PART 2: How To Choose Trumpet Mouthpieces, Piccolo Trumpet Mouthpieces, & Lead Trumpet Mouthpieces

(Part 2 of a two-part article)

In part 1 of this article, I discussed the various component features of trumpet mouthpieces and what effect they have on sound and performance. I also discussed what types of mouthpieces work best for piccolo trumpet and lead trumpet playing and what types of mouthpieces work best for classical and general trumpet playing and gave some practice and playing tips for those who switch back and forth between two or more different mouthpieces.

Below, in part 2, I will discuss my own personal mouthpiece preferences, will suggest some good mouthpieces for beginner and student trumpet and cornet players, will cover a few more miscellaneous mouthpiece details, and will discuss the importance of practicing once you have found the perfect mouthpiece.

MY PERSONAL TRUMPET MOUTHPIECE PREFERENCES:

(1) FOR ME, the perfect "bigger/classical/legit" mouthpiece is: Bach 10 & 3/4 CW with a #25 throat and a #24 backbore. The rim diameter size of this mouthpiece is actually "medium-small", but the larger throat and more open backbore make the overall mouthpiece volume fairly large. It sounds like a huge mouthpiece, with a rich tone, but the smaller rim diameter actually facilitates upper register playing so that I could even use this mouthpiece for lead and piccolo trumpet playing (although not preferred for piccolo trumpet ever) as well as for all-around playing! And, I can also play on this mouthpiece for a very long time without getting tired, even when my chops are out of shape! You might like this mouthpiece too (This custom mouthpiece can be special ordered through any Bach dealer, including local and the Internet music stores mentioned above, or any other Bach dealer, or it can be ordered online directly from Bach.), OR you might prefer a similar mouthpiece with a larger rim diameter (such as a Bach 3CW with #25 throat and #24 backbore).

(2) FOR ME, the perfect "smaller specialty/piccolo/lead trumpet" mouthpiece is: A Parduba 4 & 1/2 underpart with a Bach 10 & 3/4 CW rim (First, I ordered the screw-on rim from the Bach factory, then sent it and a Parduba 4 & 1/2 mouthpiece to Bob Reeves custom trumpet & mouthpiece shop (in California) to have the Parduba rim cut off and custom machine work done to enable me to screw the Bach rim onto the Parduba underpart. If I had to play on a non-custom, stock mouthpiece for piccolo trumpet and lead trumpet playing, I would play on a Parduba 4 & 1/2 mouthpiece. In fact, I did play on this mouthpiece for many years before customizing it by changing the rim to a Bach 10 & 3/4 CW. I changed rims for two reasons: (1) It is the same rim that I use on my “big” trumpet mouthpiece, so changing between instruments is a little easier; (2) The Bach mouthpiece rim is much more comfortable. It is not as flat and sharp on the edges as the original Parduba rim. I love the Parduba double-cup mouthpiece because it gives such a full, rich, fat sound on the piccolo trumpet and on the Bb (soprano) trumpet when playing lead trumpet parts. Most other smaller specialty mouthpieces that are designed for playing piccolo or lead trumpet get such a tiny, thin sound that they make the piccolo trumpet sound like a rubber-bulb bicycle horn, and they sound stuffy in the lower register when used on the larger Bb trumpet (lead trumpet playing). It is also difficult to generate a lot of volume with them on either instrument.

(3) I do also sometimes use (in very special instances) a different mouthpiece for piccolo trumpet playing or lead playing that is extremely high, such as the Bach Second Brandenburg Concerto (piccolo trumpet) or some of those classic Billy May’s big band arrangements for Frank Sinatra (lead trumpet.) This extra-shallow, tight backbore mouthpiece is a Bob Reeves ES692SL, but with a Bach 10 ¾ CW rim put on it. (This custom screw-rim work was done for me by Bob Reeves.) This mouthpiece is similar in size and playing feel to a Schilke or Yamaha 6a4a, the same size mouthpiece that was designed and used by the late great lead trumpet player Bill Chase. I also use this mouthpiece when I am playing piccolo trumpet with a string quartet or other soft ensemble, so that I don’t over-power the ensemble with loud trumpet volume. Because of this mouthpiece’s smaller internal volume, it is easier for me to play more softly on it than it is on my “larger” Parduba piccolo/lead trumpet mouthpiece, which has a larger internal volume.

Bob Reeves makes many excellent mouthpieces for all kinds of trumpet needs, including other lead trumpet and piccolo mouthpieces that are similar to the 13A4a and 14A4a. (See the Bob Reeves website for more information.)

Jet-Tone also makes many different types of mouthpieces, but is most famous for its smaller, tighter, lead trumpet mouthpieces. (See the Jet-Tone Mouthpieces website for more information.)

MOUTHPIECES FOR BEGINNERS AND STUDENTS:

I still think that, in general, a good medium sized mouthpiece is best for beginners and younger players. Bach 5C, 6C, or 7C (or 5CW, 6CW, 7CW) is a good choice. Players with extraordinarily large lips may prefer a larger mouthpiece rim size, such as a Bach 3C.

PERFECT PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT:

Regardless of what mouthpiece or mouthpieces you finally settle on, the thing that really matters most for your playing is PRACTICE, and listening to recordings of great trumpet players and trying to imitate their tone qualities. Over the years, there have been many great players who have played on many different kinds and sizes of mouthpieces with great success. Practicing correctly and wisely (so as to always keep your lips and embouchure in good condition), and practicing regularly is even more important to your playing than what kind of mouthpiece or instrument that you play on.

And speaking of practicing: The next article that I post here will include trumpet practice tips and will include suggestions on what to practice and how to practice in order to achieve and maintain the best playing results possible.

Randy

Randy Dunn
Professional Trumpet soloist
Website: http://www.dunn2music.com
Music Video Demos: http://www.youtube.com/HoustonTrumpet