What mouthpiece would you recommend for….
- glissezfantastico
- Posts: 2
- Joined: Mar 18, 2023
I am planning on picking up my King 5B again after many years of abstinence. I played a lot in my youth using a Bach 4G mouthpiece on orchestral first and second trombone parts (never bass). Is there a mouthpiece that might be better to get into the high register without sacrificing the tone in the middle and lower registers?
- BGuttman
- Posts: 7368
- Joined: Mar 22, 2018
Really depends. I played plenty high on a 4G. You will need some time to work back into your groove, including rangebuilding. If you are absolutely determined to get a different mouthpiece, try a Faxx 6.5 AL (or find a used Bach one). It may work at first, but eventually you will want to go back to the 4G.
- Posaunus
- Posts: 5018
- Joined: Mar 23, 2018
[quote="glissezfantastico"]Is there a mouthpiece that might be better [than Bach 4G] to get into the high register without sacrificing the tone in the middle and lower registers?[/quote]
Yup. Lots of choices. TromboneChat members will be happy to "advise" you of their favorites. [I know I have mine.]
Good luck!
Yup. Lots of choices. TromboneChat members will be happy to "advise" you of their favorites. [I know I have mine.]
Good luck!
- MrHCinDE
- Posts: 1039
- Joined: Jul 01, 2018
So many choices but I will jump in first and bang the drum for one in particular if you are keen to buy a new mouthpiece.
I was looking for something just a bit bigger on the face than a 5G and after some chatting with him, took forum member MStarke’s advice to try his MST Studio 5GD N. I had been looking for and trying things which on paper are closer to 4G size but the description “May feel a little bigger due to the rim profile.” caught my eye (and turned out to be 100% correct according to my perception).
[url]<LINK_TEXT text=" https://www.mst-studio-mouthpieces.com ... rge-shank/"> https://www.mst-studio-mouthpieces.com/shop/large-shank/mst-studio-5gd-n-large-shank/</LINK_TEXT>
I notice no degradation in sound in the lower register relative to a 4G and the mid to upper register is streets ahead for my chops, YMMV. I think a trial is possible by arrangement with MStarke or ordering via Thomann.
What’s good for one person isn’t necessarily good for another so I’d suggest try a few options, find the most promising and stick with it for a while, especially since you are returning to playing after a pause. Investment in one or two lessons might have more impact than hardware and never becomes a stranded asset, unlike the drawer full of discarded mouthpieces some of us possess.
I was looking for something just a bit bigger on the face than a 5G and after some chatting with him, took forum member MStarke’s advice to try his MST Studio 5GD N. I had been looking for and trying things which on paper are closer to 4G size but the description “May feel a little bigger due to the rim profile.” caught my eye (and turned out to be 100% correct according to my perception).
I notice no degradation in sound in the lower register relative to a 4G and the mid to upper register is streets ahead for my chops, YMMV. I think a trial is possible by arrangement with MStarke or ordering via Thomann.
What’s good for one person isn’t necessarily good for another so I’d suggest try a few options, find the most promising and stick with it for a while, especially since you are returning to playing after a pause. Investment in one or two lessons might have more impact than hardware and never becomes a stranded asset, unlike the drawer full of discarded mouthpieces some of us possess.
- Mr412
- Posts: 207
- Joined: May 20, 2022
Don't rule out a 3G. Yes, it will sound mellow and maybe that isn't the sound you seek. But for me - on a vintage Conn Elkhart 88H, it's proving to be perfect for what I want to do. And although I thought the high range would be flattened, the opposite proved to be true. I can play higher on that set-up than I ever could on anything. Go figure.
I got the idea when I noticed the Jim Nova mouthpiece line uses a #3 rim on everything from soprano to contra. Works for him. Works for me. YMMV, of course.
I got the idea when I noticed the Jim Nova mouthpiece line uses a #3 rim on everything from soprano to contra. Works for him. Works for me. YMMV, of course.
- Vegasbound
- Posts: 1328
- Joined: Jul 06, 2019
Have a lesson with Doug Elliott, he will help you get your chops working efficiently and also help you understand what mouthpiece size is most efficient for your chop type.
- greenbean
- Posts: 1958
- Joined: Mar 23, 2018
I would move to something 5G-ish in size. And see how you feel once your chops are in shape.
- Posaunus
- Posts: 5018
- Joined: Mar 23, 2018
Perhaps I'm one of those "The grass is always greener" guys, but I don't think you should limit yourself to the Bach brand.
I've had more success (for my face and embouchure) with other manufacturers' products. :idk:
I've had more success (for my face and embouchure) with other manufacturers' products. :idk:
- BGuttman
- Posts: 7368
- Joined: Mar 22, 2018
We are really talking size here. Bach rims are just well known.
6.5AL is equivalent to a Schilke 50, Hammond 13, Wick 6, or Yamaha 48
5G is equivalent to a Schilke or Yamaha 51, Wick 5, or Hammond 12
4G is equivalent to a Schilke or Yamaha 52, Wick 4, or Hammond 11
3G is equivalent to a Schilke 53 or Hammond 10.
These are all sizes that are commonly available for reasonable prices.
6.5AL is equivalent to a Schilke 50, Hammond 13, Wick 6, or Yamaha 48
5G is equivalent to a Schilke or Yamaha 51, Wick 5, or Hammond 12
4G is equivalent to a Schilke or Yamaha 52, Wick 4, or Hammond 11
3G is equivalent to a Schilke 53 or Hammond 10.
These are all sizes that are commonly available for reasonable prices.