Mouthpiece (brass) - Mouthpiece Design

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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