If you landed on this page, no doubt, you are trying to find the best trumpet mouthpiece.
Well, you’re in luck.
Having played trumpets for over two decades, I consider myself a trumpet guru.
And I know that finding a trumpet mouthpiece is never a walk in the park.
That’s why I have compiled this complete guide of the best mouthpiece for trumpets available in the market today.
Table of Contents
Best Trumpet Mouthpiece for Beginners Reviewed
You and I both agree that a trumpet mouthpiece is the most vital part of a trumpet. It determines the quality of the sound produced as well as the playability of a trumpet.
However, there are so many factors to consider when choosing the best trumpet mouthpiece. From the size, comfort, model, material … the list goes on and on.
But you don’t have to worry about all that – we have done the heavy lifting for you.
Here is our list of the top 10 trumpet mouthpiece. Read on to find out which one is the best for you.
Are you looking to upgrade your trumpet mouthpiece? Selmer Bach K3513C mouthpiece is aa versatile and flexible mouthpiece that is perfect for intermediaries and experts.
It is packed with numerous features guaranteed to make your playing experience flawless.
The Bach K3513C is standard sized mouthpiece that is perfect for all trumpets.
It is specially designed with a larger cup than most other trumpet mouthpieces.
Thus, you’ll produce deeper and darker tones effortlessly.
In addition, this mouthpiece has a relatively larger throat that allows you to hit a better tonal range. There’s less resistance for higher pitch tones in the upper range with zero distortion.
What’s more, this mouthpiece has a large cup diameter of 16.30. A large cup allows your lips to produce a greater vibration.
Therefore, you’ll produce a higher tone volume without forcing it. The large diameter also makes it ideal for players with larger lips.
This megatone is a perfect all-around piece for deeper, fuller, and cleaner sound.
- Large cup diameter of 16.30
- Produces fuller, darker, warmer, and distinct sound
- Versatile
- Easy to play
- Great design
- Price could have been lower
Bach is famous for producing top-notch trumpet accessories.
No wonder the runners up on this list of the best trumpet mouthpiece is also a product from Bach.
The Bach Trumpet mouthpiece 3C is perfect for any trumpeter looking to upgrade from their stock mouthpiece.
Its design is great and its size can fit any standard trumpet. Being a 3C trumpet, it has a wider rim that is extremely comfortable.
Also, it has a large cup diameter of 16.3mm making it easier to play compared to other mouthpieces options. It also hurts less when you’re trying to hit those higher notes.
You’ll also notice the difference in tone range and sound quality immediately you start using this mouthpiece.
The sound quality is excellent.
However, if you’re upgrading from the basic beginner 7C mouthpiece to a 3C mouthpiece, it may take you a few days, sometimes weeks, to get used to it.
- Cleaner, richer sound
- Well made
- Reasonably priced
- Easier to hit high register notes than with stock mouthpieces
- Check for the official Bach signature engraving to avoid buying a counterfeit
If you are searching for the perfect mouthpiece for bright and sharp high register notes, consider the Yamaha YAC SHEWLEAD mouthpiece.
This piece has an inner diameter of 16.54mm, the throat is 3.56mm, and its contour has a semi-round shape.
A semi-round contour offers a mix of flexibility and comfort. You can play for longer with greater endurance.
On top of that, it has a narrow backbore and a very shallow cup.
This works perfectly to give clear, yet big high range sounds.
You’ll be surprised at the number of notes you’ll add to your upper notes register.
You can hit even the A’s with little effort. The lower registers too are great. However, you may need to blow air a little harder for a richer sounder.
- Extremely easy to play
- Perfect for high tones
- Great for jazz music
- Lead mouthpiece
- Comfortable on the lips
- Poor low range
- The sound could have been louder
Here’s one of the best low-maintenance 3C mouthpiece for your trumpet that money can buy.
The Paititi Gold Plated 3C trumpet mouthpiece remains intact and does not fade easily. You won’t have to incur occasional repainting costs since gold plated mouthpieces usually stand the test of time.
