Trumpet Gear

Here’s snapshot of what I’m playing on these days. I’ve had my Bb Bach since high school and haven’t found a horn that I prefer yet. Over the years I’ve added to the collection including a small fleet of mouthpieces, most of which are not listed here.

Disclosure: I only post about gear I personally use. If you make purchases through the links on this page, I receive a small commission from Amazon, Ebay, and other retailers at no additional cost to you.

  • Bb Trumpet: Bach Stradivarius LR180SML72/25 - discontinued

    • 25 Reverse Leadpipe | Silver Finish | ML Bore | 72 Bell w/ rounded main tuning slide and amado water key

    • Bach’s LR line of trumpets come in a lighter weight construction and offer a freer blow with less resistance than other configurations. Paired with a rounded tuning crook, it provides extra flexibility throughout the range of the horn. I counterbalance the lightweight construction with a darker 72 bell and heavy valve caps.

    C Trumpet: Bach Stradivarius C180SL229

    • Silver Finish | Large Bore | 229 Bell w/ Osmun lead pipe conversion

    • Previous owner added amado water keys to main tuning slide and the 3rd valve

    Bb Flugelhorn: Bach Stradivarius 183G - discontinued

    • An early 80’s vintage horn with a 3rd valve trigger

    • Bach is not well known for their flugels, but I find it produces a sweet mellow tone and is easy to switch to/from my trumpet.

    Bb Cornet: Besson 600 Model

    • Classic “shepherd’s crook” bell tail (i.e. where the bell meets the first valve) gives this horn the sound you’d expect from the traditional British brass band style.

  • Let me start by saying, what works for one player does not necessarily work for another. Everyone’s lips, teeth, bites, and facial muscles are different. That said, here are the mouthpieces I’m currently playing on with some success.

    • Bach 2C - for Bb/C work in band, orchestra, and chamber groups. I find it gives me the room I need to get enough lip into the cup and achieve the sound I want without feeling like I’m buzzing into a 10 gallon bucket.

    • Bach 7CFL- for all around Flugelhorn work. Not too big, not to small. Flugelhorn mpcs are deeper than trumpet mouthpieces, so keep that in mind.

    • Dennis Wick 5C Ultra - a deeper V-shaped cup that when paired with a shepherds’ crook cornet gives you that classic British brass band sound.

    There are many, many fine mouthpiece manufacturers to choose from these days. I’ve personally limited myself primarily to Bach C cups for the sake of my own sanity and wallet.

    Before embarking upon a mouthpiece journey give serious thought to what you are trying to achieve and work with someone you trust to help you find the right piece for you.

Have a question or a recommendation?