Stainless Steel for Projection?

[nodurians]

I play in a *very loud* street band and recently had a discussion with a senior member of the band who suggested I look into finding a mouthpiece to help me project more. Other players in the band have played LOUD brand mouthpieces for a number of years, but of course, those are hard to come by these days. I'm not sure what is out there now that's comparable, but I get the sense that it might be worth at least trying other stainless steel mouthpieces. That said, I'm having trouble knowing where to start. Hauser appears to have stopped producing anything for trombone. Giddings appears to be the place for SS mouthpieces but has a ton of options to sort through (and it's tough to think about dropping nearly $300 on a mouthpiece without being able to try it in person). Kelly is also producing some but I haven't been able to track down any information about how they play.

Moreover, I'm interested in anything that's going to support volume and projection, regardless of material. I'm interested in a loud, brassy, cutting sound that is well supported in the high-end. Low-end is less critical for me in this playing context. I've been playing a Bach 12C for a while and like its responsiveness, so would like to find something similar-ish in size, but am open to all ideas!

[Matt K]

I really don't find the material makes a ton of difference, it's primarily about the design. If you are playing a rim that's too small for your face, then you aren't going to be able to project very well. Ideally, you should try to find someone who can help get you fitted to an appropriate size rim.

[AtomicClock]

Maybe something form the banda world?
viewtopic.php?p=245252#p245252

Or maybe that's too extreme? I'm not really familiar with either banda or street bands.

[hyperbolica]

I use a Parker stainless rim on a DE mouthpiece, and it is noticeably more cutting than other rims. For mouthpieces I think the more weight the louder it will play. So you might try a Bach mega

The loudest horns I've played have been 24h, 48h and Olds Recording. Again, I think it goes with the weight.

[nodurians]

Thanks all. Good advice all around. I hadn't considered looking at banda stuff -- didn't even know double-cup mouthpieces were a thing!

[nodurians]

And yes, horn definitely makes a big difference. I'm playing an Olds Standard now but am thinking of upgrading to a Recording.

[tbonesullivan]

In my experience, playing on an SS mouthpiece definitely feels different, both with the texture and just the basic response. It "feels" a bit quicker and louder, but that doesn't necessarily mean that it is louder and quicker on the other end.