ben.gernon
Member
Could someone please end what has been a lifelong confusion! Why do some players play with what seems to be a plastic rim around their mouthpiece?
Thanks!!
Thanks!!
Plastic!?
- Thread starter ben.gernon
- Start date
johnmartin
Active Member
Simple. Some people are allergic to certain metals, mainly nickel, contained in the mouthpiece. Whilst we're on the subject, we have a horn player who is so afflicted. In the abscence of a horn mouthpiece from Kelly we were discussing at band the other night the possibility of lathing a new mouthpiece from a solid block of acrylic. Anyone ever attempted such a feat of engineering before?
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brasscrest
Active Member
Many marching band brass players use plastic mouthpieces (either just rims or entire mouthpieces) when they must play in cold weather.
It's possible that a proper mouthpiece for concert work could be made from non-metals, however, it would take a bit of engineering. Part of the sound of a brass instrument is created by the mass and balance of the material in the mouthpiece. For example, one problem with the marching band plastic mouthpieces is that the plastic changes with temperature in a different manner than the metal of the instrument, which can lead to air leaks or a stuck mouthpiece.
A better choice than regular acrylic might be an advanced ceramic, which would have the advantage of being very smooth and also non-allergenic. I could also see advanced ceramic applications in the valves (maybe replacing the plastic guides found in many modern valves, which have to be replaced often because of their wear characteristics).
It's possible that a proper mouthpiece for concert work could be made from non-metals, however, it would take a bit of engineering. Part of the sound of a brass instrument is created by the mass and balance of the material in the mouthpiece. For example, one problem with the marching band plastic mouthpieces is that the plastic changes with temperature in a different manner than the metal of the instrument, which can lead to air leaks or a stuck mouthpiece.
A better choice than regular acrylic might be an advanced ceramic, which would have the advantage of being very smooth and also non-allergenic. I could also see advanced ceramic applications in the valves (maybe replacing the plastic guides found in many modern valves, which have to be replaced often because of their wear characteristics).
Highams
Member
I'm awaiting a screw rim in plastic (Lexan) from Doug Elliott of the USA. It's very comfortable and always the same temperature, ideal for when recitals in big Churches gold colder in the Winter!.
www.euph9.freeserve.co.uk
www.euph9.freeserve.co.uk
brasscrest
Active Member
lynchie said:
:shock: Ouch, splinters! :shock:
brassneck
Active Member
...found a couple of links for alternative mouthpieces...
http://www.bill-lewington.com/mbwood.htm
http://www.kellymouthpieces.com/trumpet.asp
http://www.bill-lewington.com/mbwood.htm
http://www.kellymouthpieces.com/trumpet.asp