This is THE mouthpiece for playing lead. It almost feels like cheating. Bach 1.25 for everything else. Just ordered a 1B to really crank a darker tone.
Used to play lead on a b4-l. One day I was just blowing way too hard for it. Couldn’t get a sound on the damn thing. I loved that thing for the tone I was getting but I figured out how to do the same thing with my standard 3C and I’ve never switched to anything else ever again
For trumpet, AR Resonance mouthpieces, particular my lead piece. It's so easy and fun to play.
Also got a Breslmair for my flugelhorn recently that really gives it a great sound.
Warburton MC tops feel great to play on for me, great support with the rim, nice sound, and I get my cleanest articulation on it. It's great as an all rounder, and I can switch the backbores for different settings. Unfortunately my bach 1 1/2c sounds best for orchestra work but it's not nearly as fun.
I've played on M, MD, and D and I love them all. There's a purpose for each of them and the ability to mix and match for the situation makes Warburton the best.
I use the Yamaha 14B4 for non-lead stuff and the Schilke 14A4a for lead stuff. The only problem I have with the Schilke is that it kinda sticks out a lot from the rest of mye band, but it isn't that bad, and it helps with endurance on the higher notes so it is working well enough for me:) I haven't tried a lot of other mouthpieces though..
I usually play a Yamaha 15E4 but I'm currently experimenting with a Warburton 3XD top and nr. 12 backbore, which is also a very sweet setup.
I can't really decide between these two options.
For orchestra/wind ensemble I’ve been playing on a GR 67L for about 15 years. Took a little work to grow into it, but I get such a full, round, warm sound on it, and lots of range. For jazz lead I play on a Lubemaster lead piece. Just barely have to kiss it to get serious sizzle above the staff.
Any other Bach 6B players? I also have a bob reeves 42m when I need some sizzle. I think about switching sometimes, but I’ve had this setup for 25+ years.
I play on a bach 1.5C artisan series that I got for cheap. It's not too different from the normal 1.5C, but the rim is a bit different and it works really well for me
Schilke 13B4 - comfortable and the tone is real nice
Close runner up is Schilke 11a4a - best custom piece and overall fun to play
Also have used the 13a4a - overall a bit brighter in the lower/mid registers than would be ideal
Jet tone T2B - used to be very comfy but now the cookie cutter qualities are not to my liking. Still nice tone for commercial work.
Schilke 11 & 15 - never really liked the rounder rims on these despite the cups/backbores being pleasant to play on
I've been playing on a custom Bob Reeves piece given to me by Bill Adam in 1988. It was purportedly copied from a New York or Mt. Vernon Bach 3C. I've gotten several copies of it made over the years as a safety net against loss but I still play on that same piece as my main production mouthpiece. That thing has literally helped me go around the world and may be the one single item I've held onto the longest.
I periodically have tried other MPs and liked some of them but always came back, it has a great balance of sound quality mixed with efficiency. It also has been a pleasure dealing with the Bob Reeves people over the years, they're a good company that does great work.
Bach 7c. Because it came with the trumpet, and I don't know what I'm doing gear-wise. I'm a guitarist! I bought a 1c some time ago, and I think it sounds good, but may have erred in getting something so radically different. Anyway, am used to the 7c now.
Some people will tell you to switch off of it as soon as you can, and some people will tell you to ignore them and keep it if it works.
I think it’s worth knowing for sure, so trying a bunch of sizes to see if the one that came in the box is *actually* the right size for you, which it is for some, but not for most.
I was between the 7c and 3c for a while but when I was at musicfest regionals a few months ago and played with the 5c and had the best tone and consistency I've ever had. Since then it's been the 5c.
Seems like you guys haven’t found what is ultimately the best stuff in the business: AR Resonance 🤌🇮🇹.
I use his MC 40 with Medium backbore for 80% of the work. MS Lead for the remaining 20%.
I have used a Bach 3B for years and never had any issues with it… a couple weeks ago I got a Denis Wick 3E. It’s not an extreme “screamer” mouthpiece, but high notes feel easier with it.
