I am semi-retired and returning to playing trombone after a layoff of over 40 years. I'm playing now in local and national community bands, and doing solo work at my home using backing tracks. As I redevelop my chops, I am less than satisfied with the overall tone I am getting. Some players I respect have suggested I upgrade the only mouthpiece I currently own - a Conn 3C from the early 1960s. Could my tone improve by changing to a better mouthpiece, and if so - which mouthpieces would more experienced players recommend?

Or, am I limited by the horn itself - an early 60's Conn tenor?

What model is the Conn tenor?

Is the mouthpiece a Conn 3, or 3C? I don't think I've ever seen a 3C but I know what a 3 is, it was my first mouthpiece.

Thanks Doug. The Conn is a Director model. I just double checked and the mouthpiece is actually stamped "CONN 3". (I don't know where I got the "3C" from.....) Like you, the 3 was both my first and only mouthpiece.

[quote="wdon"]Thanks Doug. The Conn [trombone] is a Director model. I just double checked and the mouthpiece is actually stamped "CONN 3".[/quote]

You're probably not particularly "limited" by your mouthpiece - the Conn 3 is indeed an older design, but it can actually work quite well with a trombone like yours. (The Director is a "student" model.)

Feel free to explore and purchase a more "modern" mouthpiece (many, many choices for small-bore tenors - a potentially deep rabbit hole), but I doubt that it will greatly enhance your tone, or anything else. If you think things would improve with a different trombone, try playing a few (borrowed from a band mate or at a music store).

Thanks Posaunus!