What's The Best Mouthpiece for High Notes? |
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- čas přidán 29. 06. 2024
- This #TrumpetProTips video is Bryan Davis' response to a most frequently asked question - "What's The Best Mouthpiece For High Notes?" Included are tips for what to look for when trying trumpet mouthpieces.
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A little late, this morning - unfortunately plagued by computer problems. Interested to hear your (polite) responses to this one - it's about as close to a rant as I intend to get.
"If you really didn't like it, try hitting thumbs down twice" Haha! I needed that laugh. Another great video Bryan. Thanks!
Thanks for watching long enough to see that, James. Glad I made you chuckle.
For a highschool senior( and future trumpet player in college) I find that for concert and jazz, I prefer a more deep mouthpiece, but for marching I like a more shallow mouthpiece.
I am with you on the concert pieces, however for me I personally like a lead sound in jazz (more because I am the lead player and our high school music decides to throw Eb’s over high C’s at me for whatever reason and I have to hold it for a solid 3 measures at a cool 80 bpm)...
I've been experimenting with a variety of mouthpieces. I discovered the Bobby Shew mouthpiece is extremely harsh and too bright - although it helped to easily hit high notes, I lost the richness. I settled for a 3C and 1D for my mouthpieces. They fit my mouth well. I discovered I like a larger diameter and a thinner rim, gives me way more control and the richness I want from my trumpet. I've gone through several Bach's, Denis Wick mouthpieces. By the way, Denis Wick has awesome mouthpieces for the flugelhorn....best I've heard, and produces sweet sounds. May not be able to hit the super high notes, but that's okay...high C is my top range and I'm happy with that.
Very true! I play on a Parduba Size 4 and it has always felt comfortable to me. I experimented with 30-plus mouthpieces, but none played as good as my Parduba 4. I can hit higher notes on a smaller cup size but I lose the low range, but seriously, I was really waiting for an actual list from this video lol.
I was struggling with 7c mouthpiece and I changed it to a 3c and it was a dramatic improvement thank you! 😊😆
I like how Mr Bryan explains with such patience!
I'm glad! Just trying to be as clear as possible.
What's the best MPC for high-notes? The one that works-the one that gets the results you want-the one that provides you w endurance all night and allows you to produce the desired sound w the feel you like. It's all personal.
This man is speaking solid truth. Back when I was playing seriously, I could never put out a decent sound in the high register with a shallow mouthpiece or a smaller than average diameter mouthpiece. While that sort of a set up worked for most it did not work for me. For example, I played the lead part in the top 12 drum corps on a Bach 1X. Even now I use a 3C for legit playing and a 3D for lead playing.
Love this channel. Just got a Besson 609 for $120.00 at a pawn shop. First time playing today. Got low C, G & high C working and can get flight of the bumble bee going fairly well. Looking on here to understand mouth pieces. Thank you lots for exellent content and great educational follower comments. Been in punk bands and sludge metal since 12. Loving this trumpet. So much fun for us 🎺🤙
I’m glad it’s proving helpful. Thanks for watching!
Back on the East coast from visiting the Schilke factory in Chicago. VERY knowledgeable and down to earth staff. As someone with more “red” to fit into the mouthpiece I can attest there’s a mouthpiece for everyone. Tried playing their largest cup (a 24) and that’s the first time I can say I’ve played on a cup too big for me. Great video as always, Bryan!
Glad to hear you had a worthwhile visit. Did you end up picking a new piece? What size fitted and felt good?
Bryan Davis - Airflow Music It’s definitely been a journey of self discovery figuring out what feels right/sounds best for me as I’ve only ever played on pieces I knew others had success on and not what’s suited to my physiology (not a good practice!) As of right now I’m whittling down to somewhere between a 15a4a-20a4a 😁
I played Bach 3C for a long time , but always felt discomfort. Recently changed to Bach 1/2. High notes become easier to play (Sorry for my English)
Nothing wrong with your English! Thanks for watching.
@@AirflowMusicNYC
I used 7c and I can play 2 octave high C
BbCorneto a double C?
@@bbcorneto8161 thats unbelievable
@@krakenjm6877 that’s three octaves up. (I know it’s confusing)
Very brave to answer that question Bryan, well done...
I needed to record the answer so I can easily refer to it. There are times when it’s the subject of every other message!
Ha ha, I think lots of players seem to find it hard work to establish the parameters of playing, as you say the right equipment for the job is always a good starting point 👍
Bryan...in your comments on mouthpieces, you seem to focus on only diameter, but as you know, it's much more complicated than just this dimension..there's bowl shape and depth, and the shank backbore...I play a Warburton...took me a while to find a combination that gets me from 3 steps below double pedal "C" to double high "C"...my musical range for now is to "E" above high "C" but I'm working on getting closer to your sound...oh. and I'm about 20 days into my long tone trial...thanks for your comments and indights!
