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Technically, an “orchestral mouthpiece” is any piece an orchestra player might play, but what I’m generally referring to when I say “orchestral mouthpiece” is a mouthpiece with a certain type of specification. Orchestral mouthpieces usually have about a Bach B or C cup volume, a throat usually larger than the stock 27 (but not always), and backbores such as a Bach 7 or a 24 backbore.
Since I’m in the United States, where piston trumpets are the norm, these are orchestral mouthpieces intended for the piston C and sometimes Bb trumpet. The problem is that many mouthpieces in an “orchestral setup” are either priced for professionals or are the result of additional (and sometimes costly) modifications done to stock mouthpieces - but today, I’m going to show you the best orchestral pieces I know of available for less than $100 straight off the shelf.
Note: This list is not ranked.
#1 - Curry BC Series Mouthpiece
The BC series is the textbook definition of an orchestral mouthpiece, even though it is part of their standard line of trumpet mouthpieces. Most people assume that orchestral mouthpieces have to be in a larger rim diameter, but the Curry BC series offers orchestral specifications at many rim diameters - from a 1 all the way to a 10.5. The BC mouthpiece comes stock in a standard Bach blank (and not the heavier Curry blank) with a Bach B style cup that he calls the “Chicago”, a 24 throat, and a “schmidt style” [sometimes people say this when they mean a Bach 7 style] backbore.
#2 - Bach Symphonic Series Mouthpiece
Typically, stock Bach mouthpieces need a number of alterations before they can have orchestral specs - usually an extra $45 for a throat and backbore alteration; however, the bach symphonic series mouthpieces all come stock with a 24/orchestral backbore and come in a range of rim and throat size. You can get a Bach symphonic series 1C, 1-1/4C, 1-1/2C, or 3C with a 26, 25, 24, or 22 throat size. Again, a stock Bach mouthpiece with throat and backbore alterations is usually over $100, but you can get all of these combinations of orchestral specs in the Bach Symphonic Series for $85.
#3 - Stork Vacchiano Series Mouthpieces
These are unique and extremely popular orchestral mouthpieces made by John and Phyllis Stork. The Vacchiano series offers many customization options, including their signature rounded rims in diameters 1-7, either their standard B shaped cup OR their pumped cup, both in 4 different cup depths, throats from 28-25, and five different backbores, several of which are often used by orchestral players - like their C (Chamber) which is between a bach 10 and 24, and the D (symphonic) which is a 24. The most common configuration I’ve seen in the wild has been variations on the 2B+25C - the piece Tom Rolfs is said to play - which features their 2 rim, the innovative pumped cup version of the B cup (B+), a 25 throat, and the Chamber backbore. The pumped cup is super interesting - it features more room at the top of the cup for lip intrusion and a pronounced double cup or throat entrance for additional volume and less blowing resistance. All of the Stork Vacchiano Mouthpieces, in so many orchestral style configurations, are available on their site for around $90.
#4 - Yamaha Signature Series Mouthpieces
These are very high quality custom mouthpieces designed for big time trumpet players.
Popular orchestral style models include Hooten, Gould, Sullivan, and Hagstrom. Other Yamaha Signature Series trumpet mouthpieces include the Rod Franks, Eric Aubier, Eric Miyashiro, Fritz Damrow, Bobby Shew, and Allen Vizzutti.
The Yamaha Signature Series Mouthpieces are actually the most affordable in this whole list even though they have limited options for customization - all of these great models are available for about $60.
To hear more details and playing examples of these mouthpieces, click below to watch my videos on each:
John Hagstrom | Bob Sullivan | Tom Hooten | Mark Gould
Rod Franks (VIDEO COMING SOON)
Hooten:
Similar to a Bach 1-1/4C (Yamaha 17B4)
25 throat
Orchestral backbore
Gould:
Similar to a Bach 1-1/4C (Yamaha 17B4)
24 throat
Orchestral backbore
Sullivan:
1CH rim
5B cup
22 throat
Orchestral backbore
Hagstrom:
5-7 size flat “cushion” rim
1B cup
25.5 throat
Unique and efficient Orchestral backbore
As you can see, there are a lot of high quality options for affordable and high quality *new* orchestral mouthpieces! That said, there is one more way to get great mouthpieces for great prices - most of the mouthpieces I’ve ever bought have been on the USED market, especially on the Trumpet Herald Marketplace. If you’re checking there on a regular basis, you can find many typically expensive mouthpieces available for low prices, such as those made by Parke, Laskey, Pickett, Toshi, Hammond, Monette, altered Bach mouthpieces, and others AS WELL AS any of the mouthpieces I mentioned in this video for even more affordable prices.
With these options available, almost anyone should be able to find a top quality orchestral mouthpiece on a budget.