Do heavyweight trumpet mouthpieces actually help or hold us back? We asked the Denis Wick Tips community to share their thoughts. Do players really feel a difference? And does mouthpiece weight matter as much as other design factors? Before we dive into the survey results, let’s take a quick look at the science behind heavyweight mouthpieces.
How does weight affect a trumpet mouthpiece?
While the player creates the "buzz" the mouthpiece resonates to create a brass player's sound, and this sound is magnified by the instrument. Heavy weight mouthpieces absorb and dampen some of those vibrations instead of resonating with them. That keeps more energy focused into the air column of the instrument, giving a steadier, more centered tone.
Is this dampening affect significant in the performance of brass players? Let's see what the community says.
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Do Heavyweight Trumpet Mouthpieces Make a Difference?
The majority of trumpet and cornet players felt that weight did make a positive difference on their performance, offering them more stability in their sound. Here are some thoughts from the community concerning the pros and cons of heavyweight trumpet mouthpieces.
"Extra weight sometimes helps. For me, it helps me feel more secure. The notes slot better, and slightly more core and definition."
"The answer is "Yes, Potentially." The weight is not important -- what IS important is how any specific mouthpiece helps or hinders a player's ability to achieve the sound he/she wants to get out of their instrument. There is no single right or wrong answer."
"Yes I believe it stabilizes my flexibility and gives me more security between notes."
"Used a Booster - improved. Took it off - Improved. Maybe I was practicing more? Each to their own - but I would take a regular weight mouthpiece over either they heavy or the light."
"They can help "Bendy" trumpets become more stable. Hurt: Tone becomes stiff."
"Yes it does. But not necessarily in a beneficial way. It comes down to the ideal sound of a person."
Take Away
🎯 For Denis Wick Tips trumpet players, there is a noticed help, but they find that help unique to their sound concept. Also being sensitive to the qualities of the trumpet you play on can determine whether a heavy weight mouthpiece will help or hurt your performance. View all 5 weight options Denis Wick offers trumpet players at deniswick.com/trumpet/.
