Mouthpiece Design
The mouthpiece has a large effect on instrument sound. Major effects are due to the shape of the cup, shape of the throat, and the inner rim diameter. In addition, players often choose a mouthpiece that complements their playing styles. In general, brass players who concentrate on the upper range prefer a mouthpiece with a narrow bore, and players who emphasize the lower range prefer a wider bore.
The effects of different aspects of mouthpiece design |
Mouthpiece element |
Effect on playing |
Typical size/nature
(Trumpet) |
Typical size/nature
(Tuba) |
Inner rim diameter |
Larger inner rim diameters are optimized for lower ranges, giving a richer tone. Smaller diameters assist high range playing. |
~16.0mm |
~32mm |
Rim width |
Wider rim widths reduce the pressure on the lips, allowing greater stamina. It does, however, reduce flexibility. |
~5, 6, or 7mm |
~6mm |
Rim contour |
Flatter rim contours tend to appear on rims with sharper edges (see below). |
Varied |
Varied |
Rim edge (or bite) |
Sharper rim edges reduce stamina but increase control. More smoothed rims are commonly found on deeper cups. |
Varied |
varied |
Cup depth |
Shallower cups greatly assist playing in high ranges but do so at the cost of fullness of tone. Deeper cups assist low range flexibility and rich tone. |
Around half the inner rim diameter. |
3/4 to 2 times the inner rim diameter. |
Cup shape |
Semi-spherical cups have brighter, more projected tones, while conical cups have less tone definition (see throat contour, below). |
Semi-spherical |
Both |
Throat contour |
In semi-spherical cups, a sharper throat contour gives a more harsh, projected tone and a rounded contour gives a deeper, richer tone. Conical cups with a smooth throat have less definition. |
Relatively sharp |
Usually rounded |
Throat diameter |
Larger throat diameters give more volume but less control. Smaller diameters have much more control but significant volume limitations. |
~3.6mm |
~7.6mm |
Backbore |
More conical backbores give a richer tone, while more cylindrical ones give a brighter, more projected tone. |
Fairly cylindrical |
Varied |
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