frontlinemorgue

last year i did a solo and the judge wrote down on my score sheet a trumpet mouthpiece that he suggested i got and i lost the sheet but i know the it was 10 1/2 but i dnt remember if it was 10 1/2 dw or d or cw all of those numbers came to my head when i was going to purchase a new one the judge told me it would help me reach higher notes so does neone know which one would be the best for higher notes. thanks chris

tm_webmaster

http://www.bachloyalist.com/mouthpieces_models_trpt.htm

This a good reference. Also has the text descriptions of the different models you refer. As with any mouthpiece, best to try it out in person.

rowuk

I think a judge does a large injustice to a student by recommending a mouthpiece blind! There is NO WAY that a suggestion like that can have any substance!
High notes need a combination of things that have nothing to do with the mouthpiece: proper breath support and technique, developed embouchure, proper posture and body use. A mouthpiece choice comes AFTER the other issues have at least been addressed.
The recommendation is an indication however, that he thought that your high notes sound strained. It would probably be sensible to spend some time with your teacher doing some breathing/range exercizes!
The 10 1/2 is one of the smallest Bach mouthpieces, a D is a relatively shallow cup and a W means wide rim. This is one of the last mouthpieces I would ever want to handicap a student with. It would limit the tone, flexibility and development of just about any type of player that I have ever been aquainted with. I give the judge a failing score even if he thought he was doing you a favor. Don't bother looking for that mouthpiece!
Still, work on your breathing and range - it never hurts! There are many good posts here about that!

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Whenever I feel blue, I start breathing again.

BudBix

If you are having trouble with the upper register it could be the mouthpiece or it could be your playing (breathing most likely). Hard for anyone to say unless they are a professional trumpeter giving you lessons. It doesn't hurt to try a couple of different pieces to check if you have the best match though.

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Men govern nothing with more difficulty than their tongues, and can moderate their desires more than their words. - Baruch Spinoza

B15M

How does the judge know what you were playing on?

What if you were playing on a 17 C ? Did he want you to go smaller or bigger?

Just a thought.

tom turner

Forget the judge's suggestions.

Unless you had a few lessons with him/her, and unless you'd discussed your current mouthpiece particulars and "challenges," I cannot believe that a judge would necessarily be in the position to give someone a good suggestion.

T.

Dale Proctor

The judge probably suggested a Bach 10-1/2 C. It's one of the more popular Bach sizes, and isn't really that small in the world of trumpet mouthpieces. I've been able to get a very nice tone and both a good low and high range with one (although I regularly play a 3C). One could work well for you, and it could also be a waste of money. You never know 'till you try.

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Brass Band of Huntsville
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