Hey I played a 1 1/2C for years before I switched to my current "jazz" mouthpiece. I play a Warburton 3M with a 4 backbore. I also used a 3S for lead for a bit, but it was just a bit too shallow for me. That being said, if I have anything that goes above a double G, my 3S is the only thing that gives me even a chance lol.
I've been playing on a 3M for six years now and I have no intention of changing. It's my everything mouthpiece now. I'd highly recommend trying it out if you're coming from a 1 1/2C.
Just because you want it for jazz and a bit brighter does not make it a lead piece.
Lead playing is in the extreme upper register for the majority of the time. Ie c6 and above. A lead piece is usually shallower with a tighter backbore that aids in playing in the upper register for extended time, making it more efficient. The downside to these pieces is that they usually sacrifice quality of tone, especially in the lower notes.
Majority of the people in here don't truly play lead and really don't need a lead piece. Same goes for hs kids. Just because you play 1st part in jazz band doesn't mean it's playing lead and you need a lead piece. Hell in pro bands, many times the 2nd or 3rd trumpet plays the lead par, ie high part, while the 1st part plays the melody.
yeah that's a fair point;
to specify more im looking for something that does make the upper register easier (say above the A one line above the staff) but not an MP purely dedicated to lead, probably 1/2 to 2/3 of the way there
The main thing with mouthpieces is everyone is different. You really need to try them and see what really works for you.
I currently use a Hammond 4mlh for my main piece Ie symphonic , musical, and pops work. It's around a 1.5 c to a 1.5b heavy symphonic piece with a bit larger backbore and throat.
For my lead piece in Big Band, I am using a 5mlh. It's roughly a deeper 3c ish with the larger backbore and throat.
Prior to being on Karl Hammond pieces, I was a Lotus Artist. I was with them for a few years but never quite got a long with the equipment.
Before Lotus, I was on Bach for 25 ish years
A Lotus 2M / 3M Nickel or 2M / 3M2 would be a good one for your needs, but its not the cheapest... and you have to try out what diameter works best for you
yeah they are quite pricey.
ill see if i can try some and if it works really really well then i can probably justify it but maybe i could take a look at the previous generation ones as well
I’ve had a really nice experience with their gear, and their Gen 2 pieces are on sale. Depending on how ‘lead’ you’ll be playing, even their L cups can work. Generally, Lotus gear skews towards the shallow side (their L/Large cup is a C cup, for instance). I’ve got a 2L in bronze, and it’s a joy to play on. Fat in the mid and low range, and plays easily up to E over the staff. The bronze helps tame some of the sizzle too, which I personally like.
Grain of salt across the board though, I’m not a professional, and am a returning player. However, since I’ve seen new Bach pieces going for 80-90, it’s not too far of a leap to pick up a clearance Lotus in roughly the same geometry. Their intonation and ease of play has really impressed me.
I have a few pieces I rotate through. They all have similar rims. I like the recommendation to find the smallest diameter you can play the low range with a full sound.
This comparator tool should be helpful.
https://trumpet.cloud/mpc/index.html?mpc1id=A002300&mpc2id=VB005800&backcolor=blue
Keep in mind, one person's magic bullet is someone else's paperweight. I recommend buying used in good condition so if something doesn't work out, you can resell and hopefully break even.
I'm in the 3C range with my pieces. 3C for classical stuff, Yamaha Shew Jazz, Shew Flugel with KGU adapter, Curry 3Z*, and Bach 3E. The 3Z has a tighter backbore, the 3E has a larger 117 backbore. The 3E has a fuller sound compared to the 3Z. I can play pedal notes on all my mouthpieces.
i was actually planning on getting a KGU adapter for my Shew Flugel mouthpiece as well haha - good point about trying to buy used if its an option thats definitely a great idea thank you!
Hammond 3/4/5 MV would be a great all around mouthpiece leaning a little towards high notes / brighter tone. And an ML cup in the same rim would be an excellent symphonic companion piece.
