Which Mouthpiece?

The mouthpiece is one of the most critical parts of the trumpeter’s requirements. It is important to understand what we use the mouthpiece for, and how to use it. When we do not use the mouthpiece correctly we will not get the best out of our playing. I will try to discuss some of the most crucial points in choosing a mouthpiece.

Comfort

The mouthpiece is the space where the lips vibrate, and must therefore not hinder lip vibrations. Everyone has different taste in terms of the shape and thickness of the rim (whether it is flat, curved or other different shapes and thicknesses). It is good to try different makes of mouthpiece to find which one will suit you best. The thinner the rim the greater the flexibility, but it tends to dig into the flesh of the lips, cutting off free blood circulation (inhibiting vibrations) and decreasing endurance.

Rim size (internal rim diameter)

A balance, though, must be struck for the rim size i.e. the diameter. The wider the rim size, generally you will find you can get ‘more lip’ into the mouthpiece, there is also more space for vibrations, and you will therefore have an easier time playing the lower notes (which need more room for vibrations). However, you will need a stronger airstream to create that extra lip to vibrate, and as you go higher it will be harder to support that faster airstream, which makes those faster vibrations, and so it will be hard work. Even worse, with a larger rim size you might start over tightening the lips in order to reach those higher notes and thus adversely affect those all important vibrations. The smaller the rim obviously the opposite will happen; you will find it easier to play higher, as you don’t need to speed the air up so much yourself, the mouthpiece being smaller funnels it for you. You might find that because of the smaller lip vibration space, you will find the lower notes harder, and you must be careful to refrain forcing the vibration (creating a thin airy tone), again over tightening the lips, doing so more and more as you ascend for the higher notes.

Sound

It is important to have a clear idea of the type of sound you want to create, since the shape and size of the mouthpiece will affect that. Remember that the mouthpiece does not create the sound, but facilitates it for you. If you want to play high, you will need to develop your technique and improve you airspeed. The mouthpiece will only aid you once you can play those notes.

Deep and With a Wide Rim (internal rim diameter)

This type of mouthpiece will help you to create that warm and beautiful sound, for those trying to play slow melodies or lyrical style pieces. The deep mouthpiece is ideal on cornets. The wide rim will however make it harder stamina wise. The backbore should be large to match this style of playing. It should be easier to play quieter with a larger backbore. This will be negated by the wider rim which facilitates louder playing.

Shallow and With a Smaller Rim (internal rim diameter)

Shallow cups create a much more brilliant (brighter) sound and are normally used by commercial players (think high loud trumpets, e.g. James Bond film score). If you play piccolo trumpet or Eb trumpet and desire that sweet delicate sound then it is advisable to use a smaller rim, but don’t get  too a shallow cup.