Mouthpiece Comparison: Do Smaller Mouthpieces Help High Range?
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- Опубліковано 19 кві 2018
- The answer, quite frankly, is no. They do not. Particularly when you're used to larger mouthpieces, switching to a small one can (at least in the short term) worsen both extremes. You could theoretically adjust to this, though you'd be dealing with a smaller, less vibrant sound than on a larger mouthpiece.
As for brands: yes, it is somewhat 'easier' to play high on the Reeves 43C and Yamaha Shew. They slot a bit easier than a Bach or Blessing up in the stratosphere. However, there are minor differences.
Him- your not a trumpet player if you dont have 7 mouthpieces
Me with six- i am now clinical depression
Me, owning 20 mouthpieces and still being a mediocre player because they don't help- I am now clinical depression
Sam, you are good! not just mediocre lol.
Then there is me with 6 but only use 2 but only 1 typically for all lead work. LOUD 88a aka Patrick 88s. The other is a Legends about the same size. I have ZERO issues in any range. Diameters are supposed to best fit the lip contours and best feel. This lie of bigger means better is just that. A myth.
I've iterally played on a 5c since 5th grade now that I've switched to a 3c my range has improved so much😂
3c is a bigger mouthpiece
heres a challenge: survive a day playing on a bach 20c
challlenge acccepterd
Ah yes, the needle’s eye! I tried it once and felt like my chops were getting in the way of the air.
You didn’t really answer the question, and what you did answer was simply this, that YOU PERSONALLY don’t have an easier time in the upper register with smaller pieces.
The vast majority of players WILL PLAY EASIER with smaller diameters and shallower cups. They require using more efficient and correct approach to playing in the upper register, but reward you with vastly increased endurance.
You are incredibly talented, keep it up man!
What did you want him to do? Gather 100 players for a test and keep a spreadsheet of the results? That isn't realistic, especially for a teen kid.
As a 17 year old (with lips on the smaller size), what high note mouthpiece would you suggest I try? I was borrowing my private teacher's Yamaha Japan TR11 for lead trumpet in jazz but had to give it back (it worked well for me). Because it was an older model, I couldn't find one to purchase (I also bought the newer model but it felt way different). My range is also pretty much capped at a high D at the moment. Thanks!
Thanks for the comment, Max! If you like the Yamaha line, check out their 11B4. It's about the same size as the TR11 width-wise, but a tad shallower to give you an edge on the higher harmonics. For smaller lips, some of the Bach 'W' mouthpieces are a good choice. My friend loves the 10-3/4EW, so maybe check that one out. I'm not the best person to ask because I have large lips and play on larger mouthpieces, but for softer or thinner lips you generally want a rim with more curvature and maybe a bit more cushion, like the W models from the Bach line. Hope this helps and good luck!
Great comparison! Is your Bach 1 1/2A a special order? I've never heard of a 1 1/2A.
Thanks James! It’s a pretty rare mouthpiece. I just so happened to find it on eBay through good fortune.
Just wondering what did you do to expand your range?
Lots of octave slurs, focusing on air speed rather than volume, and moreover compression of the abdominal muscles. I really tried my hardest not to fuss about what my chops were doing above the staff and it really helped me. It's all about directing your air.
Hey, so I’m about your age & I’ve been playing trumpet for about 3 years now. Before braces & during marching season, my range was pedal G, and pushing GG and and occasional AA (mind this was the beginning of my freshman year). However, when I got my braces on, my range dropped significantly; down to about 3rd space C. I’ve been trying to redevelop my range, but I’m stuck at overtone D, any tips?
P.S.
I was playing on a Yamaha 11B4 (what I used to use for my marching horn) & then I started using a Bach 7C, and now I’m using a Bach 5C. Should I move closer to a lead mouthpiece? (Like Schilke, Bobby Shew, Bob Reeves, Wayne Burgeron, etc.)
