Switching Mouthpiec...
 
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[Solved] Switching Mouthpieces

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I have played in bands where some trumpet players(and other brass players) have changed mouthpieces if they had to go really high or really low or really quiet or a million other reasons. I have also seen trumpet players use different mouthpieces when they switched to a different key of trumpet. I have also seen trumpet players who use the same mouthpiece for everything like me. Do you recommend having many mouthpieces and switching to match the situation or just having one mouthpiece.

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Yes you answered my question. I think I am better off sticking to the mouthpiece I have been using then switching back to a 7C, 5C, or 3C. 

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@roger1982 Great questions. None of this matters for beginner and early intermediate players. Late intermediate, and especially advanced and pro players reap the benefits of mouthpiece use fluidity. 

It depends on the person entirely and how they feel comfortable playing. The one thing to remember is that "cheating" to play high notes with a very shallow mouthpiece is a waste of time. It will not help you develop the register nor will it sound good. Furthermore, if you already can't play High D on your regular mouthpiece for example, trying to play it on a shallow piece will still be impossible or very difficult. You will strain and work way too hard, undoing your work in fundamentals.

Now, for players who have at least up to a solid E above high C, or so, a shallow mouthpiece will make it easier of their face for long gigs such as a jazz gig or pit orchestra. A shallow mouthpiece requires less effort from the player, but not less technique.

For different horns, it is common to of course use different pieces for trumpet vs cornet vs flugle. Those horns are quite different so it makes sense that mouthpiece should be different to accommodate and agree with a new instrument. Going from say a Bb to a C trumpet is a different story. Some players choose to play on the same piece, others change. When I played Bach trumpets I switched mouthpieces so I could get the right sound from the my C trumpet. But once I switched to Yamaha this was no longer necessary.

Finally, there's nothing wrong with using a shallow piece to alleviate the strain of playing high notes, as long as you're not using it to be bale to play said high notes. Instead, stick to the regular 7C, 5C, 3C and train your embouchure.

Hope that helps!

 

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