What’s more, this mouthpiece is compatible with a majority of the main trumpet brands such as Yamaha, Bach, King, Conn, and more.
If you are looking to get a fuller and richer sound, this mouthpiece is perfect. It has a medium-sized cup, that is ideal for intermediate and professional players alike.
On top of that, it allows you to play all types of music genres.
- Low maintenance
- Comfortable rim
- Produces rich sound
- Allows you to hit high register notes better
- Plating could have been more durable
If you are just beginning your journey of becoming a trumpeter, or are already a seasoned player who would like to experiment with different sizes of mouthpieces, this is for you.
This is a special package with three different mouthpieces, a 3C, 5C, and a 7C. On top of that, it also comes with a microfiber cloth to clean your mouthpieces and a gift box.
The 3C, a favorite among the experts, has a medium-sized cup allowing for longer play.
It is easier to hit the low notes but hitting the treble is a little difficult.
7C has a narrower inner rim diameter. Thus, it doesn’t require you to blow a lot of air and are softer on your lungs.
With this piece, it is easier to achieve treble but the volume is quite low and attaining full bass is not easy.
A beginner can start with the 7C mouthpiece, and after they getting the hang of it, move to the 5C, and later to the 3C mouthpiece once they attain intermediate level.
- Perfect beginner pack
- Great value for money
- Comes with a microfiber cleaning cloth
- 3 mouthpieces
- Quality could have been better
The Cecilio 3C trumpet is a simple yet high-performance mouthpiece that is great for intermediary and pro trumpet players.
Besides its affordable price, this trumpet mouthpiece produces loud and deep sound. And it has a smooth and stylish silver-coated design.
Its specifications are not over the top but are perfect for a fairly great performance at its price range.
The cup diameter measures 17.50mm and its overall length is 87.50mm.
The shank has a diameter of 9.8mm and a total length of 45mm.
But if you want to try out other cup diameters, with the same features, check out the Cecilio 5C and 7C models.
- Deep richer sound
- Small yet highly efficient
- Sleek design
- Easily tarnished
- Rim could have been a little thicker
Do you want to upgrade the stock mouthpiece on your student trumpet without breaking an arm or leg?
The Schilke Standard Series is worth trying.
What I like most about this mouthpiece is that all its components are medium-sized. This makes it easy and comfortable to use.
Are you worried that the mouthpiece might not fit to your standard trumpet? This piece is designed to fits perfectly in all standard sized trumpets.
Users of this trumpet mouthpiece also said that they achieved higher register tones more easily.
- Easier to achieve high notes
- Decent sound quality
- Better than stock mouthpieces
- Low sound notes could have been better
For that extra touch to your sound tune, consider purchasing this mouthpiece booster.
A mouthpiece booster is designed to add extra weight to your standard mouthpiece.
This extra weight boosts your projection for a more stable sound.
One purchasing the KGUBrass mouthpiece booster, you’ll get a high-quality product that can transform the sound of your stock speakers to phenomenal levels.
Besides, with a mouthpiece booster for your trumpet, you will realize that it is easier to hit the high register tones.
- Good quality
- Fits a wide range of mouthpieces
- Easy to attach
- Improves sound quality
- Silver plating quality could have been better
- The booster is bit lose
Blessing company continues to win the hearts of many players by producing great quality trumpet accessories at a budget.
The unique design of their mouthpiece is based on contributions by professional trumpeters Robert Dorer, Buff Dillard, and Dominick Farinacci.
And since it is a 3C mouthpiece, you can be certain that you are getting an all-round piece that you can conveniently use for most music genres.
- Affordable
- Great low and midrange sound tunes
- Great design
- Needs lungpower to reach higher notes
Are you sick and tired of the poor low sound tones produced by your stock mouthpiece? Do your lips hurt from the discomfort of your current trumpet mouthpiece?
Its high time you upgraded your mouthpiece.
