orchestra_trumpet_star

Hey all,
Sorry if this has been asked, but have any of you had any experience with the 1 1/2B mouthpiece? How did you like it (sound, projection, slotting, tonguing, ease of playing, etc)? What throat size, backbore number/model, etc did you use? Thanks in advance for your opinions and replies!
OTS

Vulgano Brother

Had a 1 1/2 C rim with a 1B 24/24 cup (sanded down to fit) and was dark but "woofy" but wanted some response along with my darker sound. Check out the offerings of Mark Curry: he has some impressive stuff if you are looking for that B sound, and he can give you the response and projection you want.

joey

Asking for people's opinions on mouthpieces is a little like asking for their opinion on shoes.

Would you like to try on my size 13 Adidas high tops? They work great for me.

Joey

Vulgano Brother

Are they made for basketball or handball? I wear a size 41 in Addidas, but lips aren't feet! As valid as your comment is, the orginal question is equally as valid and remains: what is your experience with a 1 1/2 B Mouthpiece?

joey

Actually, my response addresses the intent of the question. My experience with a 1 1/2B shouldn't encourage or discourage you from trying one.

I also find interesting the idea of a "B sound". What exactly is that?

Let's say I spent my time with a 1 1/2B playing lead in my every other Tuesday night big band gig. I'm fairly certain my experience would sound negative.

Let's say I'd been playing a 3C for years and years and had never had any problems, then decided to try a 1 1/2B. Again, I think my experience would be less than satisfying.

Let's say it was exactly the right piece for me. Does that mean it's exactly the right piece for anyone else?

There are better questions to ask, such as:

What are you playing now?

What kind of music are you playing?

What do you like and dislike about your current setup?

This is why I brought up shoes.

My shoes are basketball shoes. A 13 in U.S. sizes is in the 46/47 range in European sizes. If you put on mine, which I like, they're not going to fit you. However, if I'm in a tuxedo, they're the wrong shoes.

It's the same with mouthpieces. The right fit is not universal. That's why there's more than one mouthpiece made.

Joey

MJ

Are those the old school white ones joey? If so no thanks

Vulgano Brother

Joey, your points are well taken!
You were right to unask the quetion. Since you asked, however, my take on a "B sound" is as follows: it gives you a Bb sound: plugged into a Bb the horn it will really sound like a Bb is supposed to sound like, plugged into a C it will sound like a Bb, plugged into an Eb or picc. or while playing lead will it will make us sound like wimps, but not as much as an A cup does.

I prefer my 1980's vintage white canvas Chuck Taylor Converse All Stars high-tops (size 6 1/2) for basketball, as long as we play by 1950 rules and no monster 7+ footer steps on my foot. I can't afford the "Air Vulgano" model yet, (they are sure to feel light and are sturdy at the same time, but not all coaches and fans like them).

R.A.S.

As was suggested, check out the Curry BC cupped mouthpieces.
Something like a 1.5BC or 1.25BC might be a good one to try first.
Look at Mark Curry's website for the size comparison chart - then order from Dillon's Music. The pieces are inexpensive, and I think that Dillon's even has a trial program. There might be a restocking fee, though.

As for the 1.5B that I have, the rim is the worst part - not the cup depth.