[Dixielandjazz] Trumpet Mouthpieces Questions

[Custode at aol.com]

After years trying to find a comfortable mouthpiece, I finally "pieced" one 
together from Giardinelli.  I use a 6S with a Semi-Flat rim, and #2 backbore.  
It works for me.

Finding the "right" mouthpiece is a very personal and long process.  I would 
recommend getting "The comparative mouthpiece guide for trumpet" and start by 
locating the mouthpiece currently being used.  From there, you can get an 
understanding of how a mouthpiece is constructed and discover where the problems 
lie with the current mouthpiece.  (Whether the rim feels comfortable - if the 
tone is too shrill/dark/muffled - if the notes being produced easily, etc.)

Once you reach this step, you can try to find a setup that meets your 
individual specifications.  That is how, and why, I chose Giardinelli.  They had a 3 
piece mouthpiece that would allow me to choose: Rim style, as well as, size; 
cup depth and design, and backbore taper.  Best of all, the parts are 
interchangeable, so the trumpeter has the ability to piece together the mouthpiece best 
designed for any given situation.

It isn't a quick process, in fact, it can be laborious.  However, the end 
results are better than simply trying 17 different mouthpieces from 3 different 
manufacturers.  

Hope this helps,
Lewis D. Custode, Jr., CLU, ChFC
The Bourbon Street Brass, Buffalo, NY
trumpet/leader