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Size of mouthpiece can indeed make a difference.
One example, someone with a larger than average embouchure might find out that the average cup size and especially depth makes it impossible to play in the higher registers or even in the staff with volume and power if the air velocity pushes the larger lip tissues up against the inside of the mouthpiece wall.
There are other reasons to find and use the best fit for your particular facial muscles and lips, too.
Longevity comes to mind, as well as the fact that certain situations could indeed cause permanent damage to facial musculature and bone structurses which would be detrimental to playing abilities over the long term.
And -- unless you can buzz the entire Star Spangled Banner, in the air, with no mouthpiece or anything else pressing against your lips, you don't know how to work the trumpet yet.
For the instrument itself is nothing but a resonant amplifier for your face.
--Mac
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Be aware that BIAB does not support Cb, B#, E# or Fb.
Thank you Matt. This will not likely be the last stupid question I ask here.  There would have been a time when I'd have been ashamed to ask.
Please, if you don't mind my bending your ear ...
I played trumpet when I was a boy and it was my heartfelt desire (the only thing I could think of or talk about actually), to become the next Maynard Ferguson. He was my ONLY idol and I would have done ANYTHING (and often DID), to attend his next concert. If the man was going to perform within 300 miles, my best friend and my band director (his father), would see to it that we went to see him. I played baseball and I played it exceptionally well for such a young player. Even before I made it to high-school, people said I'd make it pro some day. I had a chance to attend one of the premiere athletic schools in Michigan -- Mom and Dad let ME choose -- Instead, I attended a school renown for their music program. Lots of people dogged my parents for that decision.
Four years later after graduation, I joined Uncle Sam's Army Band (I was sooooo excited). While everyone else was going off to college I was going to learn to play like Maynard! I was certain of it. But, before I was able to make good on my Maynard impression at band camp, I would literally brake my back! I had no business jumping out of airplanes, but I fell in love with it. I then found out from the Army doctors that I had spina-bifida -- from birth -- and this explained a lot to me and my family about why I had occasional bouts with back troubles and breathing problems in my youth. Needless to say, Uncle Sam didn't want to take the chance ... a week later I was home and wondering what I'd do for a living ... Music was far from my mind.
For years, daydreaming and reminiscing about 'the good 'ole days', I managed to work around my physical obstructions until just a few years ago when complications with diabetes kept me from standing or walking without severe back pain -- Sometimes I was bedridden for days. I could see that there were times that 'my problems' could be dangerous for others; not just myself (i.e. driving, etc). And so, I have been either setting in a chair or in bed ever since. Seven years have past since 'disability'.
I have always been afraid to return to trumpet playing -- Not just for the memories, but for fear of losing wind and causing more trouble for myself -- My wife gets deathly afraid. Until recently ... I received a 'gesture' from my wife (a Christmas gift actually); Rather, a very large hint or 'motivator' if you will -- Or perhaps even a 'peace treaty'. This was the first trumpet I've had in my hands in over 35 years -- I'd been given a custom-restored 1966 Olds & Son. Beautiful!
Then (I guess it must have been when I started showing some signs that I would try to play again), She went that extra mile (possibly two) -- She threw away the old guitar I had been plucking on for the last 20 years or so (which I promptly argued with her ... but only momentarily). She walked out of the bedroom with a 'new' guitar. Yep, brand spaking new! In less than a week's time, I'd received a new / restored trumpet and a new guitar (with all the bells and whistles).
My son-in-law had put a bracket on my living-room wall two days before Christmas and I was furious at him -- I'd just had new drywall and paint done to that wall! Turns out, I didn't recognize what the bracket was for ... It looked to me like another one of those brackets that your wife hangs her plate collection on ... Boy was I steamed! I'm so tired of all these plates hanging everywhere!
So, here two days before Christmas, I'd been given an opportunity to figure out for myself what was going on. That bracket on the wall turned out to be the hanger to display my new guitar!
