Trumpet PlayEr
and Brass Teacher
Colchester, Essex
Trumpet Mouthpieces
Upgrading your trumpet mouthpiece can help you get the most from your instrument. Finding the perfect mouthpiece can be difficult so I have suggested some of the most popular choices from Bach and Yamaha. Generally most people start on a smaller mouthpiece and then progress on to something bigger, but this is not the case for everybody. With the most popular size being a Bach 3C this is a good place to start.
Vincent Bach Trumpet Mouthpieces.
Vincent Bach make some of the worlds most commonly played trumpet mouthpieces. The Smaller the number the larger the width of the cup, so the 7C is smaller and the 1C is bigger. The C stands for C shaped cup which is of medium depth. The B cup is deeper and produces a darker (more mellow) sound. Here is a selection of some of the most popular sizes from Bach. Bach Mouthpieces are also available in the Megatone Models which are heavier and have a larger throat which offer a darker sound.
Bach 7C
The Vincent Bach 7C is the standard size which comes with a beginner trumpet. It is medium Sized mouthpiece that may be preffered by advanced players too.
Bach 5C
The Vincent Bach 5C is slightly wider and deeper than the 7C This can help the player produce a slightly fuller sound.
Bach 3C
The Vincent 3C is probably the most common size of all the trumpet
mouthpieces. It is medium Large with a slightly shallower C cup. Produces a sparkling sound! A very versatile all round mouthpiece.
The Vincent Bach 1.5C is another popular choice which is slightly larger than the 3C. Some playersmay find this mouthpiece more suitable for
orchestral playing. A large mouthpiece that most people could cope with.
Bach 1.5C
Bach 1.25C
The Vincent Bach 1.25C is slightly bigger than the 1.5C. It produces a huge sound suitable for solo and orchestral playing. It would be hard work to play sustained high register playing on this piece.
Bach 1C
The Bach 1C is one of the largest mouthpieces. Only for strong players or for people who are suited to bigger mouthpieces. This mouthpiece will require a huge amount of stamina to play.
Yamaha Trumpet Mouthpieces.
Yamaha also make excellent trumpet mouthpieces. Their measuring system uses the Shilke system where the lower numbers now means the mouthpiece is smaller. So an 11 is smaller and a 16 is bigger. The B stands for medium shallow depth (a bit like a Bach C cup) and the C is slightly deeper (a bit like a Bach B cup). Yamaha mouthpieces are slightly cheaper and some players may prefer the more comfortable rim. Most Yamaha mouthpieces are available as a GP model which feature a gold plated rim for comfort and more weight for a darker sound.
Yamaha 11B4
The Yamaha 11B4 icomes with most of the new Yamaha student instruments. It is similar
to a Bach 7C. Also good for piccolo trumpet.
Yamaha 11C4
The Yamaha 11C4 is also similar to a 11B4 but slightly deeper for darker a sound.
Yamaha 14B4
The 14B4 is like a Bach 3C
but with a more comfortable rim. Some players may prefer this mouthpiece. A popular all round mouthpiece. One of my favourites!
The 14A4A is like the 14B but it has a shallower cup and a tighter back-bore. This produces a brighter sound with stronger high notes. Good for commercial playing/pop/jazz.
Yamaha 14A4A
The 14C4 is like the 14B4 but it is deeper. This helps you to produce a darker more orchestral like tone. Think of it like a deeper Bach 3C.
Yamaha 14C4
The 16C4 is a popular choice for orchestral playing. It has a large deep cup and it helps you to produce a full dark sound.
Yamaha 16C4
The Yamaha Bobby Shew "Jazz" is basically a copy of a Bach 3C. A really good all round mouthpiece.
Yamaha Bobby Shew Jazz
Yamaha Bobby Shew Lead
The Yamaha Bobby Shew "Lead" Mouthpiece is a small shallow specialist high note mouthpiece for extreme register playing. Not for
everyone.
Yamaha
Allen Vizzutti
The Yamaha "Vizzutti" model is very similar to the 14A4A but a little shallower and tighter giving that extra sizzle. Good for commercial playing and lead.