Love it! Quick question. If we have incorrectly become accustomed to the "wrong" size of mp, won't our range be diminished when trying the correct size?
Good question! It really depends on how efficient you are with your air. If you move to a size that properly supports your aperture and your air use is reasonably good, it can actually improve your range almost immediately. You just need to play the unfamiliar notes a lot to dial them in and make them consistent.
This is the thing though. You need to have your fundamentals somewhat together for your air use to be good enough. If you’re not there yet then a mouthpiece change can cause a temporary diminishing of range.
Like I say - it’s not the mouthpiece!
Rock solid advise... Thanks
Thanks for checking it out.
Amen! And thank you!
Thank you for watching!
Hey Bryan! Enjoy your tips, thanks! Have you made any videos about phrasing as a lead player? Would like to hear your take on how to improve phrasing, like faster angular lines up high, time feel, etc.
Thanks for watching. I need to devote some videos to musical tips - something I’ve not concentrated on too much, so far. Thanks for the reminder!
@@AirflowMusicNYC Thank you for the tips my man! You are helping so many of us!
Again great description.. I would never recommend a bigger mouthpiece. On any playing situation. Because my personal opinion is that once you tried to handle a smaller mouthpiece it’s getting more efficient on any other mouthpiece. And that give you more confidence.... I know not everybody is the same but my personal experience with many students and trumpet colleagues is(in comparison to shoes)
“ they try to challenge a marathon in Rubberboots” can’t be possible but ain’t make fun....🤣
It makes life more fun and easier if you spent time on so-called downsizing.
Have a Joyful day..
I agree that the smallest mouthpiece that fits is generally the best bet. However, the fact of it fitting is important. I’ve been seeing a lot of players lately who are playing mouthpieces that are too small, limiting their ability to grip with their embouchure properly because the muscles aren’t properly available to them.
To further the shoe analogy, I’m sure you know how uncomfortable it is to wear shoes that are too small. You try them, find out and then try a bigger size. That’s all I’m talking about with bigger mouthpieces, for people who have larger lips and need the space.
Great video, thanks Bryan. Any tips on builging up endurance, and also tips on doing shakes. Thanks again.
I can offer plenty of tips on endurance but it’s tough to crystallize into a shortish video since there are so many variables that can cause limited endurance. Let me think about it. Shakes and similar effects are on my list. I’ll get to them before long.
@@AirflowMusicNYC Thank you!
Bryan! What say you about practicing on the different mouthpieces you play on? Do you practice improvising, etudes, lead etc. on everything?
It really depends what I have coming up. I know how all my mouthpieces balance, so it’s not a big deal for me to switch, whether I’ve been playing them all or not, if something gets laid on me at the last minute.
That’s me, though. You’ve basically got to treat it in the way that makes you most comfortable and confident in what you have to deal with on the bandstand.
I always follow your channel. Thanks for your suggestions. I want to ask you what do you think of the Bach Artisan 3 C mouthpiece? Is it really a copy of old Vernon and NY?
I haven’t tried one, so I don’t have an opinion. Sorry I can’t be more helpful.
Brian could I ask question thanks for your insight and discussion about trumpet month pieces.i noticed you have a. Round weight on the shank of your mouth piece. I tried just tapping a weight on my mouth piece it came loose but it help me slot the notes slot easier going up. My mouth piece I am playing is a Vincent Bach 3 b. Would you please let me know more and if you would have it in your inventory to buy? Thanks Brian from Michael
Thanks for this speech, trumpet is a hard instrument to play! hehe
Hi Bryan. Very informative video. I spent my whole life as an orchestral trpt player who always played on a Bach 1C or 1½ C with a fairly big throat (20) and big backbore. Playing in a big orchestra, trying to fill a big hall with a big, round sound was my goal. So I've gotten used to putting a lot of air into the mouthpiece - in other words, probably playing inefficiently. Now I'm trying haha to play lead in a couple of big bands. I'm using smaller equipment (Schilke 13B or 14B equivalent - 26, standard backbore or smaller) but I know I'm still trying to put a lot of air, probably too much, into the horn. I know that's not the way to go to play lead.. How do I learn, at my age (75), to put less air into the horn and play more efficiently? Thanks. Dennis
I’m in middle school and I use 7c starter mouthpiece do I have to outgrow the mouthpiece or can I just get a better of the variety of mouthpieces
Thanks for watching and taking time to ask a question.
