| Re: Why go below 3?
A larger mouthpiece generally will give you a bigger richer sound - the large 1C, 1 1/4C and 1 1/2 C are generally preferred by Orchestral musicians who want that big orchestral sound. This usually comes at the expense of endurance (and a larger mouthpiece usually requires a strong well set embouchoure) which is why amateur players (like me) tend to play a 3C which is a good all round compromise.
I know jazz players (pro and amateur) that use the 3C as well as they can play high notes more easily and is better endurance wise so is again a good compromise.
These are just generalities - as camelbrass said what works for one doesn't always work for the next but hopefully it answers your question.
MM |