A great option worth considering is the Paititi silver-plated 3c trumpet mouthpiece. It is compatible with other major brands such as Bach, Yamaha, King, etc.
Additionally, it is made from durable materials and will serve you for years.
The Paititi 3c mouthpiece is best suited for the middle level to expert players.
- Affordable
- Rich sound tunes
- Great design
- Mouthpiece can get a bit loose
Does Trumpet Mouthpiece Make A Difference?
The simple and most straightforward answer to this question is:
Yes, your choice of trumpet mouthpiece makes a huge difference in your overall playing experience. A mouthpiece can either make certain things harder or easier.
For instance, although a 3C mouthpiece makes it easier to hit the higher register notes, it is you to do the work of controlling those tones for great sound articulation.
A mouthpiece that has a thin rim is excellent for producing great sound tone but on the other hand it exerts more pressure on the player’s lips.
Also note that although mouthpieces with a wider diameter produce louder and richer sound, they require you to blow in more air to play.
If you are looking to register high register tones choose shallow mouthpiece cup while a deep cup is ideal for darker, low register tones.
Additionally, trumpet mouthpieces with smaller throats are perfect for high register and need less air to play. But on the other hand, a mouthpiece with a larger throat gives louder and fuller sounds.
As you’ve seen above, the size and shape of the trumpet mouthpiece determining your final sound.
Therefore, you must choose a mouthpiece that best matches the sound range, timbre, and articulation you are looking for.
How Do I Choose A Trumpet Mouthpiece?
Choosing a mouthpiece for your trumpet is a personal decision. You need to look at your budget and, of course, your personal preferences.
However, there a few other technical factors you need to consider. These factors play a significant role in determining your overall performance of your trumpet.
Below we’ve shared all the nitty-gritty you need to look at when selecting a trumpet mouthpiece.
When choosing a mouthpiece for your trumpet, ensure that your choice matches your specific needs.
Carefully look at all the factors discussed below. They’ll help you in choosing a mouthpiece that meets your style and sound requirements.
Let’s dive straight in!
Material
The material used to make your mouthpiece determines how long your mouthpiece lasts. Brass trumpet mouthpieces are the most popular.
However, because of several cases of mild brass allergy, these pieces are often coated using another non-reactive metal. The mouthpieces can either be coated with gold or silver.
Most trumpeters prefer to use silver-coated trumpet mouthpieces since they are cheaper. On the flipside, silver loses its luster much faster than gold.
Gold-coated pieces are a great alternative for players who are allergic to silver. They require minimal care and don’t lose their shine. But you’ll need to shell out a few extra dollars for a gold-coated trumpet mouthpiece.
However, some semi-professional options for outdoor trumpeters are made using plastic. These are cheaper, lighter, durable, and weather-resistant.
The Parts of Your Mouthpiece
Every part of your mouthpiece has a role in determining the final sound.
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And unless you understand the anatomy of your mouthpiece, you’re likely to miss out on some key aspects required in reaching optimal performance.
Let me take you through each of the main parts of a trumpet mouthpiece and how each affects your overall experience.
Rim
For this article, we’ll define the rim as the ‘mouth’ of your mouthpiece. It determines the overall quality of your embouchure (link of the mouth to your mouthpiece).
There are two main types of rims: rounded or flat.
Flat rims are ideal for players looking for better endurance. They provide even pressure on the lips and are more comfortable. On the downside, flat rims offer limited flexibility to the player.
Round rims provide more flexibility. However, these need you to blow more air when playing. And they will exert more pressure on the lips.
The choice of rim narrows down to user preference. However, most trumpeters prefer a rim that blends in both round and flat rims for an even mix of comfort and performance.
Another extremely crucial property that you should consider is the width of your rim. A rim with a smaller width offers better lip movement giving the player more flexibility. A wider width, on the other hand, allows better lip support.
But the extent of lip support by each option varies from one player to the other. Thus, it is best that you test out a variety of rims to find out which one is the best for your needs.
