Trombone Mouthpieces
The Custom Series line of trombone mouthpieces evolved out of the work we have done over the past 35 years for leading symphonic and commercial players.
Blank Style
Choice of weight distribution in the form of blank style is a major element in the design of the Custom Series. Players can choose between the light blank style or the heavier version.
The light blank offers quick response and easy manipulation of timbre. The heavy blank offers stability and a consistent, reliable core center of sound that can stand up to the rigors of orchestral playing.
Bores and Backbores
There are two options in the Custom Series line: Standard and Symphonic.
The Symphonic models have larger bores and back bores than the standard models do. (see chart below for bore sizes).
Additionally, the Symphonic models have chamfers added to the end of the shank. A chamfer is a small angled surface added onto the end of a shaft around the opening of a hole. Its purpose is to reduce the step between the end of the mouthpiece and the lead pipe which reduces the turbulence at the meeting point in effect elongating the back bore right into the lead pipe.
Rim and Cup Shapes
As a quick explanation of the terms we use to describe our cups, the term “Ledge” is used to define that point of the cup where it begins to taper in towards the bore. The sharper the angle of the ledge, the more “C” shaped the cup will become.
Of course, the Ledge is not the only factor to determine cup shape. The “Throat” area of the cup, or what can be described as the entrance to to bore of the mouthpiece, also has a tremendous influence on the overall shape of the cup. The Throat area has an enormous influence on regulating the flow of the air. It’s the balance between both of these aspects that gives the Custom Series its truly unique qualities.
Bass Trombone models
BT 1
Relative: Bach 1G
Cup diameter: 1.123 or 28.524 mm
This is our largest model. The internal dimensions of this mouthpiece are so large that it is only offered on the heavy blank.
- bore size (standard): 8.03mm
- bore size (symphonic): 8.2mm
- Outer diameter: 40.5mm
- Cup Depth:38.9mm
- Large shank only
BT 1.25
Relative: Bach 1 1/4G
Cup diameter: 28.35 mm
Shallower than the #1 with a unique blending of cup shape and depth. The bottom (or ledge) is quite high for a large mouthpiece, but the throat area opens up to provide quick response and great flexibility while still providing a large sound. The rim is slightly thinner than our other models with a crisp bite.
- bore size (standard): 7.5mm
- bore size (symphonic): 7.7mm
- Outer diameter: 40.4mm
- Cup Depth:36.8mm
- Large shank only
BT 1.5
Relative: larger Bach 1 1/2 G
Cup diameter: 1.087″ or 27.61mm
The cup on this model is a variation on the 1.25 – the throat area is tighter and adds a level of control. The rim has a traditional contour with the high point towards the bite gradually sloping off.
- bore size (standard): 7.37mm
- bore size (symphonic): 7.5mm
- Outer diameter: 39.3mm
- Cup Depth:36.5mm
- Large shank only
Tenor trombone models
BT 4
Relative: Bach 4G
Cup diameter: 1.027″ or 26.085 mm
The overall cup volume for this mouthpiece is closest to that of a Bach 4G, however the throat area is more opened making this more of a “V” shaped design. The “V” shape can add a hint of brightness to the tone. The rim is a bit wider than standard rims with a soft, rounded bite.
- bore size (standard): 7.036 mm
- bore size (symphonic): 7.137 mm
- Outer diameter: 39.395 mm
- Cup Depth: 37.7 mm
- Large shank or small shank
BT 4.5
Relative: between Bach 4G and 5G
Cup diameter: 1.008″ or 25.6 mm
The same cup and rim shape as the #4, just with a slightly smaller inner diameter.
- bore size (standard): 7.036 mm
- bore size (symphonic): 7.137mm
- Outer diameter: 39.243 mm
- Cup Depth: 37.719 mm
- Large shank or small shank
BT 5
Relative: Bach 5G
Cup diameter: .997″ or 25.3 mm
The overall cup volume for this mouthpiece is closest to that of a Bach 5G, however the throat area is more opened making this more of a “V” shaped design. The “V” shape can add a hint of brightness to the tone. This rim has a bit of flatness to the top and is very rounded on the bite. It is known for its extreme level of comfort.
- bore size (standard): 7.04mm
- bore size (symphonic): 7.14mm
- Outer diameter: 39.4mm
- Cup Depth:33.37mm
- Large or small shank
BT 6
Relative: Bach 6 1/2AL
Cup diameter: .985″ or 25.019 mm
Same cup shape and rim as the #5 with a slightly smaller inner diameter.
- bore size (standard): 7.04mm
- bore size (symphonic): 7.14mm
- Outer diameter: 39.2mm
- Cup Depth:33.37mm
- Large shank or small shank
T1
Relative: Bach 6 1/2AL
Cup diameter: .993″ or 25.222mm
The T1 is our most popular design for large and small shank trombone. The cup is a large sloping “V” shape. The back bore is slightly tighter than most other equivalent models. Players enjoy the benefit of the large cup – large sound profile, but with just a hint of added resistance for improved control and response. This is a very rounded rim
- bore size (standard): 6.63mm
- bore size (symphonic): 6.76mm
- Outer diameter: 39.2mm
- Cup Depth:30.94mm
- Large shank or small shank
T 2
Relative: Bach 7C
Cup diameter: .972″ or 24.69mm
The T2 has a shallow cup in that the ledge of the cup slopes in quickly, however the throat area is very open. This is a great combination allowing greater ease in the upper register but enough cup volume to fill out the sound. This is the flattest rim of the series with a crisp bite to it.
- bore size (standard): 5.79mm
- bore size (symphonic): 5.94mm
- Outer diameter: 37.77mm
- Cup Depth:32.64mm
- Large shank or small shank
T 3
Relative: Bach 11C
Cup diameter: .947″” or 24.05mm
A shallow cup with a tight throat. The shape is very “C” styled which adds darkness, slowing the air to help compensate for the shallowness rounding out the tone. This rim is rounded and a tad narrower than the rim of the T1.
- bore size (standard): 5.79mm
- bore size (symphonic): 5.94mm
- Outer diameter: 37.9mm
- Cup Depth:26.92mm
- Large shank or small shank