
The bite of the rim (the sharpness of the inner rim edge) has a large influence
on attack, clarity and pitch control. Sharp bites generally make it easier
to produce accurate, stable pitch and a rich tone, however if too sharp
lip control can become limited, comfort compromised and endurance reduced.
A soft bite on the other hand will be comfortable to play at the expense
of a clean attack. |
Cup
Depth
Shallow cups produce a brighter tone and are more controllable in the higher
register, at the expense of volume. Deep cups offer a dark tone, easy low
notes and plenty of power. |
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Cup
Silhouette
Cup shapes range from "U" shapes to "V'" shapes. The
more "U" shaped a cup is the brighter the sound and the easier
it is to play in the high register. As the cup approaches the "V"'
shape the sound becomes darker and the lower register easier to play. |
Some
mouthpieces employ a "double cup" design - essentially
a combination of the "U" and "V"' shapes - to
facilitate playing throughout the instrument's range.
Throat diameter
The throat is the narrowest portion of the mouthpiece bore, and therefore
the point of highest sound pressure. The diameter and length of this part
of the mouthpiece has a major influence on playing resistance. A narrow,
long throat produces high resistance, which contributes to fast response,
brilliant tone and enhanced playability in the high register. A wide, short
throat is more playable in the low register and is capable of producing
great volume - but requires lots of air and can cause fatigue.
Backbore
The "backbore" is the inner section of the mouthpiece that follows
the throat. This has a complex flare that can significantly affect high-register
pitch. The diameter of the backbore also influences timbre & resistance.
Like most other diameter related parameters, a narrow backbore results
in increased resistance, brighter tone, and easier playing in the higher
register. A larger backbore decreases resistance for darker tone and easier
playing in the lower range. |
Shank
The shank is the outside dimensions of the mouthpiece receiver and is of
prime importance in determining if a mouthpiece fits into your instrument.
In particular small bore trombones and baritones require a small shank
mouthpiece, whereas large bore trombones and euphoniums require a large
shank mouthpiece. |
Weight
Some manufactures (notably Vincent Back with their "Mega Tone" range
and Denis Wick with the "Heavy Top" models) produce mouthpieces
of added mass. These have exactly the same internal dimensions of
the standard models but are up to twice the weight due to added mass
on the exterior.
This darkens the sound and allows playing at a higher dynamic level without
distortion. |
Alternatively,
adding a mouthpiece "booster" can increase the weight of
your favourite mouthpiece.
Material
Mouthpieces are generally machined from Brass and then either silver or
gold plated. In the UK silver plated models are by far the most popular
(accounting for 99% of our sales). Gold plated mouthpieces are usually
requested by players with skin allergies, as are mouthpieces with lucite
(plastic) rims.
For the more adventurous, mouthpiece manufacturers have produced models
in a variety of other materials - including solid silver and wood! |
Model
Numbers Explained
The size conventions used by the various manufacturers are not standardised
and can make comparison between makes difficult. Here's a brief explanation
of the various numbering codes used by the major makers.
Denis Wick
The numbers denote size of cup diameter - 0 large, 12 small (trombone)
Suffixes then show cup depth - no suffix = deep, B = medium, E = very shallow
(cornet)
Other Suffixes denote other characteristics as follows:
W |
Wide
rim |
X |
Large "cushion" rim |
N |
Narrow
rim |
L |
Large
shank (trombones) |
S |
Small
shank (trombone) |
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Prefixes SM & RW indicate models developed by Steven Mead and Roger Webster
respectively.
Thus a cornet model 4BW is a size 4-cup diameter with a medium cup depth
and wide rim.
Vincent Bach Like Denis Wick the numbers denote size of cup diameter (the
lower the number the larger the mouthpiece), with suffixes then showing
cup depth (from A deepest, to F extra shallow). |
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Other
suffixes include:
V |
With "V" throats |
W |
Wide "cushion" rim |
|
Yamaha
The Yamaha numbering system is slightly different with a model number being
for example 14A4a
The first two digits refer to the cup diameter, 5-68 (narrow - broad)
The next capital letter refers to the cup volume & shape, A-E (shallow
- deep, C = standard)
The next single digit then indicates the rim contour, 1-5 (flat - round,
3 = standard)
The final letter shows the backbore dimensions, a-e (narrow - broad, c
= standard) |
Choosing
the right Mouthpiece
To aid you in making your choice we've included a table comparing various
popular models, in addition we've listed all the sizes available from Denis
Wick and Vincent Bach, together with each individual mouthpieces particular
characteristics.
Apart from this it's down to trial and error!
Recommendations
In an area where personal opinions are so divided we would be foolish to
give blanket recommendations. We have however instead below indicated the
most popular models for a selection of instruments.
In addition the graphs and pie charts show which Denis Wick mouthpieces
are purchased by players for each of the main brass band instruments.
Trumpet
Vincent Bach are firm market leaders here. The 7c is a popular student
model, with more experienced players opting for a 1 1/4C or 1 1/2C.
Cornet
For all brass band instruments Denis Wick mouthpieces are very popular.
When it comes to cornets the 4 is a firm favourite, with players with stronger
embouchures opting for the more demanding 3 or even 2. Of the size 4,s
the 4B was most popular and Roger Webster model RW4B.
Trombone/Euphonium/Baritone
Here again Denis Wick is popular, with Vincent Bach also being popular
with orchestral trombonists.
Looking at the Denis Wick models there is a clear division of popularity
due to the broad nature of the trombone. Small bore trombone and baritone
players tend to opt for size 6 mouthpieces, where as the 4 is most popular
for large bore trombone and euphonium players.
Tuba
Eb players tend to opt for a 3 (the standard cup being most popular), whereas
Bb players often choose a 1 or 2.
Mouthpiece Makes
We've listed (and stock) a good range of the most popular mainstream models.
However, the list of different makes and models available is almost never
ending.
If you're looking for something special from the realms of the exotic & erotic
of mouthpiece design please let us know and we can usually get hold of
what you're looking for on a "special order" basis. Makes often
supplied include Giardinelli, Jerwyn, Jet Tone, Maurice Benterfa, Zottola
and Rudy Muck. |
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