AJcarter

Hi there everyone,

it's been awhile since i've posted so i'll get right to the point.

I play on a bach 3C and 3B. I am now starting to play in more orchestra situations and am looking to try some mouthpieces. if possible, ones with interchangeable backbores and cups.

Ideally,i would like to keep the 3C size and have one for a concert band/quintet and orchestra situations.

the different makers im looking to try are Curry, Laskey, Hammond, greg black, Parke and the schilke symphony series. if anyone has info or experience on these pieces i would like to know your opinion.

thank you very much,

Alex Carter

nplotts1

No offense, but if it ain't broke why fix it? A Bach 3C is fine for orchestra, however if you are really wanting to try some, I think you should definitely add Dennis Wick to your list of brands, they are nice mouthpieces imo.

PSH

I agree with nplotts. Is there a specific problem you're having with your current set up? If not then I'd say just save yourself the time and money and stick with what you have.


~PSH

rowuk

I am not a fan of interchangeable part mouthpieces. They can't really be optimized for anything!

Post like yours always make me snicker. A trumpet player willing to change but no specifics. That always makes me think that a decision like this is treated like changing underwear or socks (or brand of toilet paper).

My take: if you have not done some EXTENSIVE soul searching and analysis of your own playing, the chances of finding something better are about 0%. If a mouthpiece change is due for my students or myself, I know exactly why - and it NEVER has anything to do with range. It takes at least 1 to 6 months to "try out" a mouthpiece. The brands you mentioned will cover the next 10 years or so

Vulgano Brother

You might want to consider the Warburton mouthpieces--good for all styles, and not too expensive. They have a range of products that cover all styles, and not too expensive, either.

AJcarter

I respect and thank you for your opinion. perhaps I wasn't clear in my initial post (and after review I was not) what I've always heard was that Bach mouthpieces are all inconsistent with each other in rim and cup sizes. (whether this is true or not, I do not know.) so I would like to try other brands that ARE more consistent.

Specifically, I am looking for an orchestral mouthpiece to get that wonderful warm, yet edgy when needed sound. I find that If i push too much on my stock 3C, it tends to get bright or blatty. so thats my problem: i want a more orchestral mouthpiece, to analyze further? probably something with a larger throat and backbore. (and as with you, range is not my problem. from pedal C to G above high C is always there, whatever piece I play on)

as for trying a mouthpiece, I understand there is a honeymoon period which you need to get past, but that may not be as long for some players. I find it takes me 2-3 weeks before I can determine whether a piece will really work for me in the long run or not. knowing the size only eliminates trying out ALL the mouthpieces they offer.

I forgot warburton, thanks Vulgano brother. and on that note, interchangeable mouthpieces are made this way so you can make it to fit your need. I'd say that's as close to optimizing as possible.

tedh1951

Robin, Is there a toilet trend happening in your last couple of posts? Are you well? I quiet like PLAYING in the bathroom, just to get a variation in the feel of the room - but the toilet ......?

camelbrass

Please Ted, no 'dunny' jokes.

Regards,


Trevor

tedh1951

Thanks for the reminder Trevor, I think you caught me in time, although we Aussies are quite fond of "toilet humour".

Vulgano Brother

Interesting. My experience has been that by using different backbores I could optimize each rim and cup combination to different horns by using different backbores, and on the same horn for different styles. I had a chamber music and orchestral set-up for my Bb and C, and knew other players that used the same shallow cup and rim for lead and piccolo playing, while using different backbores.

True, Monette's mouthpieces are built for each pitch of trumpet, but we don't all play Monette trumpets, and Monette mouthpieces don't always work on all "conventional" trumpets. I think the Warburton system is fantastic for a low cost mouthpiece safari--there are no gimmicks involved with Warburton; nothing freakish either.

I would think that having more variables (and field tested ones at that) would be a good thing.

I guess.