The 7C is NOT a “starter mouthpiece”. It may be necessary to move to something else as you grow and develop your playing, or it may not. Don’t be in a hurry to change anything. Just enjoy playing music, practicing and trying to play better tomorrow than you did today.
If you have any more questions, please ask. I’ll help if I can.
Hi Bryan, 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 teachers Yamaha Japan TR11 for 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!
Hi Max. Sorry for the slow reply. If you were using that mouthpiece "for jazz", what are you using the rest of the time?
Thanks for that one Bryan. My question: In which of your tips do you explain how to get faster with the air?
Thanks for watching, as always, Bettina. There are a number of videos which get into that. Try the T to V section of Trumpet A-Z. Last week’s #TrumpetProTips was basically about that too - E15.
@@AirflowMusicNYC Thanks Bryan, I have a look.
What about volume in so far as mouthpiece s go. I'm thinking that's where the size of the throat comes into play.
Also in relation to the size of the throat , a smaller throat , more back pressure .
I find that equipment with more back pressure (smaller mouthpiece throat and or smaller horn bore) are easier to play and increase endurance unless there is a demand for lots of fff volume .
Interesting. I agree that smaller gear is easier to play, in terms of long term energy use/endurance, but I also find it harder to play softly. Loud is easier for me - the horn won’t take too much air so I can’t give it too much extra.
...and I really play small throats - my most used mouthpieces have #28 and #30 drills.
Hi. Just messing around I discovered I could play more "easily" in the upper register while blowing directly through the leadpipe (without the mouthpiece). The lower register was harder though. I tried to replicate that kind of air flow and embouchure with my 7c on but I couldn't get any near (currently struggling to get above middle D but through leadpipe I was able to reach G and C over the staff with a very good sound. So I was wondering if a deeper mouthpiece (resembling the leadpipe) could help me? Greetings from Mexico.
I play on a Marcinc 1 Bobby Shew. If I were to say, get a mouthpiece of the same shallowness but with a larger throat and backbore, is it possible that it’d give me a darker tone while allowing me to maintain my current range?
It’s more likely, in my experience, that going a little deeper in the cup will do what you’re after. Luckily there are the Shew 1.25, 1.5, 1.75 and 2 in the Marcinkiewicz catalogue so it’s comparatively inexpensive to try it out. My all-round commercial piece is a custom based on a Shew 1.25, FWIW.
Thank you v much
You’re very welcome!
I still am searching for a good clear easy explanation of the Maynard Ferguson unfurled lip embourchure. It seems to work for me in upper range but not the big brassy sounding low register. I am sure Brian can do this easily.
Hi Sonny. To the best of my knowledge, it's Lynn Nicholson who coined the term "unfurled" when referring to Maynard Ferguson's embouchure. I rented his "Got High Notes?" video, when it came out and must confess that I don't completely understand his "Maynard Protocol" - some of it makes sense to me and some doesn't. If you're looking for an explanation of that method, you'd probably be better off asking Mr Nicholson.
Personally, when using my smallest diameter mouthpieces, my placement is similar to an old fashioned French Horn "einsetzen" embouchure. Rather than setting actually in the red, I place the inner rim directly at the ring of muscles surrounding the red. Doing so gives more lip cushion between the teeth and mouthpiece, and allows greater freedom for the aperture to respond to the air - that makes it easier to maintain all registers. It's definitely somewhat rolled out, but whether it's the same as the "unfurling" is something I'm unsure about. What I do know is that I have the "donut" look to my embouchure, in a similar way to Maynard's.
Take from that what you will. It's something I hesitate to make a video about because without properly developed air support and control, it has real potential to cause injury. That's the last thing I want to do to the trumpet world at large!
So i started trumpet in 4th grade, switched to baritone in my 1St go around in 7th grade (i was held back due to "being immature") and switched to sousaphone my 2nd 7th grade year, where I gained 1st chair tuba through highschool.
Now being 35, my lower right tooth is on its way out. How much will my playing be effected after that tooth is pulled?
Changes in your teeth certainly can affect playing. If it’s a tooth that’s behind, or close to, the mouthpiece, you’ll probably notice more of a difference than if it’s a back tooth that’s further out of the way.
It’s so important to take care of our teeth, as brass players!
What mouthpiece would you recommend to a player who recently got braces and is now struggling with range again?
I’ve only had very limited dealings with players who have braces, and I never played with them myself. They may or may not require a change of mouthpiece, but they do offer an opportunity to adjust and improve your playing so that you minimize mouthpiece pressure, so they aren’t as painful. That’s presuming that you can’t play as high because it hurts to press hard, trapping the lips between the mouthpiece and the sharp corners of the braces…
I have two trumpets (C & Bb) that I use weekly. I have found that swapping the mouth pieces make the instruments play differently and sometimes better especially after 2 hours of playing. Am I kidding myself or do different mouth pieces suit different instruments. One mouth piece in a 7C while the other is a 3C. Thanks for your effort with every video.
