9 Best Trombone Mouthpieces in 2020 – Reviews & Analysis

Top Trombone Mouthpieces – Guide & Comparison

Here we will help you find the best trombone mouthpiece available for sale, especially if you don’t have the time to read our entire article. After looking at what the market has to offer as well as at some of the best selling trombone mouthpiece reviews, we have come to the conclusion that the Vincent Bach 3415G is the one you should consider.  What makes this option stand out is the fact it offers incredible quality, each model is built by hand out of a single piece, giving it strength and durability. Since this is a Bach trombone mouthpiece, you also have the guarantee of great performance, it will give a wide and clear sound. What’s more, this option also looks stunning due to the use of a silver plating. If the Vincent Bach 3415G is unavailable, we believe that the Blessing MPC65ALTRB is a great second alternative to bear in mind.

Comparison Table

The Good

The Bad

Verdict

Price

Our Top Choice

Bach 341 5 g Plateada Tuberia Wide

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The Good

This mouthpiece is visually appealing, but also quite effective. Every piece that’s part of this line is hand-hammered, so you can rest assured that it is made correctly and that you’re going to be able to play your trombone properly and comfortably. Apparently, this mouthpiece can make all the difference when it comes to your performance.

The Bad

Before purchasing this product, the dimensions and compatibility should be checked, as it does not fit all trombones.

Verdict

A great choice for people who are looking for a quality trombone mouthpiece that never disappoints.

Price

$ 70.00

2nd Best

Blessing MPC65ALTRB Trombone Mouthpiece

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The Good

Both the brand name and the way that this model has been constructed and designed should convince you that you should give it a try. After all, famous professional trombone players ranging from Buff Dillard to Robert Dorer have chosen similar designs. Based on the info we’ve found about it, this one’s perfect for users who play in jazz ensembles.

The Bad

This option is not suitable for bass trombones. You should take this aspect into consideration before ordering it.

Verdict

This affordable choice needs to be given some thought to as it truly does get the job done effectively.

Price

$ 34.26

Andoer Alto Trombone Copper Mouthpiece

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The Good

Having been uniquely crafted for alto trombones, this mouthpiece comes with a copper body that has been carefully manufactured so as to make sure that it has the right shape and offers the appropriate qualities. If you are a beginner when it comes to playing an alto trombone or if you want it as a gift for your trombone learning kid, this one’s great.

The Bad

This mouthpiece is a perfect fit for alto trombones, so it might not fit other types. Make sure you check this detail before you buy it.

Verdict

In case you are in the market for a convenient, easy to use, and above all, highly affordable unit, this one’s just that.

Price

$ 12.99

9 Best Trombone Mouthpieces (Reviews) in 2020

In order to make it easier for you to find a good trombone mouthpiece, we have gone through the products that have garnered the best trombone mouthpiece reviews. We have also taken into account quality, durability, and affordability. The result can be seen below in our list of critically acclaimed products.

1. Bach 341 5 g Plateada Tuberia Wide

If quality is what you seek, the Vincent Bach 3415G is the best option for you as this gorgeous and well-performing item can give you all the quality money can buy. Each model is built out of a single piece and is hand-hammered which means that there is no room for mistake here, you will get a flawless mouthpiece that you will not be able to resist.

For a great look and because this is a top class accessory, the Vincent Bach 3415G is silver plated and comes with a slightly shallower cup size of 5, a deep depth and a width of 25.50 mm. The looks will give you extra confidence, and the handmade build will guarantee great quality.

Because this is alternative features a large shank, you will immediately feel that the amount of air you need will be greater.

At the same time, you will also notice that the difference in sound. This option will help you sound more abroad and wide.

Pros

If you’re interested in a high-quality mouthpiece that will keep up with frequent practice sessions and gigs but that also looks good, this item shouldn’t go unchecked.

Built out of a single piece and hand-hammered, this item is bound to provide you with flawless results and up your sonic performance. 

The silver-plated item has a slightly shallower cup size of 5, a deep depth, and a width of 25.50 mm, which can only add to your comfort and confidence when using it.

Thanks to the way it was built, the mouthpiece will help you sound more abroad and wide and thus add new nuances to your sonic output. 

