vacchiano3

The Vacchiano Series

 

William Vacchiano 1912-2005

Principal trumpet, New York Philharmonic, 1942-1973

“In over 50 years as a performer and teacher of the trumpet, I have had abundant opportunities for testing the various principles of mouthpiece design. Now, as a result of this knowledge, I have developed my own line of trumpet and piccolo trumpet mouthpieces. Each element of these pieces has been blended together to give the most consistent results in quality of sound, attack, endurance and overall playability. I have been fortunate in having the finest quality in craftsmanship and the artistic integrity of John Stork to put a lifetime’s work into effect.” William Vacchiano

ShopModel
Number
Inner Diameter mmInner Diameter
inches
Outer Diameter
mm
Outer Diameter
inches
Rim Width
mm
Rim Width
inches
Rim Shape
Shop1.517.75.698"27.841.096"5.05.199'
Vacchiano trumpet 1.5 rim profile

Vacchiano trumpet 1.5 rim profile
Shop117.50.688"27.691.090"4.95.195"
Vacchiano trumpet 1 rim profile

Vacchiano trumpet 1 rim profile
Shop1.2517.20.674"27.711.087"5.05.199'
Vacchiano trumpet 1.25 rim profile

Vacchiano trumpet 1.25 rim profile
Shop217.00.669"27.431.080"5.00.197"
Vacchiano trumpet 2 rim profile

Vacchiano trumpet 2 rim profile
Shop316.50.649"27.231.072"5.00.197"
Vacchiano trumpet 3 rim profile

Vacchiano trumpet 3 rim profile
Shop416.25.639"27.841.096"5.092.233"
Vacchiano trumpet 4 rim profile

Vacchiano trumpet 4 rim profile
Shop516.00.629"26.821.056"4.88.192"
Vacchiano trumpet 5 rim profile

Vacchiano trumpet 5 rim profile
Shop715.75.620"26.821.056"4.45.175"
Vacchiano trumpet 7 rim profile

Vacchiano trumpet 7 rim profile

mouthpiece with drill copy

Cup depth is measured from the top of the rim to the next largest drill bit size.

The Vacchiano standard cup is a unique blend of both “C” shape and “V” shaped elements. Going from size to size does not necessarily mean that there will be more depth to the cup in terms of adding volume in a downwards direction. Rather, as in the difference between the “E” and the “D” cup, only the throat section is opened up, essentially “V-ing” out the bottom of the cup in more of a sideways shape. From the “D” cup to the “C” cup, both depth and a greater “V” profile in the throat is added. Whereas, from the “C” to the “B” cup, the throat only is opened increasing the overall “V” shaped profile.

 Cup Shapes

All Vacchiano trumpet models are available in two different cup shapes, Standard and PUMPED.

Standard Cup

It is the Cup Shape more than any other single aspect that represents the underlying concept embodying Mr. Vacchiano’s original vision for the design of his entire line of mouthpieces. The standard cup is what he referred to as a modified “V” shaped cup. This cup shape is in sharp contrast to the more popular “C” shaped cups that dominate most other mouthpiece lines including the ubiquitous Bach mouthpieces. Mr. Vacchiano felt that the modified “V” shape offered three major benefits: greater efficiency, a distinct “clarion” quality and improved pitch center.

Pumped Cup

Pumped Cup

Pumped Cup

The alternative PUMPED design is a combination of the classical “V” and “C” archetypes. Mr. Vacchiano recommended this variant in two possible scenarios. One was to allow more room for the lips to vibrate inside the cup. This worked especially well for the more fleshy-lipped player. The second application was to add more depth to the overall tone quality. Since the contour of the PUMPED cup increases volume by going outwards instead of down, this mouthpiece sidesteps the “tubbiness’ and slow response that is so often associated with deep cups while producing a darker, more resonant and “creamier” tone quality. The PUMPED cup offers a wonderful contrast to the standard cup and broadens the player’s artistic palette.

The Bore

The Bore

The Bore is the smallest internal point in a mouthpiece. It has a dramatic and immediate impact on regulating the speed of the air.

# Bore Size Bore Size
in Inches
Bore Size in Millimeters
#28 (smallest).140"3.56mm
#27 (standard).144"3.65mm
#26.147"3.73mm
#25.149"3.78mm
* Other
sizes available by special order only

Backbores Back bore labeled

The Back Bore is the internal profile of the shank area of the mouthpiece. It begins just behind the straight section of the bore. A tighter bore leaves a longer back bore, a larger bore leaves a longer straight section in the bore area and can spill over into the back bore area, especially if the back bore is small and tight. The size and profile of the back bore affects the velocity of the air and hence the sound produced. All Vacchiano models are available in the sizes shown below.

