Trumpet mouthpiece manufacturing and tone quality

Abstract

This article investigates the relationship between the shape of the mouthpiece and its acoustical properties in brass instruments. The hypothesis is that not only different volumes but also particular cup shapes affect the embouchure and the tone quality in both a physical and perceivable way. Three professional trumpet players were involved, and two different internal cup contours characterized by a "U" and a "V" shape with two types of throat junction (round and sharp) were chosen, based on a Vincent Bach 1 [1/2] C medium mouthpiece. A third intermediate contour was designed as a combination of these. Over 600 sound samples were produced under controlled conditions, the study involving four different stages: (1) Simulation of air-flow, (2) analysis of the sound spectra, (3) study of the players' subjective responses, and (4) perceptual analysis of their timbral differences. Results confirm the U shape is characterized by a stronger air recirculation and produces stronger spectral components above 8 kHz, compared to the V shape. A round throat junction may also be preferable to a sharp one in terms of playability. There is moderate agreement on the aural perception of these differences although the verbal attributes used to qualify these are not shared.

Design, Manufacturing and Acoustic Assessment of Polymer Mouthpieces for Trombones

“…All of them influence the final sound generated by the instrument when the player blows the mouthpiece. The effects of materials and the shape of the different parts of the instruments on the generated sound have been analyzed in several studies [ 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 ].…”

Considerations for the Design of Composite 3D Printed ‘Intermediate Level’ Trumpets

“…Others believe it lies in the dimensions of the mouthpiece (Morrison 2013). Zicari et al (2013) investigated the effects of altering the internal mouthpiece cup contours ('U' and 'V' shapes) and varying the throat junction (round and sharp). Results for this study, whilst well documented, seem a little inconclusive.…”