aburgess

Hello everybody,

I need recommendations on purchasing a mouthpiece. I recently returned to my trumpet after taking almost 10 years off. I have picked it up from time to time over the years to mess around but have not played it regularly. I really want to be serious about this again and get back into it. I had potential when I was a kid and it didn't work out. My end goal is that I would eventually like to start a jazz trio or quartet for fun and of course play some gigs.

I have several trumpets but right now am using my Capri By Getzen. I am also using a CONN 4 mouthpiece. The trumpet is 11 years old the mouthpiece is vintage. I think it might be from the 50s or something I'm not sure. I found it on an old horn when I was a kid and fell in love with the thing. It’s the only mouthpiece I've used since the day I picked it up. The problem is the thing is KILLING me right now. I can stand to practice for about 15 minutes before I feel like I'm going to die and I start to lose it and can't blow the right notes. I use to be able to practice for hours and would every day. I know a big part of the problem is I haven't practiced regularly in years but I think a contributor to the issue is this is a harsh mouthpiece.

I feel that if I was using the right mouthpiece then I could practice longer without becoming fatigued. I don't want to spend more than $50.00 right now because of financial constraints. Any advice would be great!

I apologize if I'm not giving enough information here or if I'm asking the wrong questions, I'm a complete novice and appreciate everybody's patience!

Thanks!

Ric232

Take it from somebody who started a "comeback" after 25 years about 8 months ago: It's going to take time to build your chops up. My endurance was downright embarrassing for the first couple of months. It's better now, but I have a long way to go, and I'm practicing every day. That said, I don't know anything about your particular mouthpiece. If it's comparable to a Bach 7C, 5C or 3C, I'd say you're fine. Otherwise, try one. You can easily get one for less than $35, but hopefully you won't need to. BTW, the comparable Yamaha mouthpieces are 11B4, 14C4 and 14B4, respectively.

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Ric
Comeback Player
2009 Yamaha Xeno 8335S
1983 Mercedes II Bb Trumpet
Yamaha 14B4 (primary)
Yamaha 16C4-GP (rarely)
Bach 3C (retired)

aburgess

Thanks! No I don't think it is like the 7C or comparable yamaha pieces. It has a VERY sharp rim and is shallower I believe. Maybe I'm an idiot and if so tell me but I don't really want to screw around with a 7C because I know after a couple months I won't even use it and I never liked that mouthpiece back in the day. If the concensus is that is what I should be using then I will however. I feel like my tone is pretty good. I still am hitting a decent range of notes for taking 10 years off, I'd like something that I would get more than a couple months use out of and will help with my endurance issues....

Ursa

If the sharp rim of the Conn is bothering you, you might want to try a Vincent Bach or Blessing 3C. These models lack a sharp "bite" to the inner rim and should add to your playing comfort and endurance. The 3C is a good all-around performer, and suitable for many genres of music. The cup diameter, at 16.30 mm, is close to that of a Conn 4, which measures at 16.41 mm. So, you shouldn't have much difficulty adjusting to the 3C.

The Blessing 3C can be found online for just over $20. I have one and it is very nicely made.

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Ursa's collection of fine brasswinds...
Besson BE709 Trumpet
E. K. Blessing XL-CR Short Cornet
Frank Holton Super Collegiate Cornet, Rose Brass/Nickel bell
Conn 6E New Wonder Eb Alto Horn
Conn 4D F/Eb French Horn
Yamaha YEP-321S Euphonium
Indiana Band Instrument Co. EEb Sousaphone
Frank Holton 6/4 EEb Tuba