Here’s the thing: I get this a lot, and my answer is always let the high range come on its own. Focus on staying open in the mid-high register so you don’t mess up your chops. If you can by any means avoid it, do not use a lead mouthpiece. You can play high on any mouthpiece (I actually prefer to do it on bigger, slightly deeper mouthpieces.) My advice would be to maybe try something like a 3C. The Bobby Shew Jazz and Reeves 43C are actually great alternatives in this case because they’re only slightly shallower, not like a true “lead” mouthpiece. Hope this helps. If you have any questions feel free to ask, and best of luck
Going through braces myself, I can honestly tell you that using the mouthpiece that's most comfortable to you will work. Playing up in the high register, for any length of time, can be painful - so if you find that a lead mouthpiece gives you the most comfort in all areas, then use it. Patience is a trumpet players worst enemy - try to be patient, and practice! *also as a side note: be patient when you get your braces off as well. Your range won't come right back because your embouchure has adjusted to playing with braces. Allow yourself time to get back into that embouchure. Happy playing!
Hey, quick question, what trumpet do you use? Great vid btw
Thank you! I use a Yamaha YTR-8310Z.
I went from a Bach 3c to a yamaha bobby shew jazz. More ease and more comfort but less full sound. I'm asking you the difference between the two, in your opinion. I only play jazz, but nothing very high. Which one do you prefer and which mouthpiece do you use? You can increase the tone of your notes low with the study? This bobby jazz suffers on the low notes
The Shew is slightly shallower than a Bach 3C, more like a 3D, but it also has a more comfortable rim and better backbore, in my opinion. If you mostly play jazz, I think the Shew is a good mouthpiece to stick with. Low register issues likely mean you haven't become used to the mouthpiece yet. Have patience for a few weeks, and you will find you learn to approach the mouthpiece more efficiently. You may simply need to spend a little more time with the shallower cup. If, after a few more weeks, the low register does not improve, then you are like me and benefit from deeper mouthpieces, and you might consider switching back to the 3C.
You might not have one, but what’s your opinion on jet tone mouthpieces?
I tried a Studio 10S model once, and while it was amazing fun to mess around on and it added a lot of 'sparkle' to my sound, I paid the price in severely compromised low notes. My low range is bad enough on big mouthpieces, so I'm hesitant to play on anything excessively small or shallow.
From my experience, they help with your stamina up high, but not with actually reaching the notes
That's fair. Endurance is harder on my new Schilke 24 (imagine a 0C!) than even my 1-1/2A that I use for all-around playing.
Depends what you mean by "easier".
The short answer is yes, the longer answer is that like anything else you have to practice enough and become proficient in using smaller IDs first - once done, absolutely it's easier (less effort, better endurance, better accuracy and focus).
In short, there's a good reason the vast majority of serious/professional lead players use small diameters.
But absolutely this takes acclimatisation first, you can't expect to just pick it up and reap the benefits without practice.
Ps. More vibrant sounds up there go to the small pieces every time
For non-lead players like myself (I mainly play classical, believe it or not, I need a more vibrant sound in the middle and low register, thus why I use larger mps
thank u for putting the answer in the description it rlly saves lots of time, especially since it was the first sentence
Well, that's the short answer. Smaller mouthpieces can provide endurance benefits and change your tone since more high overtones are present on smaller mouthpieces, but they don't 'let you play higher.'
What mouthpiece would you recommend for lead playing cause right now I’m playing on a Bach 3c and I’m topping out at about a C without sounding terrible
I really don't recommend trying anything radical. The 3C is a great mouthpiece that can work for lead playing with the correct approach. You might benefit from the Bobby Shew Jazz, which is about the same diameter, just a bit shallower. It's said to be a 3D on the Bach scale. But remember, a *"lead"* mouthpiece will not make you play higher. All it will do is make your sound brighter and maybe boost your endurance slightly.
Samuel Plays Brass what I really am looking for is a mouthpiece for endurance but does it really matter if I play only lead jazz with the Bobby shew, or is it fine for higher playing all around
I used to be able to play easily and have a nice tone in the low register on an Accent 7C but as my range got higher I find it very difficult (sometimes impossible) to play really low
You may have worked too much on the high register and moved your mouthpiece position. That's what happened to me. Remember to always focus on the middle range and use whatever embouchure feels most comfortable there.
@@SamuelPlaysBrass thank you
Hey guys, I'm not able to play with a Harmon mute a la Miles Davis. I can only get going on a C, the lower notes are muted out. Any tips? Is it the mouth piece?
Low notes can be extremely tricky on a Harmon mute. I have to visualize blowing downward into the pitch to get the lower notes to be stable. Unless you're using a very small or shallow mouthpiece (like a 10-1/2C), it probably will just take some more getting used to.
