Returning to the Gap Debate…Again!

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..and still the debate continues. Should there be a gap or should there not be a gap. To more fully understand this question, you must first understand what a gap is and in order to show you, please view the following video produced by the Bob Reeves mouthpiece company.

(12) THIS ONE SIMPLE TRICK CAN IMPROVE YOUR TRUMPET PLAYING! – YouTube

Now that you understand what the gap is, and does to affect your playing, I must point out a couple reasons that the above suggestion to add a piece of paper is not effective.

  1. By adding paper to one side of the mouthpiece you create an air leak and possibly a wave form change while you are playing. When adding a paper insert to one side of the mouthpiece it does move the mouthpiece out and increase the amount of gap but this creates other problems.
  2. A more accurate test would be to use Scotch tape (which is thinner than paper) and encircle the shank of the mouthpiece by wrapping it around the shank. In this way, the shank is completely sealed in the mouthpiece receiver, giving the test more credibility.
  3.  With the thinner tape, you are able to mark on the shank the amount of extension as you continue adding sections of tape, giving you a measurable amount of extension.

In the video it also states that “too much gap is bad and too little gap is worse”.

  1. Two of the leading early trumpet manufactures (Vincent Bach and R. Schilke) were complete opposites when discussing the gap. Bach believed that there should be a gap (1/8 inch) and Mr. Schilke INSISTED that there should not be a gap.
  2. The thought among players at the time was that the gap produced the brighter sound preferred by the Bach trumpet players and the lack of gap produced a more mellow sound preferred by the Schilke performers.

I suggest that you view the next video which will add another factor to this discussion…”tighter embouchure and looser embouchure and how it alters the pitch”.

Gap or Not To Gap, That is a Question- Part II – Trumpet Blog (thetrumpetblog.com)

Now I have included a video that you might find interesting. To contrast this idea with just the opposite, now watch and listen to the statement that “extending the lip further into the mouthpiece cup will raise the pitch”. This is completely the opposite from the previous video.

(12) Trumpet tip, What Is “The Gap” ( Interview with K O Skinsnes Part 3 ) – YouTube

So.. the only thing we all agree upon is what and where the gap is located but after that we have contrasting thoughts as to any predictable changes on ones actual performance.

As the host of this site, I also have strong thoughts about the importance and effect the gap has on playing the trumpet. Below, I have listed some of these conclusions I have determined and would like to share them with you.

  • I feel that the gap is not as important in pitch as it is a factor in air resistance and timbre of sound.
  • Lips extended further into the mouthpiece cup will lower the pitch because of the more relaxed embouchure. And conversely- the less meat in the mouthpiece is a result of an embouchure tightening which will result in an increase in pitch.
  • The use of a paper insert is much less effective than a Scotch Tape ring of tape AROUND the mouthpiece shank.
  • The video illustrating how to measure the distance of the gap is very helpful. You may find it interesting to know that when I tried the gap measurement test on my vintage Bach Cornet (s# 12,100/M bore Strad., it was impossible to find the end of the lead pipe for the end was tapered to a gradual, smooth transition. The mouthpiece I am currently using is a Schilke #18 cornet mouthpiece and when used together has produced the smoothest sound I have ever experienced on a cornet.
  • Extending the gap is easy and will cost you very little; just add layers tape until you get what you want.
  • Diminishing the gap can also be inexpensive for you can VERY GRADUALLY sand down the mouthpiece shank to fit further into the mouthpiece receiver. BUT, IF YOU GO TO FAR WITH THE SANDING,YOU WILL EITHER HAVE TO REPLACE THE MOUTHPIECE OR ADD TAPE AGAIN TO MAKE UP THE DISTANCE, WHICH WILL BE PERMANENT!

Until someone comes up with indisputable facts as to the effects of gaps and suggestions for it use, all we can do is experiment ourselves with the changes. If you find something that works, use it. If you see no change to the better, just keep practicing for regular and correct practicing is guaranteed to improve your playing.

In our next post, I will be discussing more on the use of mouthpiece shank inserts. That should be fun…

 

Bruce was a member of the faculty at the University of Northern Iowa, School of Music in Cedar Falls from 1969 until his retirement in 1999. He has performed with many well-known entertainers such as Bob Hope, Jim Nabors, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme, Anita Bryant, Carman Cavalara, Victor Borgie, the Four Freshman, Blackstone the Magician, Bobby Vinton and John Davidson.

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