Bent Mouthpieces- Good or Bad? Part 2

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I felt it was only fair to share others musicians views on this subject and to do so I visited the Internet to collect these thoughts on the advantages and disadvantages of bending a mouthpiece. Some responses agree with me and some do not. It is not my job to argue with anyone on their experience in this area or in any area but just as Fox News advertises, this is a fair and balanced report. Please consider the source for not everything on the internet can be accurate, including my views. Related comments from the Internet on bent mouthpieces…

Bent Mouthpieces- Good or Bad? Part 1

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This past week the advantages and disadvantages of a bent mouthpiece surfaced again. To those of you who may not be familiar with the term “bent mouthpiece”, let me explain. Many years ago in a far off land lived a very good trumpet player who wanted to play in a local band. When attending his first rehearsal, the conductor recommended to him that he should play with his bell above the stand so that he could be better heard. Knowing that his existence in this fine ensemble was in jeopardy if he did not comply, the young man obliged by…

Which Flugel Horn Is The Best?

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While trying to complete my coverage of the flugel horn, I decided to see what typical trumpet/flugel horn players say about the many instruments available on the market today. I have included only the material found on one site in a span of two weeks- “The Yamaha Flugels are great all around flugels”. …”the Adams line. I truly believe they are making hands down the best flugelhorns and also the most diverse flugelhorns in the world”. “I play quite a bit of flugel and I sold my Couesnon when I got the V1 (Conn). I also played as many other…

Looking For A New Trumpet Case?

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From time to time we all get a little antsy when it comes to our equipment and this is my case at this time. I have a perfectly good original hard case for my Bobby Shew Z trumpet but still “lust” for something new. This is the reason I have decided to explore the possibility of a new trumpet case. I have never been a strong supporter for the trumpet bag approach and after doing some extensive research into the next step up for trumpet cases. I decided to look at the Protec Trumpet Contoured PRO PAC Case, Black, Model…

Big Mouthpiece or Small Mouthpiece? That Is The Question. Part 3

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What advantage is there for the use of two mouthpieces? This is a question which comes up often for many times we are faced with contrasting performance styles, i.e. Classical music and Jazz compositions. Generally the Classical music requires a darker, more “legit” timbre and the Jazz music requires a more commercial or brighter tone quality. It seems logical that two different mouthpieces would fit the needs of the performer and this is what we will be covering in this posting. What should I consider when switching between two different mouthpieces? • Two mouthpieces with the same cup diameter cause…

Big Mouthpiece or Small Mouthpiece? That Is The Question. Part 2

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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…

Big Mouthpiece or Small Mouthpiece? That Is The Question.

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This has been a constant decision for all trumpet players. The large mouthpiece gives you a big, dark, rich sound but on the other hand, the small mouthpiece makes the upper register easier to play. I will try to illustrate the advantages as well as the disadvantages when trying to select your perfect mouthpiece. Big is big and small is small. The larger the mouthpiece the more air you will be able to push through your horn and the smaller the mouthpiece the less air you are able to utilize. Now at this point, I have lost half of my…

How To Play A Flugel Horn

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Most trumpet players approach the flugel in the same way they approach their trumpet- put it to your face and blow! Although this works, it might not be the best way to get the most out of your instrument. As I covered in a previous post, the two instruments are constructed differently and their use and even playing style are different. Both the trumpet and the flugel horn are played basically the same. Both also play the same range of notes with the same fingerings. The difference between the two lies in the application and playing style of the player.…

Who is Jim Morrison?

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When we speak of great trumpet players, names such as Louis Armstrong, Dizzy Gillespie, Maynard Ferguson, Wynton Marsalis roll from our lips. But how familiar is the name Jim Morrison, and I am not speaking of the member of the famous rock band of the ‘60s; the Doors? If you are unaware of this talented trumpet player, be prepared to welcome a new icon into your trumpet world. James Morrison was born November 11. 1962 in Boorowa, New South Wales. His talents as a multi-instrumentalist (clarinet, soprano saxophone, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, flugelhorn, bass flugelhorn, trombone, euphonium, tuba…

25 Of the Best Christmas Suggestions For Your Favorite Trumpet Player

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Christmas is just around the corner and to make your shopping easier for your favorite trumpet player, here are just a few suggestions. $3.00 > $3.99 $5.00 $9.49 $9.99 $10.00 > $10.99 $11.50 .$12.09 $16.99 $19.53 23.99 $24.99 $24.98 $24.99 $24.99 $25.00 Humes & Berg 102 Stonelined Trumpet Cup Mute $26.99 $32.92 K&M Stands 15910-000-55 Mute Holder, Black $35.40 $35.99 $36.83 $39.89 $44.95 $50.00 > $80.99 $100.00 $116.16 $152.00 $165.98 All these products are available at Amazon.com All above prices are subject to change.