Best brass instrument mouthpieces according to redditors
We found 25 Reddit comments discussing the best brass instrument mouthpieces. We ranked the 17 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
We found 25 Reddit comments discussing the best brass instrument mouthpieces. We ranked the 17 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
Don't twist. You run the risk of breaking a weld making a free fix into an expensive one.
Fisrt thing to try is to dip the mouthpiece into a cup of ice water for a few minutes until the cold has a chance to chill the shank. Now put your hot hand on the receiver and try to remove it. The idea is to chill, and therefore slightly shrink the mouthpiece and then warm and slightly expand the receiver, there are other ways to achieve this, but I think this is the easiest.
If this doesn't work, take it to a shop and they'll pull it with a specialized tool, usually for free. If you don't have a local shop, call the local schools, I guarantee one, or all, of the local band teachers have a puller and would be happy to help you out. Or, you can buy your own on Amazon for $25 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MQYMHYL/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_TQqVCb076Y3AF
I've never used this one, but most of the reviews are positive.
You really need a trumpet teacher sitting right next to you to help you with this. But I will try to answer.
First of all, stop caring about range and start caring about correct, musical playing for every single note you produce out of the trumpet. For example, it doesn't really mean anything if a trumpet player can hit a grand C but can't play (and read) a nice, lyrical melody.
Now, on to your embouchure and your question. The tongue should be behind the lower teeth when paying. You articulate by hitting the top of your upper teeth with your tongue. You bracing your lower lip actually sounds kind of interesting, but over time you may utterly destroy that lip.
You need to replace your bad habit with a good one. This means you must consciously notice every time you brace your lower lip with your tongue, and move your tongue behind the teeth. Every time you notice the tongue doing the wrong thing you must correct it. This will take time, you need to ingrain this as a new habit and stop the old. Sometimes you will sound bad. Practicing will be filled with you just correcting this problem, but you gotta do it. I've been there, many trumpet players have when it comes to the embouchure.
You must support your playing with proper air support. Your shoulders must be relaxed, and your abdominal muscles must do the work of pushing the air. This must be a habit, if it isn't already. When you play those high notes instead of pushing your bottom lip, your strong abdominal muscles should do that work. You're probably young and strong, work your abs!
Even though your embouchure problem seems to be internal, you may benefit from doing some other things. Try standing in front of a mirror to keep an eye on your embouchure. Buzz, a lot, on the mouthpiece. Hold the mouthpiece near the end, away from the cup. This is difficult at first but will train you to produce sound without pressure. Maybe make use of one of these things.
Good luck, but you can do it. Many trumpet players before you have. Also, don't get down on yourself, if it's difficult just tell yourself to keep at it because it takes time (weeks). If you keep at it you will benefit greatly. You obviously don't have a problem hitting the high notes based on your post, so if you make this change you will surely be making some great music on the trumpet.
But, like I said, seek out a teacher. Let us know how it goes. If you really want I can give you a skype lesson (for free), I've been wanting to try that out.
Me personally, I liked the Schilke 52D when I entered college. $74 with free shipping
I use a Schilke 14a4a when I play lead: http://www.amazon.com/Schilke-Standard-Series-Trumpet-Mouthpiece/dp/B000Y01LXQ
This will probably work well for you, as I too use a Bach 3C for general purpose playing. The feel of both pieces are similar to each other so it won't be too tough to adjust.
Have you thought about getting the mouthpiece from Amazon? You can try it out and if you don't like it send it back. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0002E2AGG/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1467490367&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=bach+2+1%2F2c&dpPl=1&dpID=31TbkdBS5%2BL&ref=plSrch&dpPl=1&dpID=31TbkdBS5%2BL&ref=plSrch#immersive-view_1467490551108
I would also suggest starting to practice. The better shape you are in the easier it's going to be to switch mouthpieces. Longtones are key. I would also suggest using a method such as Maggio to help start whipping you back into shape.