Cup
The first thing that comes to mind when you mention the cup of a trumpet mouthpiece is its size, which refers to the inner rim diameter. The cup size number is used in naming the model number of a mouthpiece.
For instance, if a number, say 5, is included in the model number of a mouthpiece, it is probably referring to its inner rim diameter. The measurements are mostly in millimeters or inches.
A mouthpiece with a small inner rim diameter will hit higher tones more easily and can help you to play for longer periods. However, you’ll get lower sound volume since only a small portion of the lips fit in the cup.
On the other hand, although mouthpiece cups with a larger inner rim diameter produce high sound volume, they are harder to play.
Another equally important property is the cup depth.
If a mouthpiece has a deeper cup it is easier to play low tones and harder to play the high tones. But the tone quality will be darker. Shallow cups aids in playing high notes to give a sharper and brighter tone.
V-shaped cups produce lower and darker sounds while U-shaped cups give brighter upper register tones.
Throat
The throat refers to the narrower opening that leads air out of the cup. The bigger the throat the louder the sound produced. Throat sizes and lengths differ from one mouthpiece to the other.
However, a mouthpiece with a very small throat is usually uncomfortable to play since it chokes your tone and produces a high amount of air backpressure.
Backbore
The part at the rear end of a trumpet’s mouthpiece is known as the backbore. It is the section of the mouthpiece that transfers air to the horn.
The perfect backbore should maintain great intonation in the trumpet’s entire range. It should neither be too big nor too small. And it should smoothly and gradually narrow towards the throat.
The size and shape of a backbore affects the volume and richness of the sound.
It is always good to find a mouthpiece with a backbore tightness or openness that matches your desired sound.
Tips for Beginner on How to Use A Mouthpiece with The Trumpet
- If you are testing a new mouthpiece, start on a mid-range note and move to the higher register notes. Then, go down to the lower notes to determine whether the mouthpiece makes it easier to hit these registers.
- Amateurs should choose a mouthpiece with a shallower cup. These are easier to play.
- Practice, practice, and keep practicing. It is the only way you’re going to master how to use a trumpet mouthpiece like a pro.
- Always clean your mouthpiece after each use.
Watch the YouTube video below for additional tips on the best trumpet mouthpiece placement.
FAQs About Best Trumpet Mouthpiece for Beginners
What Is A 7c Trumpet Mouthpiece?
In a mouthpiece model number, the number part refers to the inner rim diameter while the letter refers to the cup depth.
However, the interpretation of these numbers and letters differ from one company to the other.
For instance, with Bach mouthpieces, the larger the number, the smaller the inner diameter. And, the letters alongside the number range anywhere between A and F, with A being the deepest.
In this case, a 7C is an averagely sized mouthpiece that is perfect for beginner trumpeters.
What Is the Difference Between A 3c and 7c Trumpet Mouthpiece?
Using the concept above, 7 is greater than 3. Thus, 7C has a slightly smaller diameter than that of a 3C mouthpiece. But their cup depth is the same.
Holding all other factors constant, a 7C mouthpiece is easier to use as it requires the player to blow in a smaller amount of air. It is perfect for amateurs.
What Is the Difference Between A 7c and 5c Trumpet Mouthpiece?
There is only a very small difference between the rim diameter of a 7C and a 5C. Their performance and ease of use vary slightly too as the 5c has a wider rim diameter compared to the 7c.
What Trumpet Mouthpiece Is Best for High Notes?
If you want a trumpet mouthpiece for high register playing, choose one that exponentially increases your range. It should have a wider cup diameter and a medium-sized rim.
However, no specific mouthpiece is a cheat-piece to high notes. You’ll also need to have mastered the art of sound control.
Conclusion
When choosing the best trumpet mouthpiece, consider the material used and the specifications of each of the parts of the mouthpiece.
A great beginner trumpet mouthpiece should be shallower and comfortable to use. On the other hand, pro players can experiment with different inner rim diameters to find out which mouthpiece works best for them.
I hope this article helps you to make an informed choice of the best trumpet mouthpiece.
