spitvalvejr6

I recently bought a Monette BL4 S6 trumpet mouthpiece as played by Patrick Hession. Hated it. I now play a BL6. Do anyone or has anyone played either of these mouthpieces? And what did you think of them.

Jimi Michiel

Spitvalvejr6---

It's expensive to go on a mouthpiece safari when you use Monette equipment. Your best bet for purchasing a Monette mouthpiece if you're not completely sure about what size to get is to find a dealer who will let you try out a few before you plunk down the cash. You might spend some money on gas, but it's worth it to find the right mouthpiece.

-Jimi

spitvalvejr6

Thanks. I did test out the BL6 that is why I bought it and use it now. I like it. However, did not try the BL4 S6 and it was really weird. It had a bent shank on it and I have no idea why? Does anyone know?

Sterling

I am playing on a Prana B6 Slap mouthpiece at this time. I am amazed at the difference in response from this mouthpiece after playing a regular B6. It works great for solo work, brass quintet, classical. I am currently playing Brahms Requiem with it on a rotary Bflat and it works great.

spitvalvejr6

Nice! I hear mixed reviews about Monette trumpet mouthpieces. I like them. i forgot to mention that the BL4 S6 was a Prana. The throat was huge on it but that was the problem I had with it. I cannot find anywhere why the shank is bent on the thing but it is made that way for some reason. Im glad you enjoy your mouthpiece.

bagmangood

The shank was bent in order to allow the player to hold the horn (and the bell) out to the audience while still pointing one's head down. An optimum usage of airflow can be attained in this way. I don't think the BL4 S6 comes standard that way but it could be.
If the mouthpiece was a Prana piece, then that could have been part of your problem. Some people don't use their body efficiently enough to make it work properly.
I've been playing on a monette piece since my sophomore year in high school, and it took me about a year and a half to get fully accustomed to it.

Pedal C

Patrick Hession uses a bent mouthpiece to keep the bell up without having to tilt his head. I tried a bent mpc for a little while and it screwed me up a little...it's not for everyone. I think most people know almost instantly if the bend will work for them.

spitvalvejr6

Yeah, they dont work for me either. I just wonder if there is some other reason as to wahy its bent. The BL4 S6 pespecially. Hession does not have a downward airstream, he plays pretty straight. It may have something to do with taking pressure off the top lip.

B15M

The mouthpiece is bent because the first guy or gal that had it wanted it bent. It doesn't do any weird thing to the sound. It just lets you hold the trumpet bell up a little more.

As far as the size, I played on a BL4 and gave it away. Actually it's supposed to come back. Anyway, it didn't work for me at all because it didn't fit. It had nothing to do wit the make. If the other one fits you, that's the answer.

spitvalvejr6

I never said it did anything weird to the sound. I read somewhere that it could have something to do with taking the pressure of the top lip. I know it helps horn angle but for a player, like me, who does not need help with horn angle it hurt me more than helped me.