"T"
Tightest
"B"
Standard
"C"
Chamber
"D"
Symphonic
"E"
Largest
This back bore is just a bit tighter right behind the bore opening than the standard Vacchiano back bore. This adds a touch more resistance and a level of control for many players.The standard back bore is taken from Vacchiano's own signature mouthpiece. The profile is slightly tighter behind the bore and flares just a bit more at the end of the shank than a standard Bach back bore.The "C" back bore offers a step between the average standard back bore and what most players have come to know as a Symphonic or #24 back bore.
This is our version of the Symphonic or #24 back bore.
This is the largest back bore we make. It is our version of the #117 back bore.

 

Tom Rolfs, left (principal trumpet, BSO) and Ben Wright

Tom Rolfs, left (principal trumpet, BSO) and Ben Wright

“John and Phyllis were incredibly helpful when I went through a recent equipment change. Meeting with Phyllis in person at their shop was worth every mile and minute it took to get there. Not only did she set me up with mouthpieces that allow me to more easily play with my sound: In our sessions in person and over the phone, she made insightful observations that were tremendously helpful with some issues I was working through in my playing. In the end I ended up with something slightly different than what we had thought might be the end result. She remained flexible and open minded throughout the process until I had something that worked. I have had many students who have also worked with The Storks and their approach is exactly the same. Thanks John and Phyllis!”  Ben Wright, second trumpet, Boston Symphony Orchestra

The Studio Master Series

Stork Studio Master trumpet mouthpiecesThe Studio Master Series offers a wide range of options designed to find the optimum balance of resistance between the player and his equipment to achieve maximum air velocity in the upper register. There are Five Major Elements that we manipulate in order to achieve this balance – overall length, cup depth and shape, bore and back bore. 

Model
Number
Inner Diameter
mm
Inner Diameter
inches
Outer Diameter
mm
Outer Diameter
inches
Rim Width
mm
Rim Width
inches
Rim Shape
(click for larger image)
217.75 mm.698"27.94 mm1.10"5.08 mm.200"Studio Master 2 rim profile
416.18 mm.637"26.72 mm1.052"4.45 mm.175'Studio Master 4 rim profile
616.25 mm.639"27.83 mm1.096"5.92mm.233"Studio Master 6 rim profile
1015.75 mm.620"27.56 mm1.085"5.08mm.200"Studio Master 10 rim profile
Shop Studio Master mouthpieces

Altering the overall length of the mouthpiece affects the resistance. All things being equal, the longer the overall length, the greater the resistance. Shortening the overall length reduces resistance in a way that is subtle enough to maintain high compression while still having a significant impact. We use this point of resistance to be able to hold constant or manipulate other aspects of the mouthpiece, such as cup depth or bore size which have a much more immediate impact on air velocity.

Shop Studio Master mouthpieces

The Studio Master cups are shaped quite differently than most shallow cupped mouthpieces. They employ a “Dual Cup” concept. This allows us to carefully and purposefully manipulate the two most important factors relating to shallow cupped mouthpieces: Lip accommodation and Air flow. The top cup is designed to allow for more room for the lips to vibrate freely. The bottom part of the cup (throat area) is used to regulate the air flow. Here is a comparison of the shallowest Studio Master cup versus the most common shallow cup design:

schile A cup copy

Standard shallow cup

SM model cup w arrows

Studio Master cup

The yellow arrows help to highlight the differences in cup design. The top part of the cup has a great deal more room just under the rim in the walls of the cup. Not only does this allow for the lips to vibrate more freely, but it is an important factor in the robust sound that the Studio Master pieces are known for. This extra room also lets players with fleshier lips play a shallower cup than they generally are able to play. The extra room in the throat area of the cup (bottom of the cup, or entrance to the bore) allows more air to flow through more quickly.

ModelDescriptionCup depth in inchesCup depth in millimetersCup Shape
LT, LX and LDThe shallowest of the Studio Master cups..46011.68
LTV, XV and LDVThis cup has a bit more room in the walls of the cup. This can add extra depth to the tone and provide extra vibrating room for the lips..46011.68
LTS, XS and LDSThis cup has the same bowl in the top of the cup as the preceding cup, but the throat area is opened more adding additional volume to the cup..47512.87
VMS and XMSThis cup is decidedly deeper and more "V" shaped than its predecessors. It is a balance of ample "bowl" in the top of the cup with a gradual "V" shape into the throat area..56014.22
VM and XMThis is the deepest of the Studio Master cups. It is very close to a pure "V" shape with just enough bowl to add depth to the sound..59515.11

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Bore and Backbores Back bore labeled

The Studio Master line offers 5 different back bore options and 2 different bore sizes.