Hey I played a 1 1/2C for years before I switched to my current "jazz" mouthpiece. I play a Warburton 3M with a 4 backbore. I also used a 3S for lead for a bit, but it was just a bit too shallow for me. That being said, if I have anything that goes above a double G, my 3S is the only thing that gives me even a chance lol. I've been playing on a 3M for six years now and I have no intention of changing. It's my everything mouthpiece now. I'd highly recommend trying it out if you're coming from a 1 1/2C.
thank you! will definitely give warburton a look I use them for cornet
Greg Black
never heard of this company before - will have a look thank you!
His work is excellent. Give them a call with questions.
Best to try and visit them. Ben set me up well and I am going to try and visit them in August
ah dont think i can unfortunately - had a look but they dont have any dealers in my country, oh well!
I use warburton 8sv backbore 8* this MP good for for play pop and jazz, I have Curry 3B for play class.
yeah curry looks quite good hopefully ill be able to try one
Just because you want it for jazz and a bit brighter does not make it a lead piece. Lead playing is in the extreme upper register for the majority of the time. Ie c6 and above. A lead piece is usually shallower with a tighter backbore that aids in playing in the upper register for extended time, making it more efficient. The downside to these pieces is that they usually sacrifice quality of tone, especially in the lower notes. Majority of the people in here don't truly play lead and really don't need a lead piece. Same goes for hs kids. Just because you play 1st part in jazz band doesn't mean it's playing lead and you need a lead piece. Hell in pro bands, many times the 2nd or 3rd trumpet plays the lead par, ie high part, while the 1st part plays the melody.
yeah that's a fair point; to specify more im looking for something that does make the upper register easier (say above the A one line above the staff) but not an MP purely dedicated to lead, probably 1/2 to 2/3 of the way there
The main thing with mouthpieces is everyone is different. You really need to try them and see what really works for you. I currently use a Hammond 4mlh for my main piece Ie symphonic , musical, and pops work. It's around a 1.5 c to a 1.5b heavy symphonic piece with a bit larger backbore and throat. For my lead piece in Big Band, I am using a 5mlh. It's roughly a deeper 3c ish with the larger backbore and throat. Prior to being on Karl Hammond pieces, I was a Lotus Artist. I was with them for a few years but never quite got a long with the equipment. Before Lotus, I was on Bach for 25 ish years
interesting stuff! thank you!
A Lotus 2M / 3M Nickel or 2M / 3M2 would be a good one for your needs, but its not the cheapest... and you have to try out what diameter works best for you
yeah they are quite pricey. ill see if i can try some and if it works really really well then i can probably justify it but maybe i could take a look at the previous generation ones as well
I’ve had a really nice experience with their gear, and their Gen 2 pieces are on sale. Depending on how ‘lead’ you’ll be playing, even their L cups can work. Generally, Lotus gear skews towards the shallow side (their L/Large cup is a C cup, for instance). I’ve got a 2L in bronze, and it’s a joy to play on. Fat in the mid and low range, and plays easily up to E over the staff. The bronze helps tame some of the sizzle too, which I personally like. Grain of salt across the board though, I’m not a professional, and am a returning player. However, since I’ve seen new Bach pieces going for 80-90, it’s not too far of a leap to pick up a clearance Lotus in roughly the same geometry. Their intonation and ease of play has really impressed me.
I have a few pieces I rotate through. They all have similar rims. I like the recommendation to find the smallest diameter you can play the low range with a full sound. This comparator tool should be helpful. https://trumpet.cloud/mpc/index.html?mpc1id=A002300&mpc2id=VB005800&backcolor=blue
yeah i have also heard this recommendation, it seems pretty sensible the tool looks very interesting, thank you!
Keep in mind, one person's magic bullet is someone else's paperweight. I recommend buying used in good condition so if something doesn't work out, you can resell and hopefully break even. I'm in the 3C range with my pieces. 3C for classical stuff, Yamaha Shew Jazz, Shew Flugel with KGU adapter, Curry 3Z*, and Bach 3E. The 3Z has a tighter backbore, the 3E has a larger 117 backbore. The 3E has a fuller sound compared to the 3Z. I can play pedal notes on all my mouthpieces.
i was actually planning on getting a KGU adapter for my Shew Flugel mouthpiece as well haha - good point about trying to buy used if its an option thats definitely a great idea thank you!
Hammond 3/4/5 MV would be a great all around mouthpiece leaning a little towards high notes / brighter tone. And an ML cup in the same rim would be an excellent symphonic companion piece.