Mouthpiece repair and alteration
is a vast subject and has many more services than you may be aware of. I will name and define services that I have performed. Some mouthpiece repair and alteration work are a simple fix and some are a more intricate process.
Types of Mouthpiece Repair and Alterations
Change Bore Size
(Bore is also called “throat”)
Bore Reduction
Reducing the size of the bore/throat also known as plug and re-drill. Installing a plug, drilling it to the desired smaller bore, followed by careful blending the ends of the plug to match existing contours.
Increase Bore Size
A common request. Using straight fluted reamers to increase the bore size/open up the throat.
Increasing Bore size is a common request. I like to consult with the brass player before doing the alteration. Players sometimes feel that the mouthpiece feels “stuffy” and think that opening up the bore size/increasing the bore will solve that problem. This is not always the case. Sometimes when the bore is opened up the chops fall further into the mouthpiece causing even more of a “stuffy” feeling. When speaking with the player before the alteration, I can recommend if this will help.
Mouthpiece Repair
End of Shank – Mouthpiece Repair
When a mouthpiece gets dropped and the end of the shank is dented this is a simple repair. This can be done by mouthpiece craftsman or an instrument repair person. Fixing it with a screwdriver or other tool is not recommended because without the proper tools you can open up the end of the shank too far.
Scratched Rim – Mouthpiece Repair
When a mouthpiece is dropped and gets scratches on the rim many seek out repair because of chop irritation. Gentle sanding, light buffing and re-plating is a simple fix. This must be done with the utmost care as not to change the rim shape.
Worn Silver Plating/Raw Brass Showing Brass Mouthpiece Repair
Fixed with a refurbish and re-plate.
Common Mouthpiece Repair and Alterations
Gap
Decreasing Gap
Machining down the taper followed by silver plating.
Increasing Gap
Re-shank. This is done when you want to increase the gap without using sleeves or shortening the shank’s length.
Cut for Sleeves
Cutting for Bob Reeves Sleeves for trumpet is for trumpet mouthpieces only.
Alter Rim and Cup
Altering Rim
Some common alterations are:
- Slightly flattening the rim. Helps chops stick to the rim and helps with compression for lead playing.
- Round the inside of the rim (inside radius). Softens a sharp edge/bite that bothers some players.
- Round the outside of the rim (outside radius). Relieves the pinned-down feeling and helps players feel the inner rim, helping with accurate attacks.
Altering Cup
Common Alterations:
- More undercut. More room just under the rim. This is for players that feel their chops touching inside the cup.
- Changing cup shape
Changing Throat Entrance
Slight changes to the throat entrance, without changing the throat/bore size, will have a big effect. They can make a stuffy or dull sounding mouthpiece play and sound better.
Cut and Thread
Cutting and threading mouthpieces to separate parts to use with other mouthpiece parts.
Rim
Cutting and threading rim off top of mouthpiece to use on underpart (one piece cup/backbore) or cup. When doing this you lose the cup. On a one piece mouthpiece, you can still save and thread the backbore to use.
Cup
Cutting and threading cup to pair with other rims. When doing this you lose the rim.
Top
Cut and thread top to pair with other backbores. When doing this you lose the backbore.
Backbore
Cut and thread backbore from mouthpiece to use with other tops. When doing this you lose the neighboring cup but can save the rim.
More Mouthpiece Repair and Alterations
Bend Mouthpiece
Changing Angle of Mouthpiece Shank. Players request a bend to raise their horn angle. A 10 degree bend is safe for most mouthpieces. Some mouthpieces depending on plating and shank shape can be bent even more.
Alter Outside of Mouthpiece
Altering the outside of the mouthpiece for players that like a lighter weight, the weight/shape of a particular mouthpiece or for design preferences.
Change Backbore Size and/or Shape
Changing targeted spots in the backbore for desired results. This is one of Ken’s specialties. A small change can make a big difference in sound and playability.
Brass mouthpiece repair and alterations are available to all brass instruments including
- Trumpet
- Cornet
- Flugelhorn
- Piccolo Trumpet
- Tenor Trombone
- Bass Trombone
- Euphonium
- Baritone
- French Horn
- Tuba