I just bought a used trumpet because I want to learn how to play/mess around. The mouthpiece that came with it is very tiny (the tip of my ring finger just fits in it) and I have huge lips. I have a lot of trouble playing with this mouthpiece, but I am also a beginner. Do you think I would benefit from buying a larger mouthpiece like a 1c or 3c, or should I stick with what Ive got and try to get better with it first. My style is Jazz/Blues. Thanks!

Sorry, the title should read: "Mouthpiece too small"

It doesnt really matter. If you can learn to play in something that small, you might be able to play a mean trumpet. If you really want something more comfortable you can go get a 3c or a 7c. I think if you spent alot of time on the small one, i mean really play the hell out of it it could work for you. However dental structure is a pretty big factor, you need a flat surface to play on but that doesnt mean you wouldnt be able to find a "sweet spot". Dont get a 1c or go anything bigger than 17mm. It worked for me, but to really figure out the benefits of a large mouthpiece, you need a really good embouchure or the mindset of learning how to build a good one on a big mouthpiece. I did stamp exercises on a 1 1/2c bach mouthpiece until I graduated high school and I was able to develop a strong embouchure with a good range. These days however I play on the shew lead by yamaha, good lead mouthpiece for jazz and a 3c for concert and practicing. The 3c is still too big for me, considering I used to play on a toilet bowl the 1 1/2c , switching between the 3 and the shew is not a good idea. Well atleast not anymore. Im starting to get fatigued after 2 weeks of playing and it never used to be like that. If youre really interested in something bigger though go with a 7 rim with a c or d cup. You could also go with a V cup mouthpiece, personally I dont like them anymore but there was a difference. I suggest staying between the 3 rim and the 7 rim, something like 16.8mm to 16mm. Anywho have fun!

16.5 16mm.

http://mouthpieceexpress.com they have spec hub you can look at and tons of pieces. If you dont want to go new you can always find a few that you want and see if you can find em used on ebay or trumpetherald.com

just curious... how do you already know stuff about mouthpieces and how do you already know your style if you`re just a beginner... don`t change mouthpieces until you are experienced and know more about trumpet playing.

I`d recommend getting a 7C to start with. Playing a small mouthpiece will never let you develop the best tone, though it can be useful for a lead player, after they have developed the basic skills. Of course, playing with too big a mouthpiece will cause a dull flat sound because the player cannot support the size of the mouthpiece. For a very strong player, though, nothing can beat the sound and volume that comes from a large mouthpiece. I suggest starting with a 7C and moving to larger mouthpieces as you progress. If you decide to play serious lead, you may want to consider trying small mouthpieces, but at this point, that should not be an issue.

you need more than BASIC skills to play a shallow mouthpiece. you need experience and strength. you shouldn`t use mouthpieces to make you play higher. if the sound that you want isn`t coming from the mouthpiece or you`re not comftorable with the mp you play you might consider switching. or work on your current mouthpiece until you have everything you want in your playing. Big mouthpieces don`t cause a dull flat sound. the create a big round dark sound. they are less flat sounding than a shallow mouthpiece because you get more overtones.

it really bothers me when people just switch to a smaller mouthpiece to be able to play higher but dont actually practice for the range

Hey Derek, why don`t you read the post before you disregard it. First of all, neither one of us defined "basic." I feel the 3 or 4 years of playing is basic and at that point trying a smaller mouthpiece for playing lead is not a problem. Second, using a small mouthpiece to play lead is not inherently bad. It can be the correct tool for the job, though of course a tool can never be better than the person who wields it. Third, I said that playing a big mouthpiece gives you a good sound and volume, only that playing too big a mouthpiece gives you a dull flat sound. Don`t believe me? Try playing a small shank trombone mouthpiece on a trumpet, if you can get a small enough shank that it will fit.

ok excuse me if i`m mistaken but i don`t think he was asking about trombone mouthpieces with small shanks being played on a trumpet.

oh and back to the question i started on a bach 5c and then after three or four years of playing i switched to a 1.5c and a 1b and than after about 5 years i got a schilke 14a4a and i hate the 14a4a. the backbore is too small, my lips are too big etc. it all depends on the player. one size mouthpiece or even 5 sizes cannot be truly reccomended for a person unless the reccomendee has heard and seen the player play.