Choosing a Mouthpiece
All parts of a trumpet fit together in one piece except for the mouthpiece. If the trumpet does not come with a mouthpiece, you will need to purchase one separately. The most common mouthpiece sizes are the 7C, 3C and 5C cup sizes. Bach is the main manufacturer of mouthpieces although there are many other very good mouthpieces on the market. In Bach sizes, the lower the number, the larger the diameter (3C is larger than a 7C). The letter corresponds to the depth of the mouthpiece, A being the deepest.
As you progress, you may consider moving to a larger mouthpiece so your sound can project further without losing tone quality. A 5C or 3C cup size would be an excellent step up, but be sure your embouchure muscles have developed adequately before changing mouthpiece sizes as the difference is significant.
For jazz, players should use a different mouthpiece depending on the role they play within the trumpet section. A lead jazz player going above high C needs a shallow cup (possible D cup) with a back-bore. "Some popular jazz mouthpieces used by professionals include the Schilke 14A4A and the Yamaha Bobby Shew Jazz Mouthpiece" (Adams 6/24/14). For players in a supporting role (3rd and 4th trumpet), a 3C or 5C mouthpiece is a viable option. A 3C mouthpiece will produce a brighter sound while a 5C will produce a warmer sound that will blend better with the players around you.
As you progress, you may consider moving to a larger mouthpiece so your sound can project further without losing tone quality. A 5C or 3C cup size would be an excellent step up, but be sure your embouchure muscles have developed adequately before changing mouthpiece sizes as the difference is significant.
For jazz, players should use a different mouthpiece depending on the role they play within the trumpet section. A lead jazz player going above high C needs a shallow cup (possible D cup) with a back-bore. "Some popular jazz mouthpieces used by professionals include the Schilke 14A4A and the Yamaha Bobby Shew Jazz Mouthpiece" (Adams 6/24/14). For players in a supporting role (3rd and 4th trumpet), a 3C or 5C mouthpiece is a viable option. A 3C mouthpiece will produce a brighter sound while a 5C will produce a warmer sound that will blend better with the players around you.