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rowuk · 06-01-2007, 07:44 AM

Dave,
I don't think that we can create a technical correlation. We do not have a "standard" interface between player/mouthpiece, mouthpiece/horn or horn/room. Because of this, "standard" mouthpieces are designed to avoid certain problems which does in fact cause other ones.
In theory, we can control the sound, intonation and resistance (impedance) through mouthpiece design. The horn and the player has to be in the equation however. The only way to get a close to optimum TECHNICAL match, is to buy a mp/horn combination like Schilke or Monette for instance, or to work with the custom builders and start with a standard mp and make corrections. Any other way involves a great deal of luck. All of the custom mouthpiece makers have a great working relationship with their clients!
That being said, if you have a combination that works OK, then don't worry about it. If you CAN'T get the job done, the mouthpiece might not be the only issue.
I made a decision to work with Dave Monette many years ago. His sound and mouthpiece concept appealed to me. He modified one of his picc mouthpieces to work with the horn in my avatar. Before that, I always had a problem with the octaves being out of tune. In 15 minutes, he had me hooked up. If I have an issue, I call Portland and let THEM solve it. My brain is free to make music.

06-01-2007, 07:44 AM	#3 (permalink)
rowuk Moderator Fortissimo User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Germany Posts: 4,374	Re: MP brand vs horn brand Dave, I don't think that we can create a technical correlation. We do not have a "standard" interface between player/mouthpiece, mouthpiece/horn or horn/room. Because of this, "standard" mouthpieces are designed to avoid certain problems which does in fact cause other ones. In theory, we can control the sound, intonation and resistance (impedance) through mouthpiece design. The horn and the player has to be in the equation however. The only way to get a close to optimum TECHNICAL match, is to buy a mp/horn combination like Schilke or Monette for instance, or to work with the custom builders and start with a standard mp and make corrections. Any other way involves a great deal of luck. All of the custom mouthpiece makers have a great working relationship with their clients! That being said, if you have a combination that works OK, then don't worry about it. If you CAN'T get the job done, the mouthpiece might not be the only issue. I made a decision to work with Dave Monette many years ago. His sound and mouthpiece concept appealed to me. He modified one of his picc mouthpieces to work with the horn in my avatar. Before that, I always had a problem with the octaves being out of tune. In 15 minutes, he had me hooked up. If I have an issue, I call Portland and let THEM solve it. My brain is free to make music. __________________ Whenever I feel blue, I start breathing again.