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Hey,
I am currently playing a Schilke 14A4a. I love the diameter, the rim and the backbore, but to be honest it has a too shallow cup.
When playing longer and the lips getting a bit swollen, I struggle in hitting the right notes.
Does anyone has an alternative that's highly comparable to the Schilke with a slightly deeper cup?
I also think it makes no sense to play a aggressive lead mouthpiece, when not playing as a lead trumpeter.
Looking forward to hear from you all 😊👍
Wow! Thank you Estela for this valuable answer.
☺️😊
I keep you updated.
Best
Steffen
Hi Steffen, you're right. It makes no sense to use an upper register mouthpiece when not playing the upper register a lot. That Schilke is a piccolo or "lead" mouthpiece. it is extremely taxing for developing and non-lead players. It's equivalent to running with ankle weights as a running beginner!
I would be happy to recommend a mouthpiece for you! Just put up a video playing something you know well. It could be a scale, exercise, etude or solo. The level doesn't matter, just play something that shows your current abilities. A quick 30-second video would be great!
-Estela
Steffen Schröder Topic starter
07/07/2021 8:10 am
Hey Estela, thanks for your answer.
I posted a link of a YouTube video where I play with this mouthpiece in the introduction part. The music starts after 1 hour and 28 minutes. Maybe you can use this. If not I'll send you a video, when I am back home.
Steffen Schröder Topic starter
07/07/2021 8:12 am
Ps: at the end there is a upper part up to the B under the high C.
TrumpetHeadquarters 07/07/2021 5:54 pm
Hi again, I listened to it. It sounds like the tone is very bright and that maybe it gets out of hand sometimes by cracking or sounding tight. This is usually due to lips that are too tight in the center and shallow mouthpieces with tight backbores (which is the case with your current mouthpiece.)
Since you like the Schilke, I would recommend you switch to a Schilke 11 for a slightly smaller (in diameter) cup or a 14 which has a wider cup. Both have a standard medium cup depth perfect for all around playing and warmer tone. Remember, the wider the cup the more stamina you will need. The shallower the cup the more difficult it is to control notes (cracking for example) and the brighter you will sound.
If I were you I would go to a music store near you if there is one and try both. Make sure they are the 11 and 14 with no letters or anything. Then you can pick. If that's not an option I would do the 11.
Finally, remember that there is no perfect mouthpiece. It is always a give and take and there will always be a sacrifice. Always choose the mouthpiece that give you the most control, flexibility and tone beauty. Range can be developed on any mouthpiece.
For more information on mouthpieces check out this page here https://www.trumpetheadquarters.com/resources/accessories/trumpet-mouthpieces-guide/ and I will link a panel I did last year on mouthpieces with some of the best players in the industry. https://youtu.be/ePF7ebOBabw
-Estela