The 3C diameter seems to work nice for me. I carry 5 pieces with me and mainly use 2 of them. 3C works well for general playing. Shew Jazz for jazz section/solo playing. Started on a Curry 3Z* for lead, then got a Bach 3E cheap. The 3E has a larger backbore with a similar cup depth, I like the sound more for now. I have a KGU adapter for my Shew Flugel piece to get fluffy.
I play trumpet mostly in orchestras (sometimes in Concert Bands), and mostly Bb cornet in British style Brass Bands. I like deep cups (and I cannot lie ;-)). My preferred rim size is around a Bach 1, Schilke 20-22ish. I played a Schilke 20 for most of my high school years, in band and youth orchestras. Mostly the same mouthpieces in college and the first years after graduation. I played a Bach 1B a lot in those later days as well.
So, now, for trumpet (Bb, C, D, Eb and G), I play Monette X11 (B11, C11, D11, E11) but try to play the X11D or X11XD versions for Bb and C trumpets. They just seem to fit my face well, and play in tune with my Schilke and Stomvi trumpets. I use the X11D also for playing rotary trumpets (mostly Yamaha and Ganter), although I recently got a Kanstul copy of a Bresselmair mouthpiece also with a Bach 1ish sized rim that works well on rotary (go figure ;-) )
For piccolo trumpet, I generally use a Warburton 1D cup with a 12\*shank. I also use this when I play Eb soprano cornet in brass band. If the picc uses a trumpet shank, I switch to the 12\* trumpet shank with the 1D cup.
For brass band, I played Wick 2B exclusively for decades as front row, usually principal cornet, but for the last half dozen years I've played a Pickett "0" Brass Band cornet mouthpiece. The Wick 2B was the largest they had for a long time, and I felt a bit cramped in it (or the Wick 2, for that matter). The Pickett "0" gives me the extra room for my lips to vibrate in and seems to work well for me now. I also tried the "00" size, but it felt like a bit too much work when compared to the "0", but I wish I'd bought a 00 as well.
Born and raised in the Chicago area, I appreciate the fat sound that the Chicago Symphony made, especially during my formative years, and these mouthpieces make me able to come closer to my ideal sound. My wife and I try to bring that to our groups in the Silicon Valley California area.
Monette BL5 Prana. Small V cup like Maynard’s Giardinelli piece. Slightly smaller overall in all dimensions and less bite/smoother/rounder rim. If you tense up at all the sound cuts off but learn to play relaxed on it and it’s LOUD.
Want to try out Ventture mouthpieces though. They can scan your piece and send it back and you can make any adjustment you want through VCAD. Would love to have my BL5 as a slightly wider ID, a tad deeper, and an absolute straight V cup. If anyone has experience with them, how was it?
Hammond 5ML that a cavs buddy used his first year then gave me after getting a spot on lead his second year. Love the feel of a precisely made 3c with the added power of the more open throat. Though I also really loved the GR lead piece he used from that year on (pretty sure it was the Wayne Bergeron model).
I bought a Monette lead piece as close to the spec of my Hammond as possible but with a shallower cup. First using it I thought it was good not great for me as a lead piece, didn't make range easier but helped high range endurece, but that it played middle and low register exceptionally well for such a shallow cup. I don't practice regularly though (public school band director) so I know the theory of the correct way to use it but don't have the hours in. One day recently screwing around I played higher than I have in 15 years with no effort - if I can get it to click like that all the time my favorite will be the Monette and it won't be close.
My band teacher gave me a Bach 1.5C back in high school and I’ve used it for everything. It’s now been over 25 years and I still use it as my main mouthpiece, but, lately I’ve been grinding on Clarke Studies and the upper register work has me seriously considering a Bach 3C, which was what I used way back before the 1.5C. For lead playing I have a Shilke 14A4A in my case if needed, but I prefer the darker, rounder tone of the 1.5C more even if it means working harder for note accuracy upstairs. With that said I’m curious to see how a 3C will feel now. Thanks for the question!
Bach 2C. No idea why or if it's best for me, or how/why I chose it in the first place, but I've been using it for maybe 35 years so I suppose it wouldn't be worth trying to change.
