ebogga

The topic says it all. I'd like to get a picc mouthpiece with the same rim that I have in my Bach 1 1/4C which I use for everything else. I've browsed the Bach catalogue and they don't make the mpc in D cup. I'm thinking I'll have to have it custom made, but don't really know anyone locally who could do it. Can anyone please suggest someone who could make this for me? Also, how much do custom mpcs set you back generally?

I now have a Joseph Klier picc mpc with 5-2 rim, but I'm not too happy with the wider rim and smaller inner diam. Not wanting to go smaller after going through 4 - 3 - 1 1/2 and now 1 1/4. I'm open for any stock mpc suggestions, also!

rowuk

The hard part is that it is impossible to say if a perfect copy of that rim with a shallower cup will work at all for you. That depends on the cup shape, if your lips protrude into the cup and the back pressure from the mouthpiece/trumpet system.
To give yourself an idea without investing big bucks, Klier has a 1 1/2D and 1 1/2E. If you found a store with those in stock, you would at least be able to determine if your chances with the shallower cup are realistic. It is then not hard to find a Kanstul, GR, Laskey that would build you one with a 1 1/4 rim. That would take care of the "embouchure-mouthpiece" interface.

The second issue is if it is in tune with your picc. It makes little sense to invest in a mouthpiece where the upper register is sharp or flat compared to the mid register. This is a VERY big problem.
The intonation is controlled by the backbore size and throat. This is pretty individual to each picc. and not something always buyable "off of the shelf". I think all of us have spent more time finding the "perfect" picc mouthpiece than any other instrument that we own. It is definitely worth the effort.

ebogga

Great reply Rowuk!

I know that there would have to be other alterations to the mpc besides the cup depth.. It's just that I've gotten so used to the rim I'd like to try if the same rim would work if customed on a mouthpiece designed for picc.

Apart from the Klier mpcs you suggested, do you have any other ideas for picc mpcs I should try?

rowuk

ebogga,
I take a different approach to playing the picc than many others. I feel that the proportion of a picc to a trumpet is the same as a trumpet to a trombone, and that demands a smaller mouthpiece.

That feeling is backed up with the requirements of most of the picc settings which are chamber music. Generally the trumpets are too loud OR when they turn the volume down, do not have the necessary brilliance. Most of the Bach or Handel repertory are NOT trumpet concertos with choir and orchestra accompaniment. That means that players that have equipment that gives us the most colors in the dynamic range between ppp and mf have an advantage.
I used a Bach 10 1/2 C for many years on my G and Bb/a piccs until I switched to Monette. Now I am using an AP5 and BP5 which are approximately picc versions of a 7C. I NEVER have to balance a symphony orchestra or wind band with the picc, so being able to blow walls down with that horn is insignificant. The higher pitched stuff like Bolero I play on the D or my large belled G. To balance a wind band, I have a Selmer Eb trumpet.

My suggestion is to take time and try EVERYTHING that you can get your hands on. Without having your horn in my hands, it is hard to judge what is needed. I pick mouthpieces by addition and subtraction. A no to any facet of playing eliminated the piece. Put it in the horn - comfortable? Play octaves - are they in tune? Sound good? Check flexibility-OK? Check upper register, slotting.
After 5 or 10 mouthpiece trials, the real problems become apparent and then it becomes easier to sort out what works and why. Oh yeah, I almost forgot: you need to try the mouthpieces in larger acoustic spaces. A mouthpiece/horn combination reacts MUCH differently in a small room than in a large one.

mattdalton

Another option in "stock" mouthpieces for you to look into is Curry - the 1.25DE (trumpet shank) or 1.25P (cornet shank). Details about these are at the Curry web site.

Robin has given you great advice. I can't add much more except to underscore his advice to try many different mouthpieces. Don't worry about rim measurements or cup shapes, just look for the one that is the best match for your piccolo trumpet. Best of luck with your search!