I've only been at it a couple of months now, but things are improving. I love BiaB! Now I get to play WITH Maynard and nobody can argue otherwise! There are times I daydream -- I can only imagine what might have happened, had I been able to use today's technology almost 40 years ago! Boy, these kids today are gonna' be Super-Maynard's before their 12th birthday! It's been a miracle to me that I've lived to see it -- and to USE it! I do nothing but have fun now -- I guess that's my job. And, the only audience that matters to me these days are my family -- my wife especially. The only person who ever cried when I played trumpet! Can you imagine that? I made the woman cry! Now I ask ya' ... How many of you guys have ever made a woman cry with your playing?
Thank you to all of you who have taken the time here on this forum to answer my questions. I'm only new to the technology part, the music will come back to me. Forty years ago or so, I would have given you all a run for your money! I'm happy where I'm at now in my music -- I count every day as gravy and so should all of you -- Just don't wait 40 years before you thank the Lord for it!
So, if I tend to ask questions in this forum that you think I should already know (or a 6th-grader should know), I want you to know that I really do NOT understand. The mind's not as sharp as I'd like it to be -- things are happening that I don't have any control over -- I have no other excuse. Thank you for taking me seriously.
I'm long-winded, I know ... I managed to go back to school and I got my degree ... English ... Go figure! 
Ike
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Great comebacker story! I wish you the best of luck with your new instruments. For about a dozen years a few years back, I made a practice of learning a new instrument each year (helps my writing) so it can be done.
I've played for 50 years, so we're probably close in age. Oh - and my undergrad major was English.
If you want to ask trumpet-related questions, join trumpetherald.com You will not be the only comeback player, by a long shot.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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Quote:
For about a dozen years a few years back, I made a practice of learning a new instrument each year (helps my writing) so it can be done.
What a wonderful thing! I was forcibly trained in piano as a kid -- hated it and could see no good use for the thing. Mom wanted me to, "... play like this guy or that guy ...". I stopped playing about my mid-20's (Mom couldn't MAKE me practice now)! I actually began to see it's usefulness when I joined my first jazz band -- I was able to create entire scores for our entire band and that was long before computing days -- it was hand-written! And once the chicks in the front row found out I could do that, I was a god!
Today, I couldn't play piano if my life depended on it. I mean really 'play'. I've had opportunity, but the desire's not there yet I guess. Maybe some day ... Right now I just want to hear some similar likeness to my trumpet days. Even if by accident -- I'll take it!
You're incredibly talented and a fantastic learner to have committed yourself as you have. I read your posts frequently. You're an excellent communicator and I enjoy what you do here. Twelve years? I doubt I have that kind of tenacity to do anything, much less learn a new 'language' every year for a dozen years! You are awesome! 12 instruments in 12 years? That must be some kind of record, isn't it?
I can only imagine how self-gratifying it must feel.
Ike
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I bought a tuner.
Got out my horn.
Played a B flat.
After 15 minutes I realised that A# is Bflat and the panic left me.
Seniors Moment.
And Matt, a friend of mine with little musical training (like me), plays Jazz and Dixieland stuff, built his own 'quiet' studio, and plays in 3 groups. I talked him into joining our band, it's free plus if you don't have an instrument or don't like yours Dr. Hank lends you one.
He's a diabetic curmudgeon, depending on his sugar he's quitting everything and jumping off a bridge or having fun. But he keeps coming back because you always get the 4 to 6 minute training on something, last week it was hemeolias (triples in duple) with examples. The previous week it was circus tempo chromatic runs with valve management. I've been encouraging him to let me video these, but he pulls them out of hats and starts laughing and carrying on, it's spontaneous. If you take the second lowest b flat on the piano, Henry's laugh is 3 of those notes. I can sing that b natural most days but the flat eludes me.
John Conley
Musica est vita
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Quote:
Most, not all, C trumpets play more in tune with 1 & 3 for D above middle C, then 2 & 3 for Eb, then 1 & 2 for E. Doesn't matter much what key you are in; if the note is flatter than a pancake, it's going to sound bad in any key. For most players, I think lipping up is harder than lipping down.
I never use 3 alone on a C. I use 3 alone a lot on a Bb trumpet or flugel, though, mostly for speed.