LD, LDV, LDSLX, XV, XS
LT, LTV, LTSVMXM
This is the largest back bore of the Studio Master line. Coupled with the shortness of the overall length of this model these two elements combine to dramatically reduce the resistance in this design.This back bore is tighter than the LD, but because of the shortness of the overall length this model has considerably less resistance then most 'high note' designs. It provides a great balance between openness and resistance.This is the tightest back bore in the Studio Master line. These models also have a #28 bore. Depending on the player, extra resistance can help to speed the air and boost the upper register. *Note the long straight section*This is a large back bore. This mouthpiece is a great 'cross- over' piece and gives the player great flexibility: shallow enough to climb easily into the upper register, large enough to blend just about anywhere.The XM back bore is slightly smaller than its counterpart VM back bore. This extra bit of resistance can help to quicken response and facilitate range.
Bore Size = #27
(.144" or 3.65mm)
Bore Size = #27
(.144" or 3.65mm)
Bore Size = #28
(.140" or 3.57mm)
Bore Size = #27
(.144" or 3.65mm)
Bore Size = #27
(.144" or 3.65mm)

Shop Studio Master mouthpieces

NYCollection

The New York Collection

It’s been more than thirty years since Stork Custom Mouthpieces opened the doors to our first shop overlooking Broadway and 48th street in New York City. John Stork had spent the prior six years working at Giardinelli’s brass pro shop on 46th street. During that time he had apprenticed directly with Mr. Robert Giardinelli learning the art of mouthpiece customization and duplication. He honed his craft for the brass playing elite of the day and developed an extensive knowledge of their mouthpiece preferences and predilections. Many of these mouthpieces had been developed specifically for these players over a period of time through many years of experimentation. Others played on standardized pieces that   were popular at that time, but are no longer manufactured. Over the years we have made many copies of these models for players throughout the world. We have decided to offer these models as limited edition duplications. Each mouthpiece is hand crafted by John Stork to original specifications. Each design brings with it a long tradition of excellence in performance ensuring its survival, handed down over many generations…from Master to pupil.

 

Mount Vernon Models

Our Mount Vernon collection are all hand made copies of vintage originals. These mouthpieces share common features like very bowl shaped “C” style cups. They also have back bores that are larger than the standard Bach back bore seen in present day models. These elements in combination guarantee that the emphasis is on the quality of sound.

ShopModel
Number
Inner Diameter
mm
Inner Diameter
inches
Rim Width
mm
Rim Width
inches
Rim & Cup profile
ShopMV1C17.27 mm.680"4.67 mm.184"MV1C
ShopMV1.25C17.12 mm.674"4.6 mm.181"
ShopMV1.5C16.87 mm.664"4.87 mm.192"MV1.5
ShopMV3C16.3 mm.642"4.69 mm.185"MV3C

Orchestral Models

The S1 was a design originally conceived by William Vacchiano. The cup shape and volume belong to an original Mount Vernon 5B cup fit to a 1C rim. The MV5B cup is unique in that it has a modified V shaped cup ( compare the S1 cup to the S2 cup below ). It is this cup shape that inspired the Vacchiano line. The bore is larger than standard at 3.8 mm as is the back bore which is a symphonic “D” back bore . This design has been passed around among principal players in orchestras all over the world for the past 35 years or so now. This kind of consistent staying power over the years earns this model a permanent place in the New York Collection. The S2 has a tremendous amount of cup volume without an excess of depth. Put another way this is a very “C” shaped cup with lots of bowl to it. The bore is quite large at 4 mm., but the back bore is moderate in size, not a whole lot larger than our standard back bore. This is a very large symphonic mouthpiece and has served the principal player of a major American orchestra for many years.

ShopModel
Number
Inner Diameter
mm
Rim Width
mm
Bore SizeRim & Cup profile
ShopS1.669" or 17mm.170" or 4.32 mm#25 or 3.8 mmS1 trumpet mouthpiece
ShopS2.669" or 17mm.191" or 4.85 mm#22
.157" or 4 mm
S2 trumpet mouthpiece