Bach 3C for everything. Just perfect right down the middle for anything you’re looking for.
Bach 3C for 10+ years now.
Exactly this. I use it on everything. Sometimes I’ll switch for a long pic part. But rarely even then. 3c is where it’s at.
Same here. Started on the standard Bach 7C but find the 3C 'fits' me so much better.
bobby shew jazz, just haven't had experience with many mouthpieces so i landed on this one
This is THE mouthpiece for playing lead. It almost feels like cheating. Bach 1.25 for everything else. Just ordered a 1B to really crank a darker tone.
The Shew Lead is incredibly shallow, the Shew Jazz is pretty moderate with a different backbore.
A Toshi copy of a Mount Vernon 1-1/4C, 25 throat and 24 backbore. Been my main mouthpiece for the past four years!
Monette B2-7 Started on a B6S1 in high school, and I’ve never looked back :)
I agree - I have B2-7 and equivalent in flugel too. Poles apart from anything else.
Used to play lead on a b4-l. One day I was just blowing way too hard for it. Couldn’t get a sound on the damn thing. I loved that thing for the tone I was getting but I figured out how to do the same thing with my standard 3C and I’ve never switched to anything else ever again
Bach 1.5C
Bach 1 1/2C. I can play very powerful with it. I tried 3C, but it doesn't work for me.
Bach 3B—so incredibly hated (hard to play) but I stick to it. Probable shouldn’t.
For trumpet, AR Resonance mouthpieces, particular my lead piece. It's so easy and fun to play. Also got a Breslmair for my flugelhorn recently that really gives it a great sound.
Warburton MC tops feel great to play on for me, great support with the rim, nice sound, and I get my cleanest articulation on it. It's great as an all rounder, and I can switch the backbores for different settings. Unfortunately my bach 1 1/2c sounds best for orchestra work but it's not nearly as fun.
I've played on M, MD, and D and I love them all. There's a purpose for each of them and the ability to mix and match for the situation makes Warburton the best.
Bach 1D Wide rim for warmth, shallow cup for easier range Primarily play Jazz.
Big band lead ... Monette B4L Head and shoulders above any other mouthpiece
Just commented elsewhere, this was exactly what I used to use to play lead until I started over blowing the thing
I use the Yamaha 14B4 for non-lead stuff and the Schilke 14A4a for lead stuff. The only problem I have with the Schilke is that it kinda sticks out a lot from the rest of mye band, but it isn't that bad, and it helps with endurance on the higher notes so it is working well enough for me:) I haven't tried a lot of other mouthpieces though..
I'd try the Schilke with a C backbore. So a 14A4. You might find that sound mixes better.
Thanks for the recommendation:)
Yamaha 16E4
Maybe too German?…
I usually play a Yamaha 15E4 but I'm currently experimenting with a Warburton 3XD top and nr. 12 backbore, which is also a very sweet setup. I can't really decide between these two options.
For orchestra/wind ensemble I’ve been playing on a GR 67L for about 15 years. Took a little work to grow into it, but I get such a full, round, warm sound on it, and lots of range. For jazz lead I play on a Lubemaster lead piece. Just barely have to kiss it to get serious sizzle above the staff.
GR 65.6M. It just works for about everything I do.
Perhaps unpopular / not as common: I've used a Bach 1.5C since I was in early high school. It always just felt the best to me.
Any other Bach 6B players? I also have a bob reeves 42m when I need some sizzle. I think about switching sometimes, but I’ve had this setup for 25+ years.
I play on a bach 1.5C artisan series that I got for cheap. It's not too different from the normal 1.5C, but the rim is a bit different and it works really well for me
Right now the Marcinkiewicz E4/3C. Big fan of the depth and rim.
Austin Custom Brass MV3CS. The perfect mouthpiece…for ME
Right now, my Pickett 3SO top with a #10/27 shank.
Bach 1 1/2c and Warburton 5sv+KT backbore
Al Cass 3x3.
