Choosing the right trumpet mouthpiece - comparing the Bach 1.5c/3c/5c/7c and more

A non-technical guide to the basics of choosing the right trumpet mouthpiece, with excerpts on different mouthpieces. Remember, a mouthpiece is only there to enhance the sound you are looking to achieve on a trumpet and to give you the most comfort when playing; don't go searching for the perfect mouthpiece because there isn't one... says the guy with at least 50 mouthpieces.
For more information on the mouthpieces I am playing here you can find the Bach mouthpiece guide here: bit.ly/2rPQLXk
and the Bob Reeves Website here: www.bobreeves.com
I am an XO Brass/Jupiter artist and am playing an XO Brass 1604 large bore trumpet in these examples. You can read more on these horns at www.xobrass.com

[@AdrianVeale]

Let me know if you’d like more detailed videos explaining the technical side of mouthpieces or any other Trumpet related videos.

[@nrcg2317]

Sure, get some videos on the topic of mouthpieces.

[@DudeGuyWho]

That would be helpful. I think info on the variable of oral structure would be helpful.

[@da11king]

What's your opinion on double cups mouthpieces????

[@rafaelpineda6454]

Pls tell me what song you’re playing

[@Rodiisss]

3:05 1.5c 3:27 3c 3:49 5c 4:11 7c 4:34 Bob Reeves 41D 692s

[@vickyfinnemore511]

Rodolfo thanks man

[@MrJellyton]

Your profile picture is amazing.

[@Luisxpro10]

Man , I thought this was just one of those high-school guys talking about trumpet channels. You are the real deal! Love your vids so far, keep uploading! I’m surprised you don’t have more subscribers

[@joshua2gin952]

That’s why I am subscribing

[@arthurcosta5359]

It is very useful you record different mouthpieces in this way. It would be great to see others

[@FrankGutowski-ls8jt]

In the 1960’s, as a student, my new Strad came with a 5C and I later bought a 3C. Loved it even for high registers. Deep rich tone. Easy to play. Rarely used the 5C again. Actually, never knew there were so many variations! Wish now I’d continued playing after college.

[@jb4469]

Barely hear any difference Until you got to the last one

[@AdrianVeale]

And that sort of proves the point

[@skyhightrumpetguy126]

he flips us of at 1:12

[@mgoksoy]

I'm a learner since 16 days. My trumpet came, naturally, with a 7C. I felt my lips were cramped because the buzzing part of my lips was bit wider than others. Not having the option to try various mouthpieces I ordered online a 3C and all of a sudden everything was rosier .I'm very happy and satisfied with it Guess I was just lucky.

[@zac2780]

Look into a Monette down the line it's night and day

[@sherrybirchall8677]

As a trumpet beginner myself, I am so wanting to hear about people's opinions on mouthpieces. I, also, have the 7c that came with my trumpet. Thanks for sharing.

[@imperiallegionnaire6943]

@@sherrybirchall8677​ I used a 7c in 6th and 7th grade, a 3c in 8th grade and a 1 1/2c ever since I was in high school. This guy is a professional trumpet player, and I can hear the pain he’s experiencing while playing it. Case and point: 7c is what you start out with, and then you work your way to the bigger mouthpieces once you know how to play. Don’t bother with the 5c; that one’s a waste of time.

[@justjacob9123]

@@imperiallegionnaire6943Hey Im wondering if you could help me, so I play french horn but I rlly want to switch to trumpet i have a 7c and i’m wondering if I should get a 3C, ive only been playing for a week but all my friends say Im better than most trumpets, can you give any advice?

[@Kernviter]

bach 1-1/4c for concert band/orchestra yamaha 16e4 for solo stuff yamaha 14a4a for lead

[@cameronfoster2348]

Very cool. I appreciate the help.

[@jeffreylawson5082]

Awesome. Very helpful. Thank you for this.

[@awj2399]

Thank you so much,I enjoyed your demonstration I liked the sound of the '7c"mouthpiece it sound was awesome, thank you,A.🎶🎵

[@djijspeakerguy4628]

I played 3 trumpets throughout middle school, a Yamaha, a Jupiter, and an Accent. The Yamaha had an 11b4 mouthpiece, and the other two had 7c ones. The Jupiter 7c made me sound best. The accent 7c somehow has a shape that make it super painful to play high. The Yamaha was just fine too.