The quality material employed and the handmade build translate into durability; therefore, rest assured that this mouthpiece will cover your needs for a long time. 

Cons

Check out the product dimensions and compatibility as a few users say this is suitable for a large bore trombone. 

2. Blessing MPC65ALTRB Trombone Mouthpiece

With a design that is based on inputs from professional players such as Robert Dorer, Dominick Farinacci, and Buff Dillard, the Blessing MPC65ALTRB guarantees great performance. What’s more, Blessing is a household name in the industry which also guarantees that your purchase delivers in terms of quality and durability.

The Blessing MPC65ALTRB uses a small shank of 6.5 AL that is suitable to not only trombones but also to Baritones and Euphoniums. The small shank will allow you to hit even a high A confidently, some customers have even managed to hit the C above it. This mouthpiece is ideal if you want to play in a jazz ensemble or any other situation that requires that you have a lot of leads and solo playing.

To make things even better, you get tremendous quality and performance at almost half the price of what other alternatives ask for. This makes this option ideal for people that want an affordable option without having to make a compromise.

Pros

Durability and a stylish build are just some of the benefits we think of when it comes to this mouthpiece; therefore, the item is worth taking into account.

Thanks to the small shank of 6.5 AL featured, the unit can be used not only with trombones but also with baritones and euphoniums.

It is ideal for musicians playing in a jazz ensemble or engaging in gigs with lots of leads and solo playing.

The small shank makes it possible for you to hit a high A or even the C above it, as some buyers say.

Users who tried it have appreciated the mouthpiece for allowing them to get a much louder sound with a smoother tone and achieve all that without needing more air. 

Cons

At least one buyer says the mouthpiece is not for someone playing bass trombone; therefore, consider this aspect before buying. 

3. Andoer Alto Trombone Copper Mouthpiece

As the name of the product implies, the Andoer Alto 6.5AL is a mouthpiece that is suitable for alto trombones. It features some exquisite workmanship, with a copper body that has been carefully crafted so that it does not lose its shape or qualities even when used intensely. This is a durable option that will last you for a very long time.

The small shank allows you to get a loud sound with a smooth tone. You can also choose between the two colors: silver and gold. This way you will be able to choose the one that appeals to you the most so that your mouthpiece and bass trombone can go well together.

Being one of the most affordable options on the market, the Andoer Alto 6.5AL is the perfect choice if you’re looking to buy a mouthpiece for a beginner or for your kid that has just started playing the trombone.

It offers good performance without you having to pay more than you are comfortable with.

Pros

Built for alto trombones and to keep up with frequent practice sessions, this mouthpiece has been appreciated for delivering remarkable results.

Thanks to the exquisite workmanship and the copper employed, the item promises to cater to your needs for a long time. 

To enable you to get a loud sound with a smooth tone, the unit features a small shank and is ideal for beginners and young musicians. 

The item is available in two colors including silver and gold, which means that you get to choose the one that best suits your preferences and needs. 

Moreover, the unit is considered to be one of the most affordable options in this line of products; therefore, you get to enjoy all of its benefits without spending much.

Cons

The item is ideal for alto trombones and might not fit other types of trombones.

4. Blessing MPC65ALLTRB Trombone Mouthpiece

There’s nothing safer than purchasing a product from a household brand and Blessing has a long history of offering some of the best quality money can buy. With a design that is based on input from professional players and a complex manufacturing process whose purpose is to give consumers the best the company has to offer, you can be sure that you won’t regret getting the Blessing MPC65ALLTRB.

The shank size is large which will allow your mouthpiece to boast wider sounds and fit larger bore trombones. The cup depth is medium with a large cup diameter of 25.40mm and a medium wide rim shape.

If you are a trombone player that wants only the best quality in their musical performance, then you need a mouthpiece that will not hinder the performance of your trombone, but enhance it.

For this purpose, the Blessing MPC65ALLTRB is a good tool for the job, and it comes at a price that is quite accessible.

Pros

Committed to keeping up with extended use, this high-quality mouthpiece will help you get one step closer to the sonic output you’re after and do so comfortably. 

The unit comes with a large shank, which will make it possible and easy for you to get wider sounds. 

The size of the shank makes the mouthpiece ideal for large bore trombones as you get a medium cup depth, a large cup diameter of 25.40mm, and a medium-wide rim shape.