Matt, I got a refinished Olds & Son Bf Trumpet this Christmas. Since I've had it, it seems like D (above middle C fingered with valve #1), plays flat. In other words, seems like I've got to constantly lip-up as you say. Everything else seems to sound 'normal'. Do you think I might have a valve problem here?
Ike
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Use the tuning program. That's an odd note to be flat on. If it's a few cents try the tuning slide, then change and lip up more is what I'd do. Most of my horns have the crook below the valve and that can be moved too.
John Conley
Musica est vita
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Quote:
Quote:
Matt, I got a refinished Olds & Son Bf Trumpet this Christmas. Since I've had it, it seems like D (above middle C fingered with valve #1), plays flat. In other words, seems like I've got to constantly lip-up as you say. Everything else seems to sound 'normal'. Do you think I might have a valve problem here?
Russell, what you have is perfectly normal for an older trumpet, where middle D is flat. Many newer trumpets shorten the first valve slide to correct the D, and put a ring or U hook on the slide so you can use the slide to adjust other notes played with the first finger. Trumpet design is one large series of compromises.
If you can't stand the D on your horn, try fingering it with 1 & 3 (which might even be a bit sharp). Or, you could even have a repair shop make the modification I described, although it would lessen the value of a vintage horn.
Keep in mind, I've never played an Olds. TrumpetHerald.com is the place for this kind of question, where there are bound to be plenty of people with direct experience on your specific horn.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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Ditto to what Matt said. Take you questions to trumpetherald.com. You'll find some really nice folks there including teachers and pro-level players.
Stan
Cornet Curmudgeon
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Thanks guys! I'll check that out too.
Matt, funny thing is, I played a Conn bargain basement student version when I was in high school and college (I think Mom and Dad had to mortgage the house for it even then), and I don't ever remember messing with this problem at all (playing 'up' or 'down' to achieve the tone). In fact, most players including my director were amazed that I was using a Holton MF3 mouthpiece before I hit high-school -- but oh MAN could she scream! Problem was, that Conn went down in a house fire and I don't even remember what I did with it. That wasn't my best day of thinking for sure. Biggest mistake of my music life -- should have had it refinished instead of buying the 'silver' (and among the 'brass' players, what player wouldn't have given his eye teeth for a silver trumpet, right)?
I ended up buying a Holton MF horn and played semi-pro with Army band for a few but I never got used to a different horn ... STILL haven't evidently. I'm not sure how much of the problem is me (I'm a 30+ year comeback player) or the horn (the Olds came highly recommended). This trumpet is a beautiful thing to behold but I'm thinking that my musical 'ear' might be too picky for her.
Anyone out there looking to trade your Conn ?
By the way, has anyone seen how ruddy Wynton's horn is? That's what mine looked like when I pulled it from the ashes! Wouldn't ya' know that so many years later, that look would become the fad -- could have made money off that piece of junk!
Ike
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Oh, yes. Conn made a good horn. I had a Victor.
Quite a different approach to sound from an Olds, though.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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Yes, the Olds has a lot of mechanics going on with their valve system but Olds owners swear by it. The Conn was just a very simple spring in the bottom as I recall.
Ike
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Wynton plays Monette horns. A tad pricey, the lack of lacquer is a feature set on those heavily braced horns. The basic idea is that if the horn vibrates at all, it is robbing energy from the sound coming out of the bell. Hence the heavy crescent shaped braces, etc.
You can take your Olds to a good horn tech and get the 1st valve slightly shortened and a 1st valve trigger added to it. Then the D will be in tune and you have the trigger to lengthen the slide a bit for the other notes, that will likely be sharp after the slide shortening.
--Mac
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Quote:
Steel pans on a guitar. Excellent.
Yeah. Very clever putting that piece of cardboard in there to damp the strings. I like the overtones it creates. Really does sound like steel drums.
I saw him live this past Sunday. (He played that tune, BTW.) Small venue. I was sitting 20 feet from him. I was totally blown away by his playing. Preternatural. The last time I had such a feeling of awe was when I saw Joe Pass, Oscar Peterson, and NHOP at Carnegie Hall.
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