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TIPS ON AUDITIONING A MOUTHPIECE

First: We assume that the rim is one you are used to; or a copy of your old favorite. Don't think of comparing mouthpieces with different rims; you'll only get confused. (If you are trying a new rim, it ought to be similar to your regular rim, perhaps with differences in one or two aspects.)

Second: Warm up normally using the new mouthpiece.

Ready?? OK!

Third: If this mouthpiece is for general playing, check out its response by: (a) slurring octaves, starting on low "G"-to- 2nd line G, G#, A, and upwards. Are the octaves in tune? Do the notes stay in tune as you reach the top of the Treble Clef and ascend above? Horns are not perfect: I mean "easy intonation" here.

(b) Is there ease of blowing & sustaining notes throughout the staff? Do the notes "lock in" easily, without tendency to wander? (We assume your horn does not leak, which will make higher notes wander badly...) Or perhaps, do the notes lock in a bit TOO much?

(c) Is the tone clean and clear? Is it as "Bright" or "Dark" as you would like? Either "Bright" or "Dark" is a component of quality Horn tone, and will vary depending on where you perform.

Players with a naturally dark tone may want to brighten it to suit. For this I suggest a mouthpiece with more resistance and less cubic volume. The free-blowing mouthpiece helps the "bright-toned" player who wants more darkness. Many times, the work at hand will favor a lighter or a darker tone, as in performing Mozart or Mahler. A second mouthpiece, using the same rim, will make this adaptation easier.

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