Since trombone practice sessions or gigs can stretch over hours at times, the unit was built to make sure that frequent and extended use won’t damage it any time soon. 

The unit is not only ideal for trombone players interested in getting great quality in their musical performances but it also comes at a price that many buyers find to be accessible.

Cons

Check out the product size carefully before ordering as a few buyers say the item didn’t fit their tenor trombones.

5. Ammoon Nickel-Plated Copper Alto Trombone Mouthpiece

If you’re looking for an affordable product to buy for yourself or maybe for a friend or even your kids, the Ammoon 6 1/2AL is a good alternative that is aimed at beginners. Despite the low price, this alternative offers some impressive quality. Customers that have tried it attest its durability and comfort that give the impression of a much more expensive item.

The body features the use of both copper and nickel and a silver glossy finish that helps it go well with your trombone, no matter its color or design. It features a small shank and can be used with alto instruments.

Even if you are a professional trombone player, the Ammoon 6 1/2AL can be a good purchase too in part due to the fact that it is so inexpensive.

Every player should have a spare mouthpiece as it can come in handy and with the quality and accessibility of this option help, it fits the bill perfectly.

Pros

Designed with durability, comfort, and high sound quality in mind, this mouthpiece is an affordable option you might want to consider. 

To make sure that you can employ it for a long time, the mouthpiece features quality materials including copper and nickel as well as a silver glossy finish.

The solid and functional build make it a great option whether you’re just a beginner or you’ve already gained some experience in playing the trombone.

Since it comes with a small shank, the item can be used with alto instruments as well as by beginners and more advanced players alike. 

Buyers who tried it say it is a good fit for regular trombones, smaller bore baritones, and euphoniums.

The glossy finish will complement your trombone and add a stylish touch to it. 

Cons

At least one user says the mouthpiece might not be the best for an E flat alto, otherwise, the item is durable and delivers the promised results.

6. Glory Professonal Silver Plated Trombone Mouthpiece

If you’re looking for a versatile product that can appeal to beginners and professional players alike, the Glory Professonal 12c is the product for you. It meets most worldwide standards, and it is also approved by  teachers, and professional musicians. If you want a safe purchase, this option can provide the features and quality you need.

It is silver plated which gives it a shiny and gorgeous look, guaranteed to make you stand out and make you feel more confident in your own skills. It is built using the latest computer-aided design system which means that each mouthpiece is built precisely and finding a flaw in the design is out of the question.

The precise design also helps improve durability since the Glory Professonal 12c has no weak points or manufacturing errors and is built solidly, your option will last you for years. This option can be a bit heavy but the solid built allows it to survive drops without getting scratched or damaged in any way.

Pros

Whether you’re a beginner or a professional musician, this mouthpiece is worth adding to your musical gear as it promises to last and help you get one step closer to the sonic output you’re interested in.

To ensure maximum precision and flawless construction, each mouthpiece is built using the latest computer-aided design system.

Thanks to this precise design, durability is also enhanced; therefore, rest assured that using this piece for a long time won’t be a problem as it is bound to withstand extended use. 

Durability is not the only benefit you get to enjoy, though, as the item comes silver plated, which will add a touch of elegance and stylishness to your instrument. 

Buyers have appreciated the ease of play ensured by this mouthpiece, its quality, and the comfortable build.

Cons

The unit has a small shank and, thus, does not fit all types of trombones; therefore, check its size carefully before ordering. 

7. Yamaha YACSLL48 Large Shank Trombone Mouthpiece

If you’re looking for a trombone mouthpiece with a well-balanced rim and cup and with a narrow trombone backbore, the Yamaha YACSLL48 is an option worth considering. This model has a rim inner diameter of 25.25mm and a standard rim contour, thickness and depth.

Because this is a Yamaha product, you can rest assured by knowing that you have chosen a brand that is well-known for their quality. This model is made from brass and contributes to the high regard that Yamaha has earned among beginning and professional musicians alike. All this results in a product that does what it should, provide great performance and comfort for the musician.

By using only the latest technologies and production techniques, the Yamaha YACSLL48 is the alternative that can provide consistent quality even after years of use. By using only the best materials and the most skillful workers, this option delivers on all its promises, resulting in a mouthpiece that is precise and durable.

