conemaugh

I'm sure this question has been asked many times on this board but I'm a relative newcomer here and would like to know how a person knows when it's time to move to a larger mouthpiece (e.g., Bach sizing -- 7C, 5C, 3C, 1 1/2C...)? What is the main advantage in moving to a larger mouthpiece -- (e.g., tone, endurance...)? I don't want to open up a can of worms; if there is a thread already started on this board, please direct me to this thread. Thank you.

Tootsall

A) when curiousity gets the better of you
B) when you find that you can't get the tone/range/endurance you want out of what you are using now
C) when you want to spend more money on "horn stuff"



Really, if you are happy with what you have, why change? You can find oodles of examples of TOP professional players AND TEACHERS (!) who play and are happy with i) mouthpieces smaller than you likely use, or ii) mouthpieces much larger than you likely use and who also will promote and recommend size matching to suit. The bottom line is... what works for YOU?

rowuk

The best time to change is when you have a set goal that cannot be reached with your present equipment.

There are a kazillion threads here about mouthpieces. They all end up the same: people that recommend what they themselves play and people that urge only changing when a benefit is clear and predictable.

I think it is easy to say that a Bach 7C is a good standard mouthpiece to start with. Depending on your breathing, your chops, what you play, how much you practice, a bigger or smaller mouthpiece could perhaps offer a better compromise. That is something I leave to your trumpet teacher.
A bigger mouthpiece can give you a bigger, darker sound but will require more effort to play especially in the high register. A smaller mouthpiece can give you a brighter sound and an easier high range but you need better control of your chops to keep them from swelling and filling up the mouthpiece, cutting off your tone.
There are almost as many brands/sizes of trumpet mouthpieces as players and the search for the optimum mouthpiece has ruined many.
This is why my opinion is:
The best time to change is when you have a set goal that cannot be reached with your present equipment. That is something that can be objectively answered.

conemaugh

Savvy advice. I joined this forum in January and always read your posts as they are very insiteful and well atriculated.

The mouthpiece delimma that confronts me is that I'd like to purchase a new trumpet and the manufacturer recommends using their mouthpiece on their brand. Obviously, it's my decision to use their mouthpiece or not but I don't want to compromise the sound and control of the trumpet using a mouthpiece that is not recommended by the manufacturer. I might add that the manufacturer is not saying I can't use my existing mouthpiece on their brand, but suggest that I will experience the true benefit of the horn by using their brand mouthpiece.

I do not have a music teacher. I'm a comeback player playing at the high intermediate level. I played the trumpet through college and also played a G bugle in drum & bugle corps for many years. I currently play in several community bands and play taps for veterans who are in need of a "bugler." I do love playing the trumpet and need a new horn.

I appreciate your input. Thank you.

rowuk

There is only one brand of trumpet where the mouthpiece is tied to the instrument and that is Monette on the larger shank models (normal mouthpieces do not even fit!), Schilke made that claim also but I do not know any Schilke players with Schilke mouthpieces anymore.
This claim by any other manufacturer for any reason should be taken with a grain of salt.
I do play Monette mouthpieces and would use them on any horn where I thought they worked. I know of several GR, Bach, Warburton....... players with exactly the same position. They can all describe what the mouthpiece does for them and in most cases I believe it!
I do not recommend switching mouthpieces when you switch horns. Your brain has enough to do to get used to the new sound and playing characteristics. Stick with what has worked for you. Once you have acclimated to the new horn, then you could venture off into unknown territories - IF you had a goal that you could not achieve with the existing setup!
If the sound of the "new" horn with your mouthpiece is not "right", it is the wrong horn! If you are not happy with your mouthpiece, you need to solve that before researching for a new horn. That would move the purchase out for at least a year!

conemaugh

You make a valid point -- I'll keep my current mouthpiece and focus on purchasing a new trumpet. I've been using the same mouthpiece for over 40 years.

Monette -- In my dreams...

Thanks for your advise.

Tootsall

You may discover that with a new horn you need to change the mouthpiece... but not for the reason you suspect. Different horns will have the receiver adjusted differently and the end gap can be critical in obtaining the desired accuracy of intonation and sense of resistance, or "impedance". THAT should be the primary reason for changing mouthpiece... it has to do with the shank of the mouthpiece and matching the backbore size/shape up with the characteristics of the leadpipe and has virtually nothing to do with the diameter/depth/shape of the cup.

JAM393

I recently purchased a new to me Calicchio. I have been a Bach and Schilke mp guy for years and now am a bit concerned that what I have is not a good fit for my new horn. How do I check the gap to make sure I have the correct mp fit with my horn?? I have a Reeves on the way to try and also a Stork mp. From what I understand the Reeves and Calicchio are a great match...?? Thanks,
Joe

rowuk

Rule one:
don't get worried until you have reason to
Rule two: see rule one

If you are a Bach/Schilke guy and still have your old horn, you have something to play even if EVERYTHING goes wrong with the Calicchio. I would not even consider doing anything until the horn is there!
Changing mouthpiece and horn at the same time is an easy way to completely screw up your playing.
Consistent playing is a function of habits that we have learned over time. Changing more than one factor at a time makes no sense except in an emergency.
There is NO PREDICTABLE GREAT MATCH FOR YOU, except what you have right now!