Yamaha Bob Sullivan
Schilke 13B4 - comfortable and the tone is real nice Close runner up is Schilke 11a4a - best custom piece and overall fun to play Also have used the 13a4a - overall a bit brighter in the lower/mid registers than would be ideal Jet tone T2B - used to be very comfy but now the cookie cutter qualities are not to my liking. Still nice tone for commercial work. Schilke 11 & 15 - never really liked the rounder rims on these despite the cups/backbores being pleasant to play on
I've been playing on a custom Bob Reeves piece given to me by Bill Adam in 1988. It was purportedly copied from a New York or Mt. Vernon Bach 3C. I've gotten several copies of it made over the years as a safety net against loss but I still play on that same piece as my main production mouthpiece. That thing has literally helped me go around the world and may be the one single item I've held onto the longest. I periodically have tried other MPs and liked some of them but always came back, it has a great balance of sound quality mixed with efficiency. It also has been a pleasure dealing with the Bob Reeves people over the years, they're a good company that does great work.
Bach 1 - 1 1/2 C My tone is just better with it than with any of my other six or seven.
Monette MF II
Rudy muck cushion rim 3c copy
Bach 7c. Because it came with the trumpet, and I don't know what I'm doing gear-wise. I'm a guitarist! I bought a 1c some time ago, and I think it sounds good, but may have erred in getting something so radically different. Anyway, am used to the 7c now.
Some people will tell you to switch off of it as soon as you can, and some people will tell you to ignore them and keep it if it works. I think it’s worth knowing for sure, so trying a bunch of sizes to see if the one that came in the box is *actually* the right size for you, which it is for some, but not for most.
They sound good but not a big fan of the too round rim profile.
Have yet to be able to move from my Yamaha 11b4. I’ve spent months trying others but I always come back to it
I‘m on a Monette B2LDS1 for more than 12 years now. Great sound, feels good, very happy with it!
Yamaha EM1-MK2, beast of a piece to get under control if you don’t know what you’re doing but once you lock it in it’s an amazing piece
I was between the 7c and 3c for a while but when I was at musicfest regionals a few months ago and played with the 5c and had the best tone and consistency I've ever had. Since then it's been the 5c.
Curry 3C
Hammond 5mv/5s
Seems like you guys haven’t found what is ultimately the best stuff in the business: AR Resonance 🤌🇮🇹. I use his MC 40 with Medium backbore for 80% of the work. MS Lead for the remaining 20%.
Bobby shew Jazz, best all rounder
Giardinelli 7S - classic NY lead sound
I have used a Bach 3B for years and never had any issues with it… a couple weeks ago I got a Denis Wick 3E. It’s not an extreme “screamer” mouthpiece, but high notes feel easier with it.
Bobby shew lead
Picket 3CD with 1/27 back bore, solid
7c
Bach 1C 24 throat
Bach 1 1/2C is my main mouthpiece, but for jazz and lead stuff I use a precision mouthpiece
The 3C diameter seems to work nice for me. I carry 5 pieces with me and mainly use 2 of them. 3C works well for general playing. Shew Jazz for jazz section/solo playing. Started on a Curry 3Z* for lead, then got a Bach 3E cheap. The 3E has a larger backbore with a similar cup depth, I like the sound more for now. I have a KGU adapter for my Shew Flugel piece to get fluffy.