Pros

Built to provide musicians of all levels with great performance and comfort, this mouthpiece should not be ignored before you make your final decision. 

The unit boasts a well-balanced rim and cup and a narrow trombone backbore as well as quality materials that will make sure employing it for a long time won’t be a problem.

The silver-plated design is committed to adding stylish visuals to your instrument. 

Thanks to the latest technologies and production techniques employed, the product is not only durable but also precise, so you can enjoy the sonic output you’re after each time you use it.

Thanks to the way it was built, the mouthpiece also promises to ensure ease of playability and smooth attacks.

The unit is available in various configurations to meet different needs.

Cons

This particular model has a large shank, which makes it ideal for large bore trombones and, therefore, not suitable for other types of such instruments.

8. Denis Wick DW5880 Classic 5Bl Mouthpiece Silver

When you buy a Denis Wick you know that you have just got yourself a premium product that will not disappoint and that is true with the Denis Wick DW5880-5BL. This model is built to help players achieve the clarity, beauty, and warmth of the full sound that few manufacturers have been able to duplicate.

With great attention to details, this alternative offers some of the highest quality trombone mouthpiece available on the market today. The Denis Wick DW5880-5BL has been designed to cater to players that look for a product that can offer free and full resonant highs. It is ideal for principal players.

Even if you weren’t aware of the great features that this option offers, all you would have to do is take a quick look at it to know that you are dealing with a premium product. The silver plated finish and the fact that the metal body is a geometric work of art will make it hard for you not to get fond of this option.

Pros

Achieving sonic clarity, beauty, and warmth is what you get to enjoy when employing this mouthpiece. 

The unit was built with principal players in mind and musicians interested in enjoying full resonant highs; therefore, it was designed to deliver remarkable performance.

The metal body and the way it was built make it possible for the mouthpiece to withstand the test of time and, thus, keep up with frequent playing sessions. 

The silver-plated finish is another feature many buyers have appreciated as it added nice visuals to their instrument.

Featuring a cup diameter of 25.73 mm, a rim width of 6.64 mm, and a bore size of 6.87 mm, the mouthpiece makes a great addition to large bore trombones.

Buyers have appreciated this particular model for the tone and sound quality provided. 

Cons

Check out the product dimensions as it does not suit any type of trombone.

9. Glory Large Shank Silver Plated Trombone Mouthpiece

If you’re looking for an affordable first purchase or just want to replace your old mouthpiece without having to spend a fortune for a good product, the Glory Large Shank trombone 61/2 won’t disappoint you. The main selling point of this alternative is the price, it is the cheapest option you can find that does not offer some questionable quality.

Customers that have tried it are more than satisfied with this best-selling model from Glory, it can do the job just as good as alternatives that 2 or 3 times more expensive. Do bear in mind that this is a large size which means that you will have to double check the size of your trombone to make sure that it fits.

As far as aesthetics go, the Glory Large Shank Trombone 61/2 is silver plated and will keep its shine for a very long time. It is also easy to maintain and keep clean.

The material is also solid enough so that you never have to worry that it will break.

Pros

In case you’re a beginner interested in exploring the sonic possibilities of a trombone and you’re looking for an affordable option you can practice with, this mouthpiece is worth considering. 

The unit promises to deliver great sound quality and durability despite its accessible price.

To cover a variety of needs, it comes with a large shank that makes it suitable for trombone, baritone, and euphonium. 

The silver-plated finish doesn’t just add nice visuals to your instrument but also makes it easy to clean the mouthpiece and keep its shine going.

The materials employed for this unit are committed to keeping up with extended use, so you don’t have to worry that using it for frequent sessions will pose any problem.

Cons

Check out the size of your trombone carefully before buying since this unit features a large shank that won’t fit certain types of trombones.

Yearly Guide & Report

Identifying the best mouthpiece for trombone can be a troublesome task, especially if you are not particularly sure of what you are looking for. Knowing what features you need can require a lot of time as you need to do a proper research, and that is not always feasible.

To help you in that regard, we have done the homework for you, and we have compiled the buyer’s guide below. This guide will have all the information you need in order to narrow down your options and assist you in finding the product that meets your rigorous criteria.

