The problem with large mouthpieces
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The problem with large mouthpieces
I’ve been playing on Griego 3 Alessi series mouthpieces for years now, which in the UK are considered large as they’re about the same rim size as Bach 3G. Recently I made a darker more centred sound when, on a whim, I tried a bach 4 corp. on a conn 88HCL trombone. However, the trigger register needs more work than before. Has anyone else gone through this and should I stick with the smaller 4 size, especially as the sound seems warmer?
- BGuttman
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Re: The problem with large mouthpieces
The trigger register should be more responsive with a larger mouthpiece. Downside is if the cup is too large the notes above the bass staff get flat.
It's hard to answer your question directly, though.
A smaller rim on a deeper cup helps the lower register. This is the philosophy of the Helleberg mouthpiece popular with tuba players. A deeper cup with the 4G rim might be just the ticket. You might want to look at a Wick 4BL or 4AL. If you go Doug Elliott, a 102 rim with a G or H cup is a "large" 4G.
If you want the larger 3 size rim but want better high register, a shallow cup might help. A Doug Elliott 104 rim with an E cup might do this.
It's hard to answer your question directly, though.
A smaller rim on a deeper cup helps the lower register. This is the philosophy of the Helleberg mouthpiece popular with tuba players. A deeper cup with the 4G rim might be just the ticket. You might want to look at a Wick 4BL or 4AL. If you go Doug Elliott, a 102 rim with a G or H cup is a "large" 4G.
If you want the larger 3 size rim but want better high register, a shallow cup might help. A Doug Elliott 104 rim with an E cup might do this.
Bruce Guttman
Merrimack Valley Philharmonic Orchestra
"Almost Professional"
Merrimack Valley Philharmonic Orchestra
"Almost Professional"
- ithinknot
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Re: The problem with large mouthpieces
Maybe, or maybe what you really want is something retaining the 3 rim size, but a bit more efficient/focused than the Alessis.
Saw your profile - you're probably not a million miles from me, and you'd be welcome to try out a Doug Elliott setup in that sort of world... 3ish rim on a Bach Gish cup (I have the E cup Bruce mentions too, but coming from the Alessis that's probably brighter than you're looking for). Send me a PM if you want.
Saw your profile - you're probably not a million miles from me, and you'd be welcome to try out a Doug Elliott setup in that sort of world... 3ish rim on a Bach Gish cup (I have the E cup Bruce mentions too, but coming from the Alessis that's probably brighter than you're looking for). Send me a PM if you want.
Last edited by ithinknot on Fri Mar 01, 2024 7:15 am, edited 1 time in total.
- harrisonreed
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Re: The problem with large mouthpieces
For me, the rim size / cup width is independent from the cup depth and throat/backbore.
There is an ideal cup width for your face and the general total range you need to play. There are ideal cup depths and throat/backbores for specific types of playing, specific registers, etc.
I think of the two as separate things.
There is an ideal cup width for your face and the general total range you need to play. There are ideal cup depths and throat/backbores for specific types of playing, specific registers, etc.
I think of the two as separate things.
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Re: The problem with large mouthpieces
Choose the cup/rim diameter to suit your face. Choose the cup depth/shape, and throat/backbore to suit the horn/playing.
Matthew Walker
Owner/Craftsman, M&W Custom Trombones, LLC, Jackson, Wisconsin.
Former Bass Trombonist, Opera Australia, 1991-2006
Owner/Craftsman, M&W Custom Trombones, LLC, Jackson, Wisconsin.
Former Bass Trombonist, Opera Australia, 1991-2006
- Burgerbob
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Re: The problem with large mouthpieces
Which 3 series are you playing? You may just need a deeper one.
Aidan Ritchie, LA area player and teacher