[@Dynamic1312]

PLEASE KEEP MAKING VIDEOS!!!!

[@AJ_MD]

7C has actually larger cup volume and pretty well same size as 3C. It just has a rounder rim, with a high point closer in. Lots of people prefer a 3C rim and the cup assists with stamina. 6C is a very nice mpc to try.

[@jackobrien1026]

Agreed, feel a Mt Vernon 6C is really underlooked.

[@ungmd21]

I love that you chose John Williams SUPERMAN theme to demonstrate

[@hughpenner1417]

For classical playing, the Stork 2B is best for me, and the WB Studio Series GR for lead/jazz

[@JimmyA78]

tone quality is always first, after that it really only depends on what is comfortable for you and reduces your chances of strain, and force. Ive been playing a Bach 3c since 6th grade, Im 42 now lol from time to time I play on the bobby stew from Yamaha, but I don't really like how bright it is

[@tonyasoileau9206]

3c

[@adamh951]

I use that too

[@halfabee]

The choice of mouthpiece should be more concerned with what feels comfortable for the player rather than the sound produced. If the player feels comfortable with the mouthpiece then continuous improvement will follows.

[@IndianOutlaw1870]

Yes, it's similar to purchasing shoes. Size and comfort are paramount.

[@dappawap]

yes, unfortunately many of us have the all around d mouthpiece for long gigs that are comfortable but not great at upper ranges

[@williammoore2313]

I had a 5b up until 10th grade (i started in 6th) i was never able to play above a C in the staff. I bought a 3c and sense then, I have been doing a lot better.

[@TheAmazingRaptor]

My band teacher told me to move from a 7c to a 3c and my ombresure has been messed up for 2 years

[@IndianOutlaw1870]

@@TheAmazingRaptor Embouchure?

[@TheAmazingRaptor]

@@IndianOutlaw1870 yeah typo

[@Enryu_uyrnE]

@@TheAmazingRaptor how long had you been playing? I was playing on some yamaha beginner mouthpiece from 6-8th and i switched to 3c during quarantine(9th), It was harder at first but eventually i got used to it. Did you ever adjust?

[@TheAmazingRaptor]

@@Enryu_uyrnE I played on a Bach 7c until around the end of 6th grade. Then I switched to 3c in 7th grade. I’ve been playing on that up until now when I am going into 10th this year. I’ve been playing since 4th grade

[@TRUMPETSIZZLE]

Worthy video to watch plus good info on mp's! Kurt Thompson

[@Alperunal80]

thanx man..

[@kingdoots]

I've been playing for 10 years now and I've been on 7c the whole time 😅 One time we had sectionals and the tutor asked me why my tone was so dull (ouch) and recommended getting a 3c or 1.5c I think? I prefer classical playing so would like a better tone, I just have no idea where to start when it comes to mouthpieces

[@Rolphul]

Im still figuring this stuff out for myself. A Bach 1C gives me such a pretty tone. I like a 2c. If i could have like a 1C with a V cup and softer rim and a nrrow bacbore

[@hughpenner1417]

Rolphul that sounds nice. I hate playing on rims that aren't soft enough, my endurance goes down the drain.

[@kremitsuicide3265]

I think it’s called Venture but you can get a mouthpiece kit to try from a bunch of different mouthpieces I haven’t tried it yet but really want to

[@j.tradeforexinc.2819]

Nice.

[@roadking813]

What kind of trumpet are you playing in this video and how old is it ?

[@christiankirby9650]

I just have full lips and the 7c has too small of an area to blow air

[@anthonyfabroajr4933]

Im 6 years trumpet player but i couldn't find the best mouthpiece i used 7c

[@kickstand801]

very informative. I'm a trombonist and I'm trying to make the transition from trombone to trumpet. but the mouthpiece I'm using is unbearable. I got a 5A and it's rather uncomfortable, mostly because my lips are kinda big. lol. would a 7C trumpet mouthpiece be more appropriate for me?