If you’ve ever seen those Goldilocks commercials for Purple mattresses about how medium beds just give you the meh parts of soft and beds, that’s how I feel about a 7C though I am somewhat partial to larger mouthpieces
Ha...the 11b4 came with my student trumpet when I bought it, so it's what I've been using for the last 5 years.
Just bought a Bach 3MV...fingers crossed it helps a bit with my tonal control.
The 3MV is really interesting to me. I'm hoping to get my hands on one sometime! Best of luck with it.
@@SamuelPlaysBrass Thank you!
I marched mellophone this year, and used a V-cup horn mouthpiece. I looked into getting a V cup for trumpet, and the commercial series kept coming up...
I have the same mouthpiece. It's pretty good but it's the only one I have so I guess I can't say it's bad or amazing.
I am a beginner trumpet player and I have a question for you sir.... Which method help develop register better? 1-pedal tones? 2-lip slurs 3- playing soft? 😧🤷🏾♂️🎺
All three methods are very helpful! There is no singular solution to develop your upper register, so try to incorporate all three into your routine.
I love the 11b4 that's what I play during marching band and concert. Since I have to play a lot of the more higher notes then lower.
Yamaha’s B-cup mouthpieces are really good. The 11B4 is too narrow for me, but I really enjoy their 14B4 and their Mark Gould signature model, which is about a 17B4.
I've been playing on a Schilike 1c and I switched over to a schilke 13A4A heavyweight series but I can't play as high any suggestion???
I've had a little experience with a Schilke 15A4A (slightly wider diameter) and had the same issue. The A cup is just way too shallow for me and the throat is way too tight. Some players can make it work wonderfully, but for me, all it did was close off my tone and prevent me from playing in both the extreme high and extreme low registers.
Try the schilke 6a4a - I love it!
I used to play with a 7c mouthpiece it was ok but when i use the 17c mouthpiece life was so easier i can easily play octaves but then i returned to a 7c i cant play normal anymore. Any advice? (Besides more practice with a 7c)
Try using more air, or rather, warmer, slower air in larger quantities. It sounds as if you've gotten used to having to use very little air due to the small volume of the 17C. If all else fails, go back to it. Maybe it's simply the right mouthpiece for you.
@@SamuelPlaysBrass Thank you very much I really appreciate your response.
I will try what you say.
I’ve been using a 7c for a while and then I switched to a 5c and I can’t play as high any suggestions?
The mouthpiece shouldn't affect your range much. Particularly once you've gotten accustomed to the slightly larger size your range should come back. Keep at those long tones and slip slurs and your high notes will return.
Samuel Plays Brass ok thanks
I play on a Bach 6c and I have decent range but I struggle hitting a high C when I play my scales fast. Like almost impossible. When I use my schilke 6a4a they come out perfect but then the low register sounds like a kazoo. Any advice? I played on a buddies WB GR studio M mouthpiece and I realllyyy liked it but I don’t have $230 to shell out on a mouthpiece
I can normally hit up to a double G so I know I have the range but anything above the staff feels super forced when I’m playing my scales past 180. I really need them up to 200 for my audition for the region band
There’s no real advice to give here besides practice. I strongly advise sticking to the 6C for something like region band and focusing on the speed of your airstream.
for all those who are also getting very nervous about the inability to play screaming lead trumpet I suggest even trying out deeper than normal C cups and be happy with the very beautiful lyrical tone that they deliver and stick to classics and second trumpet Example Bach: the 1X , the regular 2 or even 7A. You can play very high on a deep mouthpiece btw but forget the screaming..
I agree wholeheartedly. My favorite mouthpieces are ones with the Bach A cup, and although my 1-1/2A doesn't quite peel the paint off of the back wall like my Reeves 43C, it certainly doesn't prevent me from playing in the upper register.
So many trumpet players here on UA-cam demonstrate a fabulous screaming high register but in the normal register their tone and intonation makes any sensitive string player shiver . But it's my big frustration that playing lyrical and beautiful is not selling or respected much outside the classical world. People don't know Maurice Andre, Allison Balsom or Tine Thing Helseth.. They all want that scream !