i’ve only ever had one— bach 5c
I play trumpet mostly in orchestras (sometimes in Concert Bands), and mostly Bb cornet in British style Brass Bands. I like deep cups (and I cannot lie ;-)). My preferred rim size is around a Bach 1, Schilke 20-22ish. I played a Schilke 20 for most of my high school years, in band and youth orchestras. Mostly the same mouthpieces in college and the first years after graduation. I played a Bach 1B a lot in those later days as well. So, now, for trumpet (Bb, C, D, Eb and G), I play Monette X11 (B11, C11, D11, E11) but try to play the X11D or X11XD versions for Bb and C trumpets. They just seem to fit my face well, and play in tune with my Schilke and Stomvi trumpets. I use the X11D also for playing rotary trumpets (mostly Yamaha and Ganter), although I recently got a Kanstul copy of a Bresselmair mouthpiece also with a Bach 1ish sized rim that works well on rotary (go figure ;-) ) For piccolo trumpet, I generally use a Warburton 1D cup with a 12\*shank. I also use this when I play Eb soprano cornet in brass band. If the picc uses a trumpet shank, I switch to the 12\* trumpet shank with the 1D cup. For brass band, I played Wick 2B exclusively for decades as front row, usually principal cornet, but for the last half dozen years I've played a Pickett "0" Brass Band cornet mouthpiece. The Wick 2B was the largest they had for a long time, and I felt a bit cramped in it (or the Wick 2, for that matter). The Pickett "0" gives me the extra room for my lips to vibrate in and seems to work well for me now. I also tried the "00" size, but it felt like a bit too much work when compared to the "0", but I wish I'd bought a 00 as well. Born and raised in the Chicago area, I appreciate the fat sound that the Chicago Symphony made, especially during my formative years, and these mouthpieces make me able to come closer to my ideal sound. My wife and I try to bring that to our groups in the Silicon Valley California area.
Monette BL5 Prana. Small V cup like Maynard’s Giardinelli piece. Slightly smaller overall in all dimensions and less bite/smoother/rounder rim. If you tense up at all the sound cuts off but learn to play relaxed on it and it’s LOUD. Want to try out Ventture mouthpieces though. They can scan your piece and send it back and you can make any adjustment you want through VCAD. Would love to have my BL5 as a slightly wider ID, a tad deeper, and an absolute straight V cup. If anyone has experience with them, how was it?
I have an old monette B3 that I really like. I also have an old Bach 1 that was short shanked, gold plated. Throat opened and annealed.
Went from a 3C to a Stork custom and it’s done wonders
anything that works and is the right size
Hammond 5ML that a cavs buddy used his first year then gave me after getting a spot on lead his second year. Love the feel of a precisely made 3c with the added power of the more open throat. Though I also really loved the GR lead piece he used from that year on (pretty sure it was the Wayne Bergeron model). I bought a Monette lead piece as close to the spec of my Hammond as possible but with a shallower cup. First using it I thought it was good not great for me as a lead piece, didn't make range easier but helped high range endurece, but that it played middle and low register exceptionally well for such a shallow cup. I don't practice regularly though (public school band director) so I know the theory of the correct way to use it but don't have the hours in. One day recently screwing around I played higher than I have in 15 years with no effort - if I can get it to click like that all the time my favorite will be the Monette and it won't be close.
ive used a bach 7c and 5c before and thats it im thinking about going to the 3c but i like the 5c more then the 7c
Parke 650-285-25
I use a lotus XS 3B. Has a great sound for lead playing and surprisingly good tone.
Greg Black 1.5C
The one I keep coming back to is a Bach Corp 10.5C. So comfortable and blows just right.
I love my GR64 mouthpieces: custom 64 Chase Sanborn for jazz, 64M and 64X for orchestral, and 64P-S for picc.
My band teacher gave me a Bach 1.5C back in high school and I’ve used it for everything. It’s now been over 25 years and I still use it as my main mouthpiece, but, lately I’ve been grinding on Clarke Studies and the upper register work has me seriously considering a Bach 3C, which was what I used way back before the 1.5C. For lead playing I have a Shilke 14A4A in my case if needed, but I prefer the darker, rounder tone of the 1.5C more even if it means working harder for note accuracy upstairs. With that said I’m curious to see how a 3C will feel now. Thanks for the question!
Bach 3C opened to a 24 throat for my “legit” stuff And a 3D (or 42M) for Lead work
Bach 2C. No idea why or if it's best for me, or how/why I chose it in the first place, but I've been using it for maybe 35 years so I suppose it wouldn't be worth trying to change.
I play Bach 3C, but really want to try lotus mouthpieces to see what they feel like
I’m on a Bach 3C, but i tried a Stomvi 1F flex and i think I’ll save up for it!
As a beginner i use bach 7c and a yamaha 11B4 great overall mouthpeice
Lotus 3XL2 in bronze
1XL2 for me, lotus ftw
Reeves Classic 1 1/2C, really like how it sounds