TrentAustin

As you might know I'm a huge fan of Mark's mouthpieces. When I sent him an email to ask about ordering a set of Lexan mouthpieces do to a recent doctor's visit (and subsequent realization of my allergies to silver and gold rims) he said I needed to try his new "TC" prototype. TC stands for Trumpet-Cornet mouthpiece. I've used the TF on duo/trio gigs when I didn't want to bring my flug, had to play extremely soft, or have super swollen chops (most likely due to my allergies now that to my doc!) I have been in love with the TF piece for a long time and he said that this might be an improvement over the TF.

Well, needless to say that was the understatement of the millenium. The upper register is solid up to an F, the ping is much more present than on the TF, and I don't feel any loss in the "depth of sound". WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW!

I just received the piece (literally at 2PM) and have to share a clip with you all... mind you this is my first real attempt at playing a Lexan-rimmed mouthpiece. The recording was made on my Zoom H4 (utilizing the internal mics) and has zero studio sweetening or reverb. I put the recorder a few feet from my bell and just tooted on the new mouthpiece.

I couldn't think anyone could make the perfect mouthpiece but Mark just might have changed my mind.


I'm going to post some studio quality clips with my ribbon mic tomorrow but here's the first low-fi taste:

http://trentaustin.com/soundclips/YDKWLI.mp3

Stay tuned for more clips. And if you want to order the piece I think it comes out in March of this year.

No, I'm not a paid endorser... I'm just a HUGE HUGE fan of his work. I can't wait to get my next order of all Lexan Rimmed mouthpieces.

his site is Curry Precision Mouthpieces

Thanks a million Mark!
-T

mattdalton

Nice sound, Trent!

I'll bet that your sound files will sell a few new TC mouthpieces for Mark, so hopefully he'll give you a price break on all of the Lexan-rimmed mouthpieces you're ordering.

Seriously though...I know you'll get many compliments when performing (especially ballads) with that mouthpiece. It really seems to suit your solo playing well. Have fun with it!

TrentAustin

Thanks for checking the clip out!

I play what truly moves me to play and while I have a full compliment of horns I'm finally realizing that FOR me Mark makes the best mouthpieces for my chops.

I'm very happy to give him business and I love sending him clips for his ears. It's only because I love his products so much I'd do that. I'm selling all of my metal mouthpieces over the next month or so and that will easily offset the cost of the lexan pieces. Plus it isn't like they are 300 bucks a piece, his prices are extremely fair. (I'm not suggesting a price increase!)

Thanks again for checking the clips out. I can only imagine how this piece will sound with more than TWO hours playing time on it!

Best,

t

Richard Oliver

Trent,

Listening to clips now. Nice pedal do, wha, de, do.

Sound great, low register really warm and centered. Not diffuse.

Yes. Sounds great.

Plastic was comfy on my chops. Warm. Almost feels pre-warmed up." Sort of.

It's great to be part of your sincere enthusiam and watch all this transpire.

Richard Oliver

TrentAustin

Thanks again for the kind words. I'm absolutely flipping about this piece.

I have always had some slight inflammation to my chops but it wasn't until I started losing weight (down about 35 lbs since July of last year, got a bunch more to go!) that I noticed more inflammation. The mouthpiece kept "biting" into my chops and at points it hurt actually. I LOVE to practice and wanted to figure out why. One of my friends suggested I was allergic, so I called my doc and he said the same. (I'm also allergic to Penicillin (sp?) and Strawberries of all things).

He said while it might not be a true "allergy" that I try wood or plastic rims (he used to play trombone in HS). He also suggested that since I've lost weight and "cleaned" up my diet (BIG TIME) that I might be more sensitive to toxins in my system. And I thought McDonald's wasn't bad for you

I played the Kelly pieces for a while and that really helped my embouchure sensitivity. I didn't get enough projection and weight to the sound so I called Mark. He really hooked me up with this TC and is making me a whole line of other Lexan pieces. I can tell you my chops have NEVER felt better. I know most people won't stumble onto a great solution like I have. I was getting to the point where I thought I better get my piano chops in shape for when my trumpet chops teeter out!

So here's another clip you all to enjoy. It's a little more "heady" but shows the mouthpiece off with a little more practice.

Best,

T

www.trentaustin.com/soundclips/steps.mp3

Dave

..

TrentAustin

waka waka waka

note360

Wow these TC and TF look good. Are they any different than a regular Trumpet mouthpeice (in feel like are they completely different).

My one question is, are the TCs edgy enough to pull of Ska. Also, are they suitable for classical music? Thank you, I am looking into getting a new mpc w/ my birthday money (after NYSSMA). Then adjusting to it at least a bit. I am not a fan of my lead piece, because it is odd to use it just for one thing and also its to edgy for when I switch off to a lower piece, even I hearhow much I stand out.

TrentAustin

That all depends on how loud you must play. I find the TC to work well if I'm amplified and if I'm in need to play really softly acoustically. If you aren't mic'ed up for your Ska stuff it might be too much cup volume to handle playing REALLY loud all night on.

I actually played a show on it last weekend (playing 1st) because I was getting the dreaded "hand" to play softer.

Let me know if you have more questions.

T

note360

Sounds good. I am deciding between the two extremes (and a mid). I am either gonna go for a TC (when it comes out), a C or a Z cup.