@@jean-pierredevent970very interesting point. Good music is like good architecture: you must have always majestic point on the design complemented with the rest of the building, which enhances that focal point. High notes might be that majestic point but you should avoid overdoing it.
My lips is kind of big what mouthpiece do u recommend me. Sub and liked the video btw. am new at trumpet this is my 5th month and I can’t hit high notes yet. :( so I wanted to try a mouthpiece that would help me but idk which one
If you have larger lips I'd recommend starting with a 3C and seeing what happens. Chances are you play on a 7C right now, which is a bit small for most players with thicker lips. Yamaha's 'Bobby Shew Jazz' mouthpiece is in the ballpark of a 3C but more oriented for jazz, but remember: high notes come with diligent and efficient practice, not a better mouthpiece.
Samuel Plays Brass alright thank you I practice tonguing and trying my scales about 2-3 hours a day 4 times a week
Samuel Plays Brass the bobby shrew jazz can it go with a marching band, and can you link a recommended mouth piece link. Ty
Haha! Now I see. The secret. For a fat dark tone: close your eyes and play a low c. For crisp mid tone: open your eyes a bit. For good clear high notes look to the horizon and raise your eyebrows at the maximum am pump everything you got.
Hi! I need to play high notes. So would you like to help me?
What about the high register is giving you trouble? There’s too much to unpack in a UA-cam comment
Great video! Maybe one tip I could give you would be to stick with one mouthpiece and exercise the low range almost more than your high range. Keep going lower, and lower down the pedal tones until you hit a spot that you can't go any further. When you practice a piece (specifically if it is a bit higher), play it down an octave to gain more muscle memory. Also, use low long tones, and a lot of lip slurs during your warm up process - the low register should almost be subconscious. Happy playing!
Thanks for the suggestions!
@@SamuelPlaysBrass You're welcome! Nailing down the low range will also help the high range as well. Check out my channel. I don't have any lessons or anything like that right now, but I do have a few songs that i wrote on there!
Have you ever tried the Bob Reeves C2J mouthpiece?
I’ve never heard of it, actually
Samuel Plays Brass I think you should check it out. I have one and it sounds really nice in the whole register of the trumpet almost like a flugelhorn sounds since it has a really deep cup
I had a Yamaha but I switched a AR mouthpiece and my range hit the e above double c
Try a Schilke 20D2d. I have two and the second has a 22 throat
That sounds like a really enjoyable size to play! I have a 24 that I got for kicks and it's a bit large for me. Lol
Considering an 8C4. Should be similar to my 10.5C but a hair smaller. Or a 7B4. Not sure yet.
I can’t imagine that working for me, but to each their own.
I have a Yamaha 11b4 and my lips do unfurl on the pedal range but I also have a Bobby Shew lead for lead stuff
How do you like the Shew lead? I did demo a Shew Jazz in this vid but it’s a different size and cup depth from the lead model.
Well the 11b4 I can play Double G's with it too and with a bobby shew and makes it like twice as easy for it to come out and by the way it does good for other Playing too
I use a Bach 3c. I wish it was slightly V-shaped and slightly sweeter. Does anyone know a mouthpiece like that?
V cups are awesome! You might consider a Bach 3MV if you're a loyalist to their brand, or else look into options from Curry and Stork, both of whom specialize in V cups. I know personally that Stork mouthpieces are excellent (I use a 3P on piccolo trumpet) and that Phylis Stork is always happy to do a consultation and figure out exactly what you're looking for.
I hate my Yamaha b411 so much, my range is super hindered so I got a bach 5c and within a month I got a double e out
I Play with Bach 3C and 7C
Do you have a 17c mpc?
I wish. I want to get more of the extremes like a Schilke 24 (18.29mm diameter) which dwarfs my 1-1/2A (~17 mm) and something like a Holton or Rudy Muck 17C. I don't suppose I'd ever use either, but both seem like such fun to play around on. Currently my smallest is an Olds 3, which my best guess tells me is around an 11E. Strange piece. Didn't have it back when I filmed this video.
@@SamuelPlaysBrass Will you be willing to trade mouthpiece? I have a 5c and a 7c.
Trading online or over long distances is quite the hastle. I don't have any interesting mouthpieces that I'm willing to trade, and I don't really need any more of the 'average' sizes like 5 or 7. Sorry about that.