I’d tend to agree with you. In fact, there can instances where different copies of the same mouthpiece, even from the same manufacturer, can suit a trumpet better.
I really enjoy your trumpet tips Bryan Davis. ITS NOT THE MOUTHPIECE.
Thanks for watching.
Interesting, but mostly seems an obvious answer, but no actual specifics. I have an array of mouthpieces. Different 'sounds' and different ranges - a few do 'assist' in climbing a tad higher. What would be interesting is an actual compasison of brands with same specifics. I prefer a Yamaha with gold rim 14A4a to the Schilke 14A4a, which has to do with that somewhat indefinable 'feel' and 'comfort' and there is a slight differing in range & tone. For 'shallower' mouthpieces, Marcinkiewicz, because of the sharper bite and there is a slight increase in upper register range. Oddly, I have issues with Monette mouthpieces and have parked them on the back of the shelf. And, of course, it depends which trumpet is being played - I have an Eclipse, Yamaha 8340 and Boehm Clarus. I had an early Lotus (which I now regret parting with). The differing mouthpieces indeed differ with each instrument. Somewhat surprisingly or not, the Eclipse outplays the Yamaha in the upper range with specific mouthpieces. The Clarus just dances, no matter the mouthpiece. I do notice a difference with valve blocks. Anyway. Thanks.
Hi, i got a bach 3c mouthpiece and some people has told me to purchase a bach 1 1/4 or 1 1/2 mouthpiece. what do you think i have to look at to know if i have to buy a shallower mouthpiece or not? Thanks!
What’s the reason for the suggestion to go bigger? 1 1/2C is basically the same as a 3C with a slightly different rim shape. No big change there. 1 1/4C is noticeably larger both in diameter and cup shape.
I have a 7c mouthpiece and I can hit the high notes but it’s not easy and I feel some discomfort in it i’ve been playing the trumpet for over 3 years so I think I need to try a different mouth piece I play concert band and jazz what mouth peice would you recommend?
Without seeing you play, and getting a sense of how well that size fits you, it’s impossible to make a sensible recommendation.
That’s not going to stop other people listing their favourite mouthpiece below me in the comments.
3 years is not a long time playing. The chances are that, unless your lips are much thicker than mine, the mouthpiece is not the problem. I have a different, but related, question for you. How hard to you have to blow to play? (Both in general, and for the high notes in particular)
Hi, I play a parduba & son double cup 3 mouthpeice and I have some big lips should I continue playing that mouthpeice or should I switch to a schilke?
It’s hard to say, without seeing you play. If you like the Parduba, why not try one of the wider models of that brand? If I remember correctly, the #3 is one of the narrower ones in that line. The diameter gets wider as the number gets higher, so try a #7 or even an #8.
Question: haven’t played a lot since HS in 1993. I want to play TAPS now. What size is mouthpiece is best? I’m still good since I did make the audition but dropped out of the 1994 Cadets Of BC in early summer. I’m making atonement at this time in my life to pay tribute to my fallen military heros. Any pointers?
The mouthpiece you played then should still be fine now. Practicing and getting back in shape to play what you want to play will be more important. Most important of all: have fun with it!
Thanks man. I appreciate it. I played TAPS at my mom’s funeral in December. I wanted to honor her even though she always disliked my playing and disliked the “gazettes”. RIP. Thank you sir, @@AirflowMusicNYC
My condolences. That’s a tough playing situation. Well done!
So would you recommend someone trying to find a mouthpiece that fits better than the 7c included with most trumpets, but a bunch of the cheap knock offs just to get a feel for the different sizes?
First of all, why do you think you need a different size? Are you experiencing discomfort? What is deficient in your playing that you are hoping to improve? Either A: if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it; or B: go practice!
If you decide that the experimentation really is necessary, then it’s much better to go to a store where you can try a variety of mouthpieces, or a local professional and/or teacher who may have a selection you can try. In these COVID days, that might be challenging, but it’s always better than flying blind on your own.
If you are doing this mail order, then MouthpieceExpress.com is a good place to start. Subject to their policies, which are easy to find on their website, you can audition and return mouthpieces. They carry Bach and Schilke mouthpieces, which are 2 of the more recognizable numbering systems of major brands - with a little reading, you’ll be able to gauge some good sizes to try, to feel out the alternatives, and as they’re roughly $60 each, they don’t break the bank, at least compared to other offerings these days. With “cheap knockoffs” you don’t have any idea whether the size you’re aiming to try is what’s being delivered.
