dkelley

I notice on the Monette web page that all of their mouthpieces are gold plated. I find this interesting because I've heard people say that the difference in grip between gold and silver plating effects some people's playing. Some people have a strong preference for one or the other. Does Monette have a theory about mouthpieces or embouchures that makes him only make his with gold plating? Why not offer both gold and solver plating?

I'm just curious.

Dale Proctor

Probably uses gold plating to help justify the price. Even the cheap-o mouthpieces you buy are silver plated, so gold lends an air of exclusivity.

Jimi Michiel

David,

Just give them a call and ask them yourself. Monette has the best customer service in the business. Just ask for Dean Comley, he's always done a great job answering my questions.

Jimi

PS. I just got my new STC-3 Prana C1-2 S3 in the mail today and it plays incredibly!!! Not to start a big arguement, but I'd rather pay more and have something I'm really comfortable with than save a buck and get a mouthpiece that's almost perfect for me. If you feel comfortable on a $30 Bach mouthpiece, great! I guess I just have expensive taste

Tootsall

While understanding your question about "grip", there are a few reasons why I personally like gold-plated mouthpieces;
1) They look cool
2) It matches the finish of my horn! (a silver m/p on a gold horn just looks tacky)
3) It just feels better to me than silver
4) Once you've sprung the coin for a new horn, why not spend the extra to get it gold plated? It's kind of like... "might as well spec. out a nice set of wheels on the new car".

Having said that, if you like the feel or appearance of silver, then get silver... isn't it great that we've got the choice?

trumpetmike

I would guess that the price justification suggestion is a good one, but I am very cynical.

I use gold plate on my flugel, but am not such a fan on trumpet/piccolo/cornet - I wish there was some logic behind it, but I haven't found one yet

rowuk

There are several reasons for at least offering gold:
it is chemically inert and doesn't tarnish
it is "smoother" than silver and I feel it has less grip
I used to get small sores at the corner of my mouth, a teacher recommended trying a gold plated mouthpiece (at that time a Schilke 18), I tried, it worked and I haven't had a sore since. Could be coincidence, but never change a working system.
I have worked with Dave Monette since 1997 and have never been dissappointed. What he and his team has recommended has worked well for me. I just trust him.
I have an 85 year old mentor that still plays on his unplated brass mouthpiece - he has been for 70 years - that works too (very well i might add).

cyber_shake

* I agree gold looks better ... but is does feel 'slicker' and as much as I like looking at it, I personally feel more comfortable with a silver mouthpiece.

* BTW - I play with 'dry' chops (so I don't like slick)

* IMHO - if possible, try a gold one (of whatever you play now) and see if you like 'the feel' before going deeper into your pocket.

NYTC

From what I heard,Gold plating will warm up faster on your lips,smoother surface,and of course,looks really cool.....

Alex Yates

Aside from looks, it really is the feel. If you like an anchored feeling, then silver is probably the way to go. If you like a smoother surface that permits a bit of "floating" on the air and vibration, go with gold. I play gold on the big horns, but stick with silver for my piccolo playing.

John P

I could've sworn I saw a picture on the Monette website of a guy with a Monette horn with a silver STC-3 mouthpiece. I'll look around and see if I can find it.