I'm pretty sure the generic 7c i have only makes me hit high c and only near double g barely. i should get a bach 3c.
The 3C is a good place to start, but it won't instantly make you play higher. For me I have a much easier time on larger mouthpieces, but that's because I've been consistently playing on a Blessing 1-1/2C and a Bach 1-1/2A for the past year.
@@SamuelPlaysBrass ah I see. Well I could start out with the 3c and then change later
@@SamuelPlaysBrass I discovered the shew jazz is like alot like the 3c but with more turbo if you know what I mean into it.
I get what you’re saying. The Shew Jazz is a really nice mouthpiece that’s not super small but gives you a little extra zing in the upper register.
@@SamuelPlaysBrass yep
What about the Bach 3E?
Very similar to the Shew jazz, just with a flatter and less comfortable rim... Bach’s lead pieces are hit or miss. Love their classical ones, as I’m still primarily playing my Bach Megatone 1-1/2A four years later, but I don’t like the way they balance their rim or backbore specs on shallower mouthpieces.
Blessing sound good!
I’ve adjusted to a 10 1/2 C and both extremes are actually now improved. High note tone is way better. Saying small mouthpieces don’t help high register is ludicrous.
Certain things work for certain people. This guy probably just plays better on larger rims.
The problem is when your lips are not free to vibrate because its too small,at that point an increase in size help you on that
“We’re entering the small range here” *laughs in French Horn*
Surprisingly, even though we always joke about how small horn mouthpieces are, the rim is the only small part, and that says little about the overall size of the mouthpiece. The cup on most horn mouthpieces is in fact very large and deep.
2- й хороший (твой), 5-й похож на 2-й, но чтото не то.
Спасибо за обзор!
I believe you should play the Bob Reeves for ALL your playing. If I were you, I’d try a 42SV with a 692SL backbore. You’ll likely have double C’s easily on it. I use that mouthpiece for commercial work, but I don’t play beyond high F. It gives markedly increased endurance.
You simply had the best overall sound with the Bob Reeves, from low to high, a denser core than all the other pieces. Give the 42 M with 69 backbore a try as well. I cannot sing enough praises for Bob Reeves. There is a reason they are so pricey!
The Reeves 43C is definitely the most efficient mouthpiece I own, although I simply am not well suited to play anything shallower than a Bach C cup. I've got somewhat of a strange embouchure. I do love the sizzle I get with the Reeves though, and the endurance bonus makes it well worth it. Thanks for the comments!
I play with a Bach 5b .... rather difficult to make high notes
Don’t blame your mouthpiece for your difficulty with high notes. I think I’ve heard at least five different people say they have trouble playing high because they play on a 5B or 5C. But it’s not your mouthpiece’s fault. Once you figure out a more efficient approach high notes will not be difficult.
Another great challenge. Try playing pedal notes on those 7 mouthpieces. Lol
🙏👏🎹🎺😀
When you went from the 7C to the Yamaha, you actually went up in mouthpiece size (Yamaha uses a different sizing system).
As far as I can tell, the Yamaha 11 diameter is pretty much equivalent to the Bach/Blessing 7, and the 11B4 has a slightly shallower cup like a 7D.
Denis wick 5c
i plyed loads of types even a prana. they only change the sound for me. the size does nothing. save your money : stic with what you got : its sales hype pure and simple
I mostly agree with you, although for some specific players with uncommon physiologies certain sizes, rim shapes, depths, etc. will work better. There are reasons for all the different sizes out there, but for most of us it’s not a world of difference.
Weird to think I have the best range in my middle school and play on a Yamaha 11b4. I'll be getting a Bach 3e pretty soon though
It's not 'weird' that you play best on the 11B4. That's what you're most familiar with.
@@SamuelPlaysBrass makes sense, I'll still switch though.
Just knockin them out like they're easy, my A's don't record NEARLY this clean
Thanks for the comment dude. Keep at it and I'm sure they'll get cleaner. Try 1st valve or 3rd valve if 1/2 doesn't slot well
Hello
I know this video is almost four years old, but I have to say that your written English is better than 98% of people your age. Most young people I see online don't use capital letters or punctuation, don't understand even basic grammar, and string one sentence into the next ... into the next ... into the next ... well, you get the idea.
