I recently commented on this post:

<LINK_TEXT text="https://trombonechat.com/viewtopic.php? ... 03#p190903">https://trombonechat.com/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=28486&p=190903#p190903</LINK_TEXT>

That post got me to thinking about the Ian Bousfield "Signature" series mouthpieces introduced a few years ago. During the pandemic, I was able to purchase a whole set (S5, S4, and S) in new condition. But since I was barely playing large-bore trombones at the time, I set them aside after a very brief play test.

At an orchestra rehearsal this week, I used it the S5 on a large-bore trombone (8H equivalent). It really is a very nice mouthpiece, with few if any negatives. I'll be playing it a lot more with my large bore trombones, and also will be trying the S4 and S to see if they're all worth playing regularly!

Apparently Bousfield has endorsed even newer designs than the original "Signature" series (S5, S4, and S), made by Griego. Not quite sure why he moved on - the S series is already great. Are the new ones even better? :idk:

My comment from the other post:

The Signature Bousfield was a line he developed and made with Denis Wick before he switched over to Griego. I believe he designed his V, O, and C line when his Getzen signature trombone launched.

[quote="Aznguyy"]The Signature Bousfield was a line he developed and made with Denis Wick before he switched over to Griego. I believe he designed his V, O, and C line when his Getzen signature trombone launched.[/quote]

When they were introduced, Ian Bousfield was really high on his "Signature" series mouthpieces, promoting them vigorously. Did he then turn his back on the S series, or just have some different ideas when he started working with Griego? So far, I'm quite happy with my S5.

Christan Griego did a complete revamp of the Bousfield design. I think even the cup diameters are drastically different (the V3 and O3 being 1.06", where the S4 was 4G sized). I think when it came down to it, Griego just came up with a flat-out better set of designs than the UK version. It's been a while though, who knows if he is still on the Griego stuff. Anyone close to Ian who knows?

The V3 was certainly easy to play. I noticed though that it has some weird upper overtones/fuzziness that I couldn't eliminate -- you can hear them in the Song For Japan video we did a few years back. The O3 did not have that problem, but was in turn nowhere near as flexible as the V3.

I think they are worth taking a look at. The rim and cup design is great. The throat and backbore weren't for me in the end.

I bought an S4 out of curiosity when they were initially introduced, and it too is a very nice mouthpiece. I ended up buying the S and S5 as well, just for yucks. As I mentioned in another thread, I occasionally use the S5 as a 'cheater' on orchestral pops concerts. Though I never switched to the S4, I certainly think it had (and has) merit.

I think all three are unique (and underrated), in that they don't feel like anything of comparable size that I've tried.

As to why Ian Bousfield moved on - who knows... I don't think his moving on either implies a dissatisfaction with the 'S's, or that the Griego line is somehow a redesign or direct improvement to the S line. Rather, the Griegos are just an example of another talented mouthpiece maker working to develop new options in collaboration with a renown player.

With all the mouthpiece choices out there, it's inevitable that many designs simply get lost in the shuffle or don't catch on.