UNDERSTANDING MOUTHPIECE SPECS
INNER RIM DIAMETER
When picking a mouthpiece, focus on finding an inner diameter that feels right for you. Don't get too caught up in specific measurements since they can vary across brands and models.
Examples:
- Ultimate Brass 1782+ (18.1 mm) is larger than Houghton H1 (18.5 mm).
- Paxman 5 rim (17.5 mm) is larger than Laskey 80G.
- Houghton H1 (18.5 mm) is larger than Laskey 85GW.
The right inner diameter is crucial for your flexibility.
- Wider Inner Rims: Good for larger, thicker lips, but trust your ears.
- Smaller Rims: Can sound narrow and constrained, affecting flexibility.
- Don't choose an inner diameter just to hit higher notes; smaller diameters can help but often at the expense of sound quality.
BORE / BACKBORE
Find a mouthpiece with the resistance or "blow" you prefer. Bore size is easy to measure, but the backbore, which also affects resistance, is more complex due to its shape.
- Backbores: Generally categorized as narrow, medium, or wide, though these are subjective.
- Larger Bore: Produces a bigger but less focused sound.
- Bore sizes range from 1 to 25, with lower numbers indicating larger sizes.
- A small bore can be balanced by a wide backbore, and vice versa.
- Comfort matters, but sound matters more.
CUP SHAPE
Descriptions like cup-shaped, bowl-shaped, and "V"-shaped are subjective and vary across brands.
- Bowl-Shaped Cups: Produce a more sonorous sound but decrease flexibility.
- V-Shaped Cups: Offer more flexibility and a simpler sound.
- Volume/Depth: Greater volume leads to a heavier, more covered sound, while less volume results in a lighter, more open sound.
MATERIAL
The material of the mouthpiece affects response and sound complexity.
CUP MATERIALS
- Brass (including raw brass, silver-plated, and gold-plated) (softer).
- Stainless Steel (harder).
RIM MATERIALS
- Silver-plated Brass: Good grip.
- Gold-plated Brass: Warmer feel, more slippery.
- Stainless Steel: Colder feel, more slippery.
- Titanium-plated Stainless Steel: Warm feel, very slippery, good for those with metal sensitivities.
RIM CONTOUR
Rim contour descriptions are subjective. The best way to find what works for you is to try different contours.
- Wider Rim: Increases endurance, reduces flexibility, produces a warmer sound.
- Thinner Rim: Less endurance, better flexibility, and response; sound can be harsher.
- More Inner Bite: Sharper articulation but potentially harsher.
- Less Inner Bite: Rounder articulation but potentially dull.
SHANK TAPER
Shank taper affects intonation and resistance.
- Morse (American) Taper: Used for almost all horns, including most European horns imported to North America.
- European Taper: Commonly used for Alexander horns and those made for the European market, but exceptions exist.
- If you are using the incorrect taper for your horn the mouthpiece will rock when moved back and forth.
THE PROCESS
STEP 1: SELECT THE CORRECT SHANK FOR YOUR HORN
Make sure the mouthpieces you test have the right shank for your horn. This compatibility is crucial for accurate evaluation.
STEP 2: DETERMINE THE SUITABLE INNER DIAMETER
Start with a middle-of-the-road line like Laskey G cups, Josef Klier “DM” cups, or Verus VX cups. Use familiar music that tests flexibility, articulation, and lyrical slurs. Begin with a smaller diameter and gradually increase the size. If your sound becomes too diffuse, you’ve gone too far and should revert to a smaller diameter.
STEP 3: IDENTIFY YOUR PREFERRED RIM CONTOUR
Explore mouthpieces with similar inner diameters to find the one that offers the best balance between articulation, flexibility, and warmth. Compare two mouthpieces at a time, select the better option, and then compare the winner to another mouthpiece.
STEP 4: CHOOSE THE APPROPRIATE CUP, BORE, AND BACKBORE
- For one-piece mouthpieces, compare those with similar inner diameters and rim contours to find the one that closely matches your ideal sound while allowing for stylistic flexibility.
- For two-piece mouthpieces, use your chosen rim with various cups.
Again, compare two mouthpieces at a time, select the better option, and continue comparing until you find the best fit.
This process should help you avoid the "mouthpiece roulette" dilemma. Frequently switching mouthpieces can hinder your musical development, as you won't have the time to truly become comfortable and master any one mouthpiece. This can negatively impact your tone, intonation, flexibility, and articulation. Invest the time to find a great mouthpiece and then stick with it.