What mouthpiece would you recommend for….

[glissezfantastico]

I am planning on picking up my King 5B again after many years of abstinence. I played a lot in my youth using a Bach 4G mouthpiece on orchestral first and second trombone parts (never bass). Is there a mouthpiece that might be better to get into the high register without sacrificing the tone in the middle and lower registers?

[BGuttman]

Really depends. I played plenty high on a 4G. You will need some time to work back into your groove, including rangebuilding. If you are absolutely determined to get a different mouthpiece, try a Faxx 6.5 AL (or find a used Bach one). It may work at first, but eventually you will want to go back to the 4G.

[Posaunus]

Is there a mouthpiece that might be better [than Bach 4G] to get into the high register without sacrificing the tone in the middle and lower registers?

Yup. Lots of choices. TromboneChat members will be happy to "advise" you of their favorites. [I know I have mine.]

Good luck!

[MrHCinDE]

So many choices but I will jump in first and bang the drum for one in particular if you are keen to buy a new mouthpiece.

I was looking for something just a bit bigger on the face than a 5G and after some chatting with him, took forum member MStarke’s advice to try his MST Studio 5GD N. I had been looking for and trying things which on paper are closer to 4G size but the description “May feel a little bigger due to the rim profile.” caught my eye (and turned out to be 100% correct according to my perception).

https://www.mst-studio-mouthpieces.com ... rge-shank/

I notice no degradation in sound in the lower register relative to a 4G and the mid to upper register is streets ahead for my chops, YMMV. I think a trial is possible by arrangement with MStarke or ordering via Thomann.

What’s good for one person isn’t necessarily good for another so I’d suggest try a few options, find the most promising and stick with it for a while, especially since you are returning to playing after a pause. Investment in one or two lessons might have more impact than hardware and never becomes a stranded asset, unlike the drawer full of discarded mouthpieces some of us possess.

[Mr412]

Don't rule out a 3G. Yes, it will sound mellow and maybe that isn't the sound you seek. But for me - on a vintage Conn Elkhart 88H, it's proving to be perfect for what I want to do. And although I thought the high range would be flattened, the opposite proved to be true. I can play higher on that set-up than I ever could on anything. Go figure.

I got the idea when I noticed the Jim Nova mouthpiece line uses a #3 rim on everything from soprano to contra. Works for him. Works for me. YMMV, of course.

[Vegasbound]

Have a lesson with Doug Elliott, he will help you get your chops working efficiently and also help you understand what mouthpiece size is most efficient for your chop type.

[Bach5G]

4G or 5G or similar size.

[Pezza]

I use a 1 1/2G on my 5B. But I use mine as a bass.

[greenbean]

I would move to something 5G-ish in size. And see how you feel once your chops are in shape.

[Posaunus]

Perhaps I'm one of those "The grass is always greener" guys, but I don't think you should limit yourself to the Bach brand.
I've had more success (for my face and embouchure) with other manufacturers' products.

[BGuttman]

We are really talking size here. Bach rims are just well known.

6.5AL is equivalent to a Schilke 50, Hammond 13, Wick 6, or Yamaha 48
5G is equivalent to a Schilke or Yamaha 51, Wick 5, or Hammond 12
4G is equivalent to a Schilke or Yamaha 52, Wick 4, or Hammond 11
3G is equivalent to a Schilke 53 or Hammond 10.

These are all sizes that are commonly available for reasonable prices.