Types of Trumpet Mouthpieces

Using the right mouthpiece is important for both amateur and professional trumpet players alike. While beginners often start out using a mouthpiece they feel comfortable with, professionals may switch between mouthpieces of varying shapes, contours and cup sizes to create different sound styles when particular pieces or performances call for them. Bach, Yamaha, Shlike, Allen Vizzutti and Bobby Shew produce some of the most popular trumpet yamaha mouthpieces on the market.

The Bach 7c is the mouthpiece standard in the world of trumpeting. According to Dallas Music, the majority of trumpet players start playing trumpet with a Bach 7c, which has a small cup size for easy playability. A common next step is to bump up to a Bach 3c mouthpiece, which---though having a similar cup size---has a significantly different rim and cup shape, and can produce a broader range of volumes. The most professional of the Bach mouthpieces in the 1c, which has the largest cup size of the bunch and can produce the most powerful sounds.

Yamaha is another popular manufacturer of trumpet mouthpieces. According to Trumpet Studio, one of the best models in the Yamaha line is the 14B4. The mouthpiece is incredibly versatile, to the extent that it may be the only one you ever need to use (depending, of course, on what level you are playing at). According to Trumpet Studio, the 14B4 allows you the flexibility to hit those hard-to-reach high notes, without sacrificing the sound on the low end.

If you need to generate a trumpet sound that can cut through other instruments, such as in a jazz, pop or rock band, Trumpet Studio recommends you use a Schlike 12a4a. The mouthpiece is specifically tailored to producing very bright, high-end sounds. If you are looking for a mouthpiece that produces a mellower sound, such as for playing in an orchestra or at a church performance, try the Schlike 17D4. Its larger cup size helps generate blasting, forceful sounds. However, it also allows for soft, delicate play.

Allen Vizzutti is a world-renown trumpet soloist, who has played on more than 100 movie soundtracks, according to Trumpet Studio. His signature mouthpiece is a professional level model, and, in addition to being incredibly flexible, it produces a concentrated, distinctively warm sound.

Another top trumpet player, perhaps one of the best jazz trumpeters to ever live, is Bobby Shew. Shew's signature lead trumpet mouthpiece is specifically designed for solo and jazz ensemble play. At the high end, it produces distinctively clear, bright sounds, while its low end is still capable of generating big, booming notes.

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