Tromba1030

Hi Everybody,
I am pretty new here but i had a question...what lead mouthpiece do i get? I am in a high school jazz band and i am playing a lot of first/lead trumpet parts that get pretty high in the upper register. For all of my other playing i use a Monette B2 and for C trumpet i use a C2. Now in jazz band i feel like i need a little extra boost to keep up my endurance hit all the high notes so i was wondering what some good mouthpieces to try were...I know a couple friends who use Curry lead mouthpieces. Are those good? What else is there to try? Do i change the width of the mouthpiece or just the cup or both or neither? As you can tell i am very confused and could use some help...thanks...

mrfabulous963

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Tromba1030

Thanks for your help, i will be sure to try them out

Tromba1030

I just went out today to try out some mp's. I ended up liking the Curry 1.5 Star. This one just really worked....

sdhinote

A few questions need to be answered first before anyone can actually help you. A mouthpiece is a very personal thing, and it is not a quick fix to developing range. One person's fantastic mouthpiece could be your worst enemy.

So first, what is your current, consistent, range on the equipment you're using?

Second, what, if any range development exercises are you practicing? (who's book, etc.)

Answer those and we'll go from there.

Tromba1030

Currentlly on my Monette's i have a consistant range to a D or E above the staff. The only problem with this is that i can't hold up that range for a long time. I haven't really used "high range methods" however...

cmcdougall

You should give the Monette B2L a try, same rim with a shallower cup.

sdhinote

Looking at comparison charts I agree with the last post that if you want to stay with a Monette, the BL2 or BL2J may be worth a try. However, if you want to save a bit of money while trying out mouthpieces, look at a Schilke 13a or 13a4a, which have approximately the same dimensions as the two Monettes above.

As to range building books, I think the easiest to find are Allen Vizzutti's books or Claude Gordon's (which are just modifications of Louis Maggio's book). I realize there are others out there, but I have no personal experience with them. I was a student for many years with Cat Anderson, and I use his book with my students, but don't recommend it just to pick up and use because the publisher put so many things in the wrong place. I do not recommend gimmic books like Double Hi-C in 37 weeks or Trumpet Yoga, either.

Is there an upper register specialist (studio player) in your area who gives lessons? Most players are flattered that you appreciate their playing and want to learn from them, so don't be afraid to approach anyone, even if its just for an evaluation. Plus, knowing and learning from a great pro can open so many more doors for you than just being from any school.

joey

Tromba,

Choosing a mouthpiece is a very individual experience. It's virtually impossible for someone to help you do this without both hearing and seeing you play.

To get some real help in choosing a mouthpiece, find a good teacher, if you don't already have one.

Joey