Gadget freaks

In many online forums I see a common thread:
"Which (new-fangled) mouthpiece should I use??”

Way too many players are pushed into thinking that the newest development in this-or-that equipment is going to correct certain issues in playing. (oops, there went my lucrative endoresment deal...)

All of the time I hear and read quotes like: “this mouthpiece really increased my power up high” or "I play too loud for such a small backbore!"

What's the deal? Are we on a race here?
Is this artistry or NASCAR?
(…so many common erroneous mouthpiece comments and decisions are usually related to range and /or volume)

True, a mouthpiece is a factor in your sound, and certain shapes and sizes do impact performance, but the reality with mouthpieces is that they are NOT that big a of factor in playing a brass instrument. It's a much smaller factor in the equasion than most folks think, and it is CERTAINLY a smaller factor than the player themself.

Let's be honest, a milimeter in cup depth does not affect range more than good basics, foundation, and development. Not even close. (Nor does it put hair on your chest.)
Make sure you are not putting the cart before the horse.


Take these things into consideration when looking for a mouthpiece:

1. Does it feel comfortable on my face? The rim of the mouthpiece should not pinch or go way outside or inside what you feel your embouchure should be. Look for rims that are medium sized (for most types of playing) not too thick and not too thin. Keep cup depth to a medium-large size.

2. Does it match my horn? If the mouthpiece is too large it may cause intonation issues on a medium or smaller bore horn. A mouthpiece that is too small will give you a tinny sound.

3. Does the mouthpiece match your role in the ensemble / the music you play? There is a difference between chamber playing and orchestral playing, lead playing and section playing, etc. Which are you, realistically? Is your mouthpiece an aid or a crutch? You should be able to do EVERYTHING on a standard mouthpiece. Don't adjust to extremes until you can do that, and only adjust for efficiency of what you can already do. A mouthpiece is not going to give you anything.

4. Is it approximately a standard mouthpiece? (aka not too extreme) Younger / amateur players tend to OFTEN use mouthpieces that are too extreme – high brass players use pieces that are too small and lower brass players sometimes use pieces that are too big.

5. Determine the purpose. Am I trying to compensate for playing differences with this mouthpiece? Am I trying to cure boredom / satiating the need to buy something new? Am I trying to separate myself from my peers by altering my equipment?
Realize that almost all new fancy model mouthpieces are copies of old standard models.
Keep in mind, if it aint broke… don’t make yourself that way by buying unneeded new mouthpieces. (stick with standards…)

6. Above all, does it help to create the TONE I want? As a brass player TONE is law and is our MOST IMPORTANT aspect and priority. Too often we sacrifice tone for range, volume etc. Tone is where it’s at folks, before you even get to range, technique or style.



I always think of the greatest players in history whenever I get the urge for a new mouthpiece...

As a rule, their greatness is NEVER because of the equipment they used, as they could sound AMAZING on anything. The equipment they used did NOT define how they played, it merely enhanced it or made the job more efficient… equipment is never an enabler, deterrent, or crutch.

Personally, I like to make physical equipment as much as a non-factor as possible... therefore making the player the ONLY variable (as much as possible.) It's easier to isolate, tear down, and build back up that way. The less variables I need to worry about, the better.


So, next time you think about buying that new, overpriced, space-age mouthpiece, spend that money on a lesson or CDs of your favorite player.