[@glennkon]

I have an Amati 7c mouthpiece, and I really like it. It's an absolute brick, so if you drop it, be prepared to pay for the floor lol

[@caulmfergierogan]

The last one is the only one that stood out, as a guitar nerd and tone junkie, do you think that the one that makes you feel more comfortable feels better to you and changes your playing? 🤔

[@jackcerda1446]

Is a eastrock 7c good i did not watch the vid yet

[@stephenvannevel]

What do you use to record the audio on your videos?

[@j.m.kim___]

Is there any chance you could review specific mouthpiece? The one I have in mind is the Schagerl James Morrison Apredato mouthpiece and I’m curious about how that water jacket works.

[@AdrianVeale]

Sorry I never got to responding to this; I have a friend that owns one and played it a long time ago. Unfortunately it is just a 3c with water in it. Although that may make a difference for some, I really didn't find it added anything for me. I probably won't go down the route of trying different mouthpieces as there are thousands upon thousands of combinations.

[@IndianOutlaw1870]

I play a 6C. :)

[@kellyodonohue374]

Are mouthpieces with a higher number deeper or more shallow? How is it considered?

[@GDM223SR]

Bach: lower number is wider. Yamaha: higher number is wider. Depth is in the letters. Look for mouthpiece comparison charts on the web for more info.

[@marcoramirez1912]

Hello there I have a Stradivarius Vincent Bach ML 244463 model 37 and it comes with a 11/2 C.....I can't practice very well...can recomend another mouth piece number...to play better...thank You

[@AJ_MD]

Get to a shop and try some. If you want allround playing, try 5C to start..

[@codecruz]

What about plastic mouthpieces? How do those compare? I've used them in cold parades before but that's it. Just so the mouthpiece isn't ice cold.

[@TheAmazingRaptor]

Don’t use them

[@f2mel2]

Hey guys, I'm not able to play with a Harmon mute a la Miles Davis. I can only get going on a C, the lower notes are muted out. Any tips? Is it the mouth piece?

[@dappawap]

it could be the trumpet and the mute believe it or not but you need to blow much more air for the lower notes in general. it is not the mouthpiece,t ry a different brand mute like Harmon

[@AJ_MD]

The old straight sided Harmons barely work below C. The newer bubble mutes work well below. I prefer the warmer tone of the older straight sided ones so use one solo, but use Bubble style for big band where intonation is more important.

[@mr.l4461]

It’s funny I don’t play or know squat about trumpets. But there is a huge difference in the mouth pieces

[@dahiany6351]

i use 7c😳😳

[@antoniogerardo7696]

3c is very safe...from there specialize for what is best for you when you are able to intelligently probe other mouthpieces

[@pauldance7387]

5c

[@paulgrimm6850]

It’s madness

[@dappawap]

I play a 6 because U had to ve different.. It is kind if like a 7c with a deeper cup.

[@juancolon123]

15E4 ftw

[@drewshannon5465]

3C is the best

[@sherrybirchall8677]

What would you recommend for a beginner with thin lips?

[@IndianOutlaw1870]

A smaller diameter mouthpiece, like a Bach 7C or 10 1/2 C.

[@Calvin7007]

Should The Size Of Lips Matter?

[@itsmeGeorgina]

Theme from Superman 😎

[@alexandergasparlin7885]

Which one would help get to high notes better?

[@sergechevanelle9159]

*6

[@joshuageorge5389]

Is there a mouthpiece like a 7c but with a bit flatter rim? I saw on Bach’s website that sizes 6-8 are all the same diameter, so I’m assuming the difference is in the rim. Thanks!

[@brandontavares4923]

Yes, the 8c is a bit flatter on the rim and a bit of a rounded inner edge, but only slightly flatter than the 7c. Im just going off what bach says in the mouthpiece catalog.

[@ricoboogie2086]

You might want to check out the 7CW. It's a 7c with a slightly wider/less "bite-y" rim

[@AJ_MD]

6C is flatter. 6 (no letter) is even flatter again. Larger cup tho.

