The Mouthpiece

Trumpet mouthpieces come in different sizes, varying in cup depth, rim shape, and backbore shape. We will breakdown these differences in each area and how they affect the sound. Before we get into that, let's make sure everyone is clear with the anatomy of a trumpet mouthpiece and how each area affects the sound. At the bottom on this page are charts to help you find a mouthpiece that fits you best are at the bottom of this page. 
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IMPORTANT NOTE:
  • Be sure to play on the mouthpiece BEFORE purchasing a new mouthpiece.
  • When you go to try new mouthpiece, have your current mouthpiece with you to accurately compare & contrast them.
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Image from: https://hub.yamaha.com/winds/brass/guide-to-brass-mouthpieces-part-2-cups-and-rims/
​Above is complete diagram of each area of a brass mouthpiece.
​Below we talk how each of those components affect the sound on the trumpet.
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Image from: https://www.sweetwater.com/insync/how-cup-depth-and-diameter-affect-brass-mouthpieces/
Cup Depth & Shape
  • The cup depth affects the sound quality by changing the “volume” of the air column. 
  • ​Cup depths range from shallow to deep and can be found in many different shapes.
    • Shallow: produce a bright, focused sound.
    • Deep: produce a warm dark, mellow sound.​
  • The shape of the cup affects the sound as well.
    • U-shape: Brilliant, bright, projected tone. (most common)
    • V-shape: Dark tone and produces stable pitches with less effort. (more common on horn, trombone and tuba mouthpieces.)​
Inner Rim Diameter
  • The diameter of the interior of the rim, this is the model # of the mouthpiece. The smaller the model number, the larger the diameter.
  • Small Inner Diameter
    • Pros: Requires less endurance and is excellent in the high register.
    • Cons: Restricts the overall volume and projections and limits flexibility.
  • Large Inner Diameter
    • Pros: Produces ample volume and assists with producing stable notes in the low register.
    • Cons: Requires more effort in muscle usage, causing fatigue.
Picture
Image from: https://hub.yamaha.com/winds/brass/guide-to-brass-mouthpieces-part-2-cups-and-rims/

Other Factors

Rim Contour
  • The rim's contour is the shape and thickness of the rim.
  • It affects how the player’s embouchure is formed and how comfortable or uncomfortable the mouthpiece feels.
  • ​Thicker = More contact on the lip, but less flexibility.
  • Thinner = More flexibility, but puts more stress on the lips, leading to potential pain. 
Rim Bite
  • The rim's bite is how sharp or round the inner part of the rim is. 
  • Sharp = Pronounced articulations and stable pitch but may lead to discomfort in the lips.
  • Round = More comfortable but attacks are more blurred. 
Throat & Backbore
  • The throat is the opening from the bottom of the cup to the back back.
  • The backbore is from the end of the throat to the end of the mouthpiece. Its shape affects the volume of the instrument and the way the sound projects.
  • ​Long/Narrow = More resistant, has more response, brighter tone, responds well in the upper register.
  • Short/Wide - Less resistant, powerful sound, require more air support in lower register.

Charts and Recommendations

The Bach 7C is one of the most recommended mouthpieces for beginners and the Bach 3C for more experienced trumpet players. The Bach 5C is a good mouthpiece to bridge the gap when transitioning to the Bach 3C.
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Bach Mouthpiece Chart
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Image from: https://www.sweetwater.com/insync/brass-instrument-mouthpiece-buying-guide-how-to-choose-a-brass-instrument-mouthpiece/
Picture
Image from: https://www.sweetwater.com/insync/brass-instrument-mouthpiece-buying-guide-how-to-choose-a-brass-instrument-mouthpiece/

Closing Mouthpiece Comments

Many details were covered in the section above. So how do you decide what mouthpiece to get? You simply need to try them out. Try the mouthpieces you think you will like just as much as the mouthpieces you think you will not like. You can learn all the information and details about each mouthpiece but the only thing that truly matters when deciding on a mouthpiece is:
          1. Do you like the way it feels when you are playing/are you comfortable when playing on it?
          2. Is the mouthpiece giving you the sound that you desire?

If you answer yes to those questions above, you found a suitable mouthpiece. Don't let the information above dictate your decision. It should lead down a path towards your decision. Ultimately, you need to decide which mouthpiece is best for you!
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