Is It Time To Upgrade Your Brass Player's Mouthpiece?

In a previous article, "The Euphonium Is Not Just For the Transfer Portal," I recommended moving young low brass players to a larger mouthpiece as soon as they are ready. I would like to expand that thought to all brass instruments.

If your brass players are playing on their beginner stock mouthpieces beyond the first or second year, I recommend considering moving them to a larger model.

 

In general terms a larger mouthpiece has a deeper cup and a larger bore. In my experience as a low brass player and band director I found that having my brass players play on larger mouthpieces improved their tone, intonation, and endurance. 

 

Obviously, not all students are ready to move to a larger mouthpiece at the same time. My general rule (except for French hornists) was that if the student was able to consistently play the sixth partial (concert Eb or F), I would encourage them to upgrade their mouthpiece.

 

Of course, there will be a variable period of adjustment as the student gets accustomed to the mouthpiece and they may “crack” notes for a while. An upgraded mouthpiece can also be a short-term alternative to the student getting a step-up instrument.

I am not a mouthpiece expert nor am I endorsing any brand over another. The upgraded mouthpieces I used with my students were:

All of the listed mouthpieces have good equivalents from other manufacturers (and some are less expensive). There are mouthpiece equivalency charts available online and from manufacturers.

With enough players upgrading their mouthpieces I noticed an improvement in the sound of my brass section. Hopefully you will, too. Good luck!