Save some cash and get a Blessing mouthpiece. They play as good as the "brand" names for a fraction of the price. https://www.amazon.com/Blessing-MPC24AWTB-Tuba-Mouthpiece-24AW/dp/B000A15XHY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1497050524&sr=8-1&keywords=blessing+tuba+mouthpiece
https://www.amazon.com/Blessing-MPC18TB-Tuba-Mouthpiece-18/dp/B0002FO8LU/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1497050524&sr=8-2&keywords=blessing+tuba+mouthpiece
It's one of those convertible ones isn't it? Does it look similar to this?
Based on the demo video, this looks like an embouchure visualizer, except instead of a stick you hold on to the larger, outer ring, then buzz into the smaller end. For some reason there are springs separating the two halves, I guess to cushion the impact force on your face?
Their product description uses some confusing terms ("aperture strength"?!) and makes some big claims.
Personally, I think there is some merit to lip buzzing or using a visualizer, but you might need some guidance from a trumpet teacher familiar with these techniques. On your own, you can do more harm than good. Many trumpet players do not believe in lip buzzing or do it at all, so I certainly wouldn't say you need to do it.
However, my biggest reaction is that this costs $70! You can get a visualizer for less than half of that. Or spend even less and just use a pair of scissors or a ring. Or if you really want to shell out $70, get one of these bad boys.
I've been using a Glory Silver Plated Mouthpiece, here's a link
I've been using this for a short amount of time and it seem's to be working a bit better than the Stock mouthpiece that I was using before, I'm open to recommendations though!
I don't know how good this brand is (probably not that good, but if you're just starting off, you might not need a whole lot), but you can get a metal 12C from Amazon for $10. Probably cheaper than even that Kelly is (which is the only one your local music store has that'll fit your horn; those Denis Wicks are large-bore mouthpieces).
I had no idea they existed until today either. Mouthpieces like this
This 6 1/2 AL on Amazon would be a fine beginner mouthpiece. $35.
https://www.amazon.com/Faxx-Trombone-Mouthpieces-small-shank/dp/B001VO9FNM
That particular Jupiter is what is called a small bore horn and uses a small shank receiver. Bach 5g are available in small shank, but they are a little harder to find as that is a large mouthpiece to use on a small bore horn. You may want to instead consider a Bach 6.5al, which is slightly smaller than the 5G, but still much larger than the 12c. If you want a cheaper version of this mouthpiece look for the Faxx 6.5al. Available many places, but here's one
https://www.amazon.com/Faxx-Trombone-Mouthpieces-small-shank/dp/B001VO9FNM
There are many options available for horns with F attachments. They most commonly come in large bore sizes (so a large shank Bach 5g is actually a nice mouthpiece in this case). However, they can also be found in medium and small bore. The question is how much are you wanting to spend? Have you talked to your band director about it at all?
You can make him a mouthpiece roll. https://www.amazon.com/Cavallaro-40TP4-Trumpet-Mouthpiece-Roll/dp/B000XZUOP8
https://www.amazon.com/Protec-MOUTHPIECE-POUCH-VELCRO-CLOSURE/dp/B000T06GKO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1486134298&sr=8-1&keywords=tuba+mouthpiece+holder
Bach does make a cornet 3c mouthpiece, which can be found on [amazon.] (http://www.amazon.com/Bach-Cornet-Mouthpiece-Silver-3C/dp/B0002E2CQY) I'm sure you can find it other places too.
I have been playing clarinet since 7th grade and am now a Junior in High school trying to learn Trumpet as well.
I hope this helps!
I purchased a Vincent Bach 5c from my local music center. It was most recommended for my playing level and it looked like it would suit me well for my lips. It should be shipped to the store (they ran out) and I should have it in a few days. Im pretty excited to use it.
http://www.amazon.com/Conn-Selmer-Inc-120S-Helleberg-Mouthpiece/dp/B0002DUPZ0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1452531767&sr=8-1&keywords=helleburg+tuba+mouthpiece
more correctly the con-selmer helleburg 120s
you can probably make this style of puller with wood and machine screws/wingbolts if you don't want to get a real mouthpiece puller.
https://www.amazon.com/Fly-Young-Professional-Mouthpiece-Brass-wind/dp/B01MQYMHYL