What constitutes a big or small mouthpiece?
There are several areas which can be described as parts of a big or small mouthpiece.
• Cup diameter- The distance between inner edge or bite of a cup is described as the cup diameter.
• Cup depth- The distance from the top of the mouthpiece rim to the bottom of the first cup is the depth of the cup.
• Contour of the second cup- The shape of the second cup will effect how the mouthpiece responds.
• Throat diameter- the width of the throat has a great effect on the sound as well as the resistance of a mouthpiece.
• Throat length- changing the length of the throat will also affect tone and resistance.
• Backbore- the shape and diameter of the back bore will determine tone also.
When describing a mouthpiece as being big or small, our attention is focuses mostly on the first two measurements- the cup depth and the cup diameter. Secondarily we discuss the throat length and diameter and the backbore.
The two most often quoted mouthpiece makers are Bach and Schilke for they were most responsible for establishing standards to mouthpiece labeling. Even though both disagreed on how mouthpieces were to be labeled, they did set the standers with which we use today for most mouthpieces.
The Bach numbering system- The higher the number, the smaller the mouthpiece. A 1 C mouthpiece is much larger than a 10 1/2C mouthpiece.
The Schilke numbering system- The higher the number, the larger the mouthpiece. A 14 mouthpiece is smaller than a 20 mouthpiece.
Schilke’s labeling is much more detailed than Bach for each area of a mouthpiece could have a letter or number to identify changes from the normal such as the very popular 14a4a mouthpiece. Notice in the following chart that the Schilke company lists the numberings as “other” manufacturers. The “other” numbering system is from the Bach Company. Even though they were friends, Mr. Schilke and Mr. Bach had their own way of doing things and were in direct competition in the industry.
In our next post we will make some recommendations as to which mouthpieces we recommend for different playing situations.
