TrumpetMaster - View Single Post - Differences between trumpet and horn mouthpieces

rowuk · 01-29-2008, 06:57 PM

Misty,
the reason has a lot to do with the basic characteristics of each instrument. The trumpet is traditionally a cylindrical bore instrument with a bell on the end. Early trumpets had a greater proportion of straight tubing than modern instruments. The expectation from a trumpet is a brilliant sound. This and the need to keep the upper octave in tune, creates the need for a cup shaped mouthpiece. The wide rim is for support to increase endurance.

The horn is primarily conical in bore and that changes the intonation appreciably. The expected sound from a horn is darker with less pronounced overtones. That is accomplished with a deep vee shaped cup. The small rim is based on the tradition of not putting the mouthpiece across both lips, rather pressing the mouthpiece into the lower lip.

Flugelhorns have been traditionally played with both types of cups. Several types of german flugelhorns even have shanks for trumpet mouthpieces.

I personally see no reason to fight with hundreds of years of experience. The normal types of mouthpieces work well in their respective instruments.

01-29-2008, 06:57 PM	#2 (permalink)
rowuk Moderator Fortissimo User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Germany Posts: 4,566	Re: Differences between trumpet and horn mouthpieces Misty, the reason has a lot to do with the basic characteristics of each instrument. The trumpet is traditionally a cylindrical bore instrument with a bell on the end. Early trumpets had a greater proportion of straight tubing than modern instruments. The expectation from a trumpet is a brilliant sound. This and the need to keep the upper octave in tune, creates the need for a cup shaped mouthpiece. The wide rim is for support to increase endurance. The horn is primarily conical in bore and that changes the intonation appreciably. The expected sound from a horn is darker with less pronounced overtones. That is accomplished with a deep vee shaped cup. The small rim is based on the tradition of not putting the mouthpiece across both lips, rather pressing the mouthpiece into the lower lip. Flugelhorns have been traditionally played with both types of cups. Several types of german flugelhorns even have shanks for trumpet mouthpieces. I personally see no reason to fight with hundreds of years of experience. The normal types of mouthpieces work well in their respective instruments. __________________ Whenever I feel blue, I start breathing again.