Find the size that you need

Before you buy your product, you will have to know beforehand the size of your trombone. This is a crucial step because unless you choose accordingly, you risk getting a mouthpiece that will not fit well. Always make sure that your purchase is compatible with your music products.

Once you have made sure that you know what models are compatible with your trombone, you will have to decide on the size of the throat and backbore. The throat of the trombone is the opening that leads out of the cup. There is not much variety in terms of size and length, but a bigger throat will allow you to blow harder which in turn will lead to you producing more volume.

The backbore is the chamber that transfers the player’s breath to the horn. Depending on the size of this chamber, you can produce brighter or darker tone, raise or lower volume and raise or lower the pitch. The shape of the backbore also influences the full sound that your mouthpiece will produce. If you are a rookie, you will want a backbore that can balance all these qualities, and once you have spent more time playing, you will know which one suits you the best.

When it comes to size there is no wrong or right answer, it all comes back to personal preferences. This is why it is important to experiment with more options until you can find the one that works best for you. For students and beginners, a 6 ½ AL is one of the best sizes, followed by the 12C – that’s what you’d have to choose for a student mouthpiece.

Do keep in mind that is not the size that matters but the result. You will need to try and find the product that makes you sound best, no matter the size.

Material

When shopping for a new mouthpiece, one of the first things you should consider is the material that your option is made of. Different materials have different properties, which means that your choice can influence the sound, allowing players to select the sound that they want to produce.

You can find a wide variety of alternatives ranging from brass, silver, and stainless steel, all the way to plastic. While most options are made of brass, in order to combat the mild allergies that raw brass can cause, most brass instruments are plated in another material.

Silver models help produce a darker and heavier full sound. These are more premium products and target more experienced players that are willing to pay more for a better product. Stainless steel produces a brilliant sound that is ideal for a lead  trombone performance.

Titanium is well known for producing a tone that is solid and bright, even if it may seem lighter in sound than other materials. Plastic options are generally not recommended as they don’t offer great performance.

As you can now see, the type of material you choose can have a great impact on the sound that your instrument produces. Knowing which material to choose requires you to try different options until you find the one that fits your need.

Quality and accessories

When buying any product it is also important that you get something that will not only sound great, but that will also last you for a very long time. One way of making sure that you make a good choice is by picking a reputable brand. Choosing a trombone mouthpiece from Yamaha, Bach or any other household brand can guarantee that you get your money’s worth.

We also recommend you consider buying a trombone mouthpiece pouch. Seeing as misplacing your mouthpiece can be quite easy, having a pouch to put it in for safekeeping and for when you’re traveling can be really convenient.

The shape matters

Brass instruments and the trombone too will need different types of mouthpieces depending on the context a player is using the trombone. This is where shape comes into play. For that purpose, in an orchestra, the trombone should blend in with the other instruments, and as a result, it needs to be able to create a rich sound, one that fits well with the rest of the arrangement.

To get this tonality, the shape of the cup should be deeper and more rounded. On the other hand, when playing jazz, a player needs more freedom to be able to produce a special sound, an individual one. That’s why the player needs a larger but shallower cup.

This brightens the tone of the trombone and opens up the range. Intense passages can be reproduced with more warmth with the help of a U-shaped cup coupled with a V-shaped throat. No matter what you are choosing the mouthpiece for, make sure that you never forget its purpose. Solo players prefer something, while band members need something different.

When buying a mouthpiece

Whenever you’re looking for a new mouthpiece, don’t forget to take the instrument with you, so you can actually test the mouthpiece. It’s always a good choice to bring your own instrument because you already know how it sounds and the only thing that changes is the mouthpiece.

Of course, you won’t have the possibility to test the piece when you’re buying it online, but make sure you can send it back if you need to. Another thing that you need when buying a mouthpiece is a piece of music to test the extremes and the range of the new mouthpiece.

That is why you need a fast piece of music, but keep in mind that you need to form your embouchure on the new mouthpiece, and that takes some time. However, you still need to try a slower piece of music to observe the tone. Because tone is the most important factor in choosing a mouthpiece (for most people at least), playing something soft to sense that tone is important. Some people prefer a warm and rich sound while others want a brighter and punchier one.