@@AirflowMusicNYC
There isn't really any major issue that I am trying to fix. If anything it is that my lips tend to work themselves into the cup of the mouthpiece as I play and it gets uncomfortable and maybe a little sore afterwards. I am still new to brass instruments I could just not be used to the feeling of buzzing my lips for longer periods of time though. My thinking was that a shallower cup would help with that. (Maybe an E instead of the C) I also just wanted to try out different sizes just to get a feel for them and If I like one more than my 7C, I could get a proper one to replace the knock off and if it doesn't make a difference, I would only be out 10-15 dollars per mouthpiece.
What you said does make sense though. You never know what you are really getting with knockoffs. I'll think that I will reconsider buying them.
I appreciate the advice. I'll check out mouthpiece express.
Since you’re dealing with a little excess mouthpiece pressure, going shallower will probably make that worse rather than better.
Join my practice challenge which starts today at 10:30am ET. That’s free and may well help you find the balance you’re currently lacking.
It will make me sound better right?
I have been using a 7c for 4-5 years
Switched to 5b and i could tell the difference easily
That depends on what version of “better” you’re looking for. If it’s richer tone in the mids and lows, then yes, that’s what I’d expect from a 5B over a 7C.
@@AirflowMusicNYC
Ok, thanks!
Also posture and the angle you hold the mouthpiece to your face can do a lot of good for your range, not so much as altering the mouthpiece itself.
Of course, but that was covered in other videos.
Ive played a 3c for 4 years and was given a 17c mouthpiece. It'll take me some time to get used to its sound
The best mouthpiece is whatever fits you best, for me it's a 7b4, usually schilke. They're hard to find but they fit my lips perfect. Feels like I'm playing on a cloud
Indeed it is, as I said in the video. I’m glad you’ve found the one that works best for you.
@@AirflowMusicNYC yup i kinda jumped the gun 😂 great video and great advice!!
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?
Which C are you talking about? Are the lower notes speaking but playing really out of tune, or are they not speaking at all?
@@AirflowMusicNYC Second octive? The one on the staff. Not out of tune, just well muted.
So more buzz than sound? You only really get that Miles Harmon sound by being really close on the mic.
See I try to get my lips into my mouthpiece but it just doesn’t work very well and I can’t play consistently however I go to a comfortably position with my lips barley into the mouthpiece but I sound airy because my mouth doesn’t get into my mouthpiece I have a 7c btw and I think I need deeper and a bit more open any suggestios
It's nearly impossible to give good advice without seeing and hearing you play. I'd really just be guessing.
I play on a 7c size trumpet mouth piece.
Good for you! Thanks for watching.
Sir my lips is bigger. We used to play like 7to8 hours during Jan to may last in seasons. 2 days of playing my lips will get even more bigger resulting to play nothing . Please waiting for your valuable feedback
If your lips are bigger, then you need a wider mouthpiece.
@@AirflowMusicNYC glad that u replied. Love from india
@@AirflowMusicNYC how about the depth of mouthpiece from hole to lips and hole diameter??? Sir
@@AirflowMusicNYC please suggest some models suits me!!!!
My lips are small. The smallest mouthpiece easily fits with room to spare. Should I take the smallest? I get a decent sound out of all of them. The bigger ones are louder tho.
What is the smallest mouthpiece you’ve tried?
@@AirflowMusicNYC a Bach 17
@@AirflowMusicNYC Bach 17C
Consigli per l'improvvisazione?
Ciao e grazie
Do it a lot. I don't have a very structured method for practicing it - I used to spend a lot of time trying to play in the same key as the radio...
Because of my teeth I must play on Wedge
You mean my Al Hurt mouthpiece isn't helping my hit my C's?
We all hurt sometimes... 😀
So, why are lead mouthpieces on the market? Isn’t that misleading ...
Most lead mouthpieces have shallower cups and/or tighter backbores. They therefore have a brighter sound which focuses well in the high register, and is arguably more appropriate for playing lead. Playing lead trumpet is not just about playing high notes, although that is obviously required at times.
Mouthpieces like these make people feel good about there range when honestly they stink at high notes on a regular mouthpiece. Another con to these is that they make you sound very thin
What are “mouthpieces like these”? In this video, I talk about playing a mouthpiece of an appropriate cup diameter for your physical structure, explain that a shallow cup doesn’t make it easier to play high, and advocate playing something that allows you to make a good and appropriate sound for the style of music you’re playing. You either didn’t watch all the way through or didn’t pay attention to the content of the video.