[@peeemm2032]

This is probably a bit late, but a Yamaha 11C4-7C is Yamaha's version of the 7C - it has a wider, flatter, more comfortable rim than the Bach 7C, and also a slightly smaller cup size which may (or may not) help. Schilke no 12 is a similar size to the Bach 7C, but also has a wider, softer, and more comfortable rim than the Bach - also a slightly smaller backbore, so it's not as loud, and needs less air. If you want to stick with Bach, the 6C seems to have a similar cup size to the 7C, but with a wider softer rim. There's a trumpet mouthpiece comparator website which lets you compare mouthpiece profiles, might be helpful (just google "trumpet mouthpiece comparator"). It's best to try a mouthpiece first though if you can to see if it suits, as mouthpieces that look similar on paper can feel quite different - I have two Yamaha mouthpieces of the same model, but they feel quite different to play.....

[@capblueberry7899]

4:11 3:26

[@silvioribeirodossantos6858]

Bom!

[@1PITIFULDUDE]

3C sounds best...

[@kushagra64]

Me a pianist: *_interesting_*

[@christinadone774]

3:05

[@loganr7108]

So it is more narrow the lower the number right?

[@thomasmesfin8863]

Logan R yes

[@hughpenner1417]

No. The lower the number, the bigger the mouthpiece. 1 is the very biggest. It's widest. deepest, fullest, and one of the hardest to play on.

[@E-flat]

Hugh Penner huh? I thought 3C was more shallow than a 7C, which means the lower the more shallow

[@ncaafootballking667]

@@E-flat the number has to do with the diameter of the cup, not the depth. On a Bach (or Curry), a 1C has a wider diameter than a smaller number (such as a 7c for example). The letter is indicating the cup depth. A B cup is deeper than a C cup, which is deeper than a D cup. The Schilke/Yamaha system is different. Their widest diameter is like a 24, while the smaller number is a smaller diameter. The letter numbers are also different. They also have 2 letters. The 14A4A is a well known “screamer” mouthpiece. The first A is indicating the shallow cup, the 4 shows that it has a flatter rim, and the 2nd A shows it has a narrow backbore.

[@adanvasquez3299]

Cuantob bale una boquilla

[@sethsanchez506]

tldr; nobody knows. only you know after you try a bunch of different ones.

[@soyruli6620]

Why did you think of doing a review of mouthpieces playing with trumpet track below? do it without harmony !!!

[@AdrianVeale]

The trumpets are recorded using the same mouthpiece for four multi-track parts. This emphasises the sound that can be heard. Audio on KZbin is compressed and so multitracking allows you to hear a difference.

[@13_cmi]

I don’t even play trumpet and missed my chance to join band in 7th grade I don’t know why I’m watching this

[@teresamessenger5399]

Never too late

[@DeloofTegOrb]

I hate using a 7c it’s so small!

[@krishyadav3132]

Bruh 7c is huge for the pros

[@TheAmazingRaptor]

@@krishyadav3132 he’s prob using bach

[@DeloofTegOrb]

“I’m a working trumpet player”

[@AdrianVeale]

Yes, it is my job; That’s how I make a living.

[@nrcg2317]

@@AdrianVeale Great information, Adrian. Question: Do you take into account alpha angles of the mouthpieces? I noticed that 15 degrees feels great to me. Because of that, I've had to move to a Schilke 9 mpc, but of course, there's always a trade-off. Any recommendation(s)?

[@AdrianVeale]

@@nrcg2317 I never look into the technical side, otherwise it send me down a rabbit hole. If it feels good, I play it. I don't deviate too far from a mouthpiece that works for me. The guys at Bob Reeves have always been helpful if there is anything technical i've needed to have explained

[@nrcg2317]

@@AdrianVeale Thanks for your response. I appreciate it.

[@liamsmith1413]

I stole one of these at my school and used it for a homemade bong 🤣

[@SimonPegasus]

wtf

[@Luisxpro10]

That’s 50 dollars ..

[@cjallenroxs6239]

You suck

[@iriskeniafernandez5647]

SIGH....

[@AdrianVeale]

An insightful contribution to the discussion. Thanks for nothing

[@antoniogerardo7696]

@@AdrianVeale ear