Irith

So I'm a HS trumpet player, and next year I'm going to be pretty much the best trumpet left in marching band...and I played second part this year. First part is going to be a drastic change, so I'm looking for a lead mouthpiece.
I'm pretty open to most anything that is reasonably priced (i.e. under $100).
I currently play a Bach 3C for everything, though I do have a 7C and 5B, neither of which I really like.
I was thinking of a 14a4a (either Schilke or Yamaha...is there much difference between the two?) or a 3D/3E.
Any suggestions?
Also, kindly refrain from the whole practice-a-lot speech. I know that's the best thing. I'm mainly wanting more endurance in the high register I already have, rather than gaining a few notes.

Mark Bradley

Well... you can start by not even thinking about this sort of thing and practice more (just kidding), while this notion is true to a point I get weary of that sort of blow hard stuff as well. A person needs the right tool for the job and lead pieces exist for a reason. There are always exceptions, I have a friend that plays killer lead using a Bach 1C no less, but it's something he's stuck with for, like 3 decades. I'd be dead before I get to an A. To answer your questions, the Yamahas tend to run about one size smaller than Schilke. I know a heck of a lot more users of the 14A4a derivatives than Bach 3D's. For better or worse the 14A4a is probably the most popular lead mouthpeice on the planet, and I suppose for good reasons (most of whom are former 3C users that have sold their soul-- kidding again, sort of) I've tried them and my sound is like a kazoo-- guess the devil has no use for me and for what I gain in range just isn't worth the horrible sound, however I know other players that have a tolerable sound with 14A4a's. The Marcinkiewcz Vizutti is like a shallow 3C but again, be prepared for a really, really bright sound.

Since everybody reacts differently to mouthpieces I'd really hesitate to say "this is the one you should try." But having said that the Marcinkiewicz Shew 1.5 is a nice piece (used by Wayne Bergeron) and it has a pretty good tone. A little smaller rim than your 3C but very nice. But there are so, so many lead pieces out there. Since Maynard ruined it for the rest of us the market is flooded with screamer type pieces. Go to Dillons or Brasswind and order a few that look promising for trial so you can send them back (less postage, the only way to go when experimenting), and start throwing the dart and hope it eventually sticks, so to speak.

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Vulgano Brother

You might wish to consider the Yamaha series. For lead, the 14A4a or 14B4, and the 14C4 for normal band stuff. Not too expensive, middle of the road kind of mouthpieces.

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rowuk

I have my doubts that a lead mouthpiece is the right thing for marching band. You beat your face up when marching and the lips will swell. A very shallow mouthpiece will not give you much room for that swelling.
Instead of the 3C, a 7C may give more reliable results than a shallow mouthpiece. I consider the 14A4A to be pretty "specialist" and it does not work for many players as their lips bottom out. A 3D or 3E is also a consideration, but you will not know until you try. I am afraid that without knowing you, we are just guesstimating based on nothing. You will just have to try out a bunch of mouthpieces and tell us what worked for you!

I am sure that someone has a 7c kicking around that you can try for free! The slightly deeper cup gives you a measure of tolerance when marching and the smaller rim should aid endurance (provided you practice enough!).

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Whenever I feel blue, I start breathing again.

johnmarkpainter

I REALLY like the Curry 3Z.
It isn't an extremely Shallow MPC but has a loud bright focused tone and a comfortable rim.

jmp

Jeff23

Definitely stick with your 3C. Based on the sounds of it, you know what you need to do and have the time to learn to do it on your current MP. I changed around my mouthpieces a few times in HS too, even getting a Monette at one point. Nothing will play the horn for you until you can play it yourself -- that is, mouthpieces will not give you range or endurance. They can only help you do what you already can do (if you pick the right one). Practice with big air (trust me the 3C can handle it, since that is all I use) and lots of time with the horn off your mouth. When you practice properly, you can practice all day -- for two reasons: (1) you let the air do the work for you, (2) you rest so much during your practice sessions that you don't get tired. Number 2 is usually the hardest rule for anyone to follow. It took me years to really understand the implications. We usually just want to plow forward and practice more. That's not good. The best range builder in my opinion is the Clarke studies. Just start at the bottom and keep going as high as possible right off the page (with good sound) with tons of rest between each one.

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"You've always told me that trumpet players are 90% mental, 9% hot air, and 1% lips." -- Wife of a trumpet player.
Bach Stad 37 #137xxx
Curry 3C - Lead/Solo
Schilke 15 - Orchestra

Jumpinj

If you want a Yamaha 14a4a, I have one in the GP series I'd sell reasonable. It didn't fit me right and I ended up using the Schilke 12a4a for Marching.

__________________
Horns:

Bach 180ML 37 Strad w M/K rounded Sterling tuning slide
Stomvi Mambo
72 Olds Super Star Ultra Sonic-- Original and near mint condition
79 B&S Exquisit B-flat

Mouthpieces:

Monette B4S
Monette B4L
Bach 1.5C in GP
Shilke 12A4a

wiseone2

The strongest players are usually the most efficient in their approach to the instrument. Work on control of air. Use less pressure when playing.
A friend was at West Point at the same time as Mel Broiles. He spoke of Mel spending time practicing on the Parade Grounds.
I'm sorry to tell you this, but, if you practice smart your endurance and range are going to soar. The magic aint in the metal, it's in you.
Practice!
Wilmer

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Be sure Brain is engaged before putting Mouthpiece in gear.
S.Suark 1951

TAMUmpower

I marched a 3C on 1st part in HS. Ive always played better lead on big mouthpieces. I havent had the best endurance or a "sound" that stuck out, however i was always able to put so much air through it i could play louder than everyone anyway. Honestly depending on the program, i would just recommend playing on your 3c and just rest during the band parts that arent important. You know...the background crap you have to play which the flutes get their moment. I did lead marching for 4 years of HS and part of college on big mouthpieces like 3C and 1.5c by resting and letting the lower part of the section take care of the unimportant stuff and they coming in and tearing apart the lead part. if i can do that with my somewhat puny endurance, you can.

spitvalvejr6

For marching I assume you want a deeper mouthpiece to get a fuller sound. I play in big bands and jazz so I use a small mouthpiece for lead work. A mouthpiece that I think could do you well though is a 6A4A shilke. It is shallow and will help you with the lead part but it does not constrict your sound quality or power. At least for me it didnt. I now play on a Monette BL6 but that is way to shallow for any marching band.