Don’t forget to try a book that is full of exercises and scales, or even better, it’s great if you have those exercises already in your head. By utilizing a wide range of techniques you get a sense of how the mouthpiece performs across a wider range. You can do exercises like lip slurs to test the piece’s flexibility.

You don’t always have the possibility to do all of these yourself, and that is why it’s important to have a friend, a family member, or a mentor that can help. You will need the expertise of someone that knows how you are playing and that can give you some advice and most importantly, unbiased feedback. Of course, the staff at the store will be happy to help you. But they are also usually happy to sell you anything.

Frequently asked questions

Q: What is a trombone mouthpiece made of?

Because the material a mouthpiece is made of drastically changes the sound it produces, it’s important to consider that when buying a new one. The usual materials used when making a piece are bras, silver, stainless steel, plastic, or sometimes titanium. You can see that there are many types of metals used for this.

Brass is a common choice, however, there are many people that are allergic to it and that is why most brass pieces are plated with another metal. If you want a dark and heavy sound, choose a silver mouthpiece. For lead performances, however, you should look for the bright sound of a stainless steel piece.

Titanium is lighter in sound compared to other materials, but it can produce a solid and bright tone. You can often see pieces made of a combination of materials, because of their different benefits and costs.

Q: How do you use a trombone mouthpiece?

When you’re first starting to use a mouthpiece, you will be inexperienced and you need some starting tips. Here is the first of them: before actually starting to use the mouthpiece make “an M face”. What this means is that you should prepare your face as you would say the letter M. Then, as you say the letter, firm up the corners of your mouth.

You need the corners of your mouth to be tensioned and firm and the chin should be very flat, with your bottom lip slightly pulled back. Once you’ve done that, take the rim of the mouthpiece and place it right above your chin, under your lip.

Then you are going to rotate the mouthpiece up onto the lips. The important thing is to keep the corners of the mouth firm at all times. You will want to keep about 60% of the mouthpiece on the top lip and 40% on the bottom lip.

Q: How do you clean a trombone mouthpiece?

Mouthpieces that aren’t clean can damage one’s health. That is why it’s not only important to clean them, but also prevent them from getting dirty. Make sure to wipe the mouthpiece regularly, getting rid of any accumulation that might be setting on it. When cleaning it, submerge it into hot water.

Make sure the water is not boiling, as this will damage the metal. You can add a few drops of soft washing liquid. Let the mouthpiece soak until the dirt loosens. Using a mouthpiece brush remove the dirt inside the shank. Do this multiple times, coming at angles from both the cup and the shank direction.

To make sure you get to every small bit of the mouthpiece, rotate the brush and repeat the whole procedure several times if you feel the need. In the end, make sure to rinse the piece with water and wipe it down using a soft cloth.

Q: Is it hard to play the trombone?

Brass instruments are usually hard to play, but fortunately, the trombone can be considered one of the easiest of them. This is because in the case of the trombone, each note is right next to each other, and that will require less memorization.

On the other hand, being in tune can be considered a difficult thing to achieve while playing the trombone. This is because the slide is adjustable, theoretically, in an infinite manner and with perfect resonance. To find the perfect tune you have to be within one millimeter of the perfect position, and that means great precision.

Each position is spaced 3 to 5 inches from others, and that means you really have to develop perfect muscle memory to be able to play in tune. Training this memory takes plenty of time, and it’s something that people don’t always have the patience to do.

Q: What is the difference between trombone mouthpieces?

You can find huge differences between mouthpieces when looking at models from two different companies. Depending on the brand, a large number means either a larger or smaller mouthpiece. Letters also mean different things depending on the company. Despite the fact that differences might be small, there is no set and recognized industry standard.

Then there are differences in the shape of the mouthpiece itself. There are pieces with wider rims, and these ones are good because they give the player better endurance, but they limit flexibility. On the other hand, narrow rims are good for those that need to cover a wide range of pitches.

Rounded rims are a good choice for those that don’t have a mouth that can form a perfect shape around the mouthpiece. This includes people that have issues with their teeth as well. An inner rim edge that is sharp will produce a brilliant and metallic tone, and this makes attacks more reliable.

Bibliography:

1) Trombone – Mouthpiece Placement

2) What is a trombone mouthpiece made of?

3) Types of trombone

4) The birth of the trombone