Magnusverdixon

Hey Tony ...

I recently tried to go back to a more conventional mouthpiece and could not do it. Back to my Prana. Did you get to try a few ... your thoughts?

kadleck

Yes, Dave tells me that they're a whole different animal. We spoke a few weeks back, but I haven't received anything yet. Hopefully they'll be on the way soon - I'm looking forward to trying them.

Tony

BergeronWannabe

Do you play Monettes now? If I may ask, how did you find what was right for you? I'm on a bit of a hunt as it were...trying stuff but not really progressing.
Also, with so many good companies out there- GR, Curry, Warburton, Stork, etc. aren't they all basically the same?
Thanks,
-Andrew

kadleck

I do play a B5LM. Several years ago, I ran into Dave Monette, he looked at my mouthpiece (a custom Schilke, made my Laskey) and said, "Wow - I don't have anything this size - can I modify it and make it a "model"?" It was based on my cup, but Dave did his stuff to it and it came out great. He's been really good to me ever since. I'm sure there are some great mouthpieces out there, but I've been with Dave for several years and things seem to be working, so I'm set.

Tony

rowuk

None of the mouthpieces are the same. Many of the manufacturers use "existing" technology and calculations to do the job. Some have better math to work out problems. Some like Dave Monette, do things completely different. What is best for a player is a combination of many factors - some of which many people are not even aware of!
The playing differences have been documented many times. It is safe to say that all of the reputable manufacturers have great players using their product to great advantage. They have the strength and routine and equipment to make things happen in their own way.
I know of no way that an internet doctor could recommend an optimum mouthpiece. That is something for you and a second set of ears that you trust to decide. Make sure that you try that new mouthpiece in the environment that you will perform in - a music store will not give you the complete picture!
The Monette mouthpieces (especially the Pranas) are so different, that I am not surprised that a short term test of another brand is not convincing. That does not make the other brands inferior. It shows that that type of test proves nothing. I have played Monette mouthpieces since 1997.
I am happy.

BergeronWannabe

I guess that is my question exactly. I don't know what factors are involved?
Ok, maybe this can work- why did you choose Monette in 97? Or Tony, before your change- what about the custom Schilke/Laskey did you like and what was better when you switched?
Thanks much,
-Andrew

kadleck

Andrew -

I think the main thing I noticed was a fuller, warmer sound. I don't know if this was due to the throat size (24), or Dave's "voodoo" (as some call it), but it was certainly a rounder sound. I actually had no complaints about my schilke, and had Dave never approached me I may have never known the difference. But I'm glad that he did!

However, I'm still playing a "standard" Monette. I think that the Prana is probably a completely different animal. I look forward to trying them soon.

Tony

BergeronWannabe

Tony,
Thanks so much for your responses and willingness to help! Your comments are so beneficial. Alot of good information here to digest and think about.
Guess I'll have to check out Dave's pieces...just one more question if I may- is your model "standard" to your custom specs, or a stock piece?
Thanks again,
-Andrew

rowuk

Andrew,
I was playing a Schilke 18 and a Bach 10 1/2C for lead/piccolo before I switched to Monette. I was very happy with the mouthpieces. I had a couple of friends with Monette trumpets that I played, and fell in love with the sound, intonation and overall playability. My Bach was due for its 3rd overhaul and I decided to save the money and take the plunge and ordered the trumpet of my dreams. Monette sent some sample mouthpieces in advance and I never looked back. If I ever had a question, I just sent it to Monette and got (and still get) top quality advice.
What changed? Tone color (more brilliant), resonance (thicker sound), intonation, endurance. Switching from the "standard" Monette to the Prana was the same change again with gains in all of those categories. The Prana does demand a very "relaxed" approach to playing. You do not pick it up and immediately become 500% better.
Read the Monette FAQs on body use and mouthpiece acclimatisation you will get an idea what you need. They have very good information even if you are using other equipment!
The road to better playing has more to do with expanding your knowledge base and less to do with one specific brand. Dave Monette and his crew just relieve me of having to know everything before making a choice! They have never been wrong in my case!

kadleck

Andrew -

I actually play a B5LM. It's just a bit deeper than the stock B5L, and I'm sure that it could be ordered in either configuration. As always, try before you buy - especially when spending that much money.

Tony