Well, I appreciate that! It seems like even in the past 2-3 years there has been a greater push towards the extreme you mention. I've gotten a few comments about my language being forced or stuck-up, but I'm just trying to deliver the information as cleanly as possible.
@@SamuelPlaysBrass You are speaking correct English, and your critics are not. Don't sink to their level.
Didn’t I see you in Hotel Transylvania?
I wish I had your high register
You certainly can! All it takes is diligent practice and patience, the latter being just as important as the former. Focus on your airstream and consciously using less air but more support from the abdomen. If you learn not to overexert yourself you'll get there quicker than you think!
Heard almost nothing as far as your talking, the volume is too low, and I have to strongly disagree with your conclusions. Try a Curry 600 series.... say a 30 or 40 M or S. The gain in high register is instantaneous and requires very little effort.
I cant hear
you should try a v cupped mouthpiece like the bach 3mv, or a lotus, or maybe even the x-piece if your feeling like you want to kill your wallet. These pieces offer a very open throat and backbore making it very easy to play low and high without sounding like crap lol
I really struggle on shallow V cups. I don’t like the feedback. My main cup is a Bach A, meaning a deep bowl. Shallow funnel is the polar opposite. The 3MV has a great sound if you can control it but I can’t.
What you know about cup size lol
You got me there, Jeff
Samuel holds knowledge of c u p s
Bach 1.5A trumpet mouthpiece isn't a real mouthpiece unless you've got a 1.5C rim on a 5A cup.
I wouldn't say it "isn't a real mouthpiece," but you have to look pretty hard to find one. My particular one seems like an old custom. It's got a screw rim marked "1-1/2C but the mouthpiece body is clearly labeled with a 1-1/2. It's not from a 5 or anything of that nature.
As a custom order that makes much more sense. Just a bit of an oddball mouthpiece. Cool though!
My mouthpiece is so small that I can't play it
Tanner Haney you shouldn't play it then.
I'm a clarinet player - I don't
The Reeves sounded best
The Reeves certainly has the most presence in its sound, which is good in some instances but not in others.
Music is about beauty of tone and quality of sound not screaming high notes and a tone like a kazoo. 🤪. But then again maybe I’m just jealous. 😂
For the purposes of discussion, this video is addressing questions I get about kazoo-ey notes, so of course I’m going to discuss and demonstrate kazoo-ey notes, right? 😂
@@SamuelPlaysBrass keep up the good work. I’m sure when it’s needed your tone is top quality. Just a bit of good humoured Scottish Banter. Best wishes. 👍🏼😁🎶.
Man, what do you want to prove with this video? Play two hours with a Bach 1.1/2 and swich with Schilke 6a4a another day to see the diference...resistance man.
I’m trying to show that you can play in any range on any mouthpiece with the proper approach.
@@SamuelPlaysBrass
Okay, but the sound of the Achilke 6a4a is horrible
@@maldrighi I don't doubt it, but there are players who make it work for their playing needs.
Video is too quiet
BOB REEVES👍
We banned the guy that said he was you on trumpetmaster. He is gone hopefully forever
Glad to hear. I don't know what he was playing at, impersonating a teenage amateur and claiming to be him. Quite a waste of time.
@@SamuelPlaysBrass Do you want to know the best part about it? That was me.
can you teach me trumpet for $7 per hour? online skype video call
Put a mic in front of your mouth i can heard nothing you said and the different with the trumpet is killing my ear, please
Sorry about that. This is a very old video. My newer videos have better audio balance.
If your a real trumpet player. Your not using Bach or Yamaha.
I know it's a joke like the "seven mouthpieces" line I cracked in the video, but that's also just not true. I've tried many, many mouthpieces, and nothing in the past four years has been able to unseat my Bach 1-1/2A on trumpet, and the most versatile brass band mouthpiece for cornet that I've played up to this point has been a Yamaha 16E.
Probably probably probably, enough said.
Why your eyebrows like ... nevermind
Lmao.
Yup
How about you two jokers post pictures of yourselves so we can pick you apart as well.
Your audio is terrible. The audio is so bad I didn't even bother to watch this. Everything is up full and I still can barely hear you.
I’m sorry to hear the audio was such a turn-off for you, but please keep in mind this video is several years old and not as well made as my more recent content.