i've been looking for a new mouth piece. i'm a bit confused about the different sizes and what not. right now i'm playing on a vincent bach 5g large shank mega tone and it works well for me. i was looking at a deal for a Denis Wick Heavy Top Trombone Mouthpiece Silver-Plated, 4AL. what are the size differences in the letters(g,al,c...)and the numbers, dose the silver platement and heavy top make a big difference. it only cost 60 bucks so i was wondering if it's even worth my time.

If what you're using now is working well for you, why change it?

well, the one i have is a bit old, it has alot of dings and scratches, it's rusting really bad.....i just need a knew one. i didn't put much effort into finding my old one. i'm trying to do more shopping around to see if there is a size that will work better. i'm just trying to figure out what the different numbers and letters mean on the mouthe pieces.

I have to agree, if it aint broke don't fix it.

The heritage series mouthpieces are the same as the traditional wicks in cup size/shape, backbore etc. They just changed the OUTSIDE design.

Generally, the letter following the number usually refers to the Cup Shape/depth, followed by a second letter that refers to the backbore/shank size. But different letters mean different things for different manufacturers. Visit the link below for comparisons between the major brands.

http://www.markjacobsmusic.com/Mpiece.htm

Before you decide on a mouthpiece, you need to know what you want to sound like.

Do you want a bright, edgy sound?
Do you want a powerful, commanding sound?
Do want a warm, colorful, sound?
Do you want a dark, heavy sound?

I suggest you listen to trombonists and determine what you like and then find a mouthpiece that gives you that sound. DON'T be concerned about all the microscopic details and measurements, just the basic understaning of how each mpc compares to another should help you. Don't be drawn in by what the manufacturer says a mouthpiece will do for you. You have to play on it!

I prefer a warm, colorful soung, but something that can be powerful and can cut when needed.

I have played on Schilke 51D, Schilke 52D, Denis Wick 4AL, Denis Wick Steven Mead 4AM and 5AL.

I have tried so many mpcs, and have spent over $1000 in the past 7 years.

Now...I play on a generic KING 6 1/2AL on my King 4B Sonorous Trombone, and a Brian Bowman BB1EU on my Willson 2900BS Euphonium. And for Bass Trombone I have used a Schike 52D and a Bach 4G. NOT standard bassbone mouthpieces at all and generally make me play with the tuning slide about 1 to 1 1/2 inches out.

Any way I have said enough....I hope this helps.
Raul E.

yeah, that chart helped alot, thanks
i'm looking for one that has a warm sound and hepls in uper registers. i've heard that the wick pieces are good with that but like you said i need to test some out.

The wick mouthpieces have a backbore and throat that I think feels great to blow through and very responsive, and seem to help with the upper register. They do respond differently on certain sized instruments...small bore trombones versus large bore trombones, etc.

In my experience, the standard wicks were initially a little bright, but once I got to work on them, I was able to get "my" sound back.

That's one of those crazy things I have learned: NO matter what, you will always go back to sounding like yourself!!!

In the end you just have to find something that feels good on your face.

honestly
stick with the same size that you have.
the bach 5g is a fantastic mouthpiece for Tenor playing.
if you want a warm sound with eaze of the upper register just think of your air and do that magical thing called Lip slurs!!!!
I hear so many people complaining that they want an easier upper register and a warm sound much like yourself, (not saying your complaining) but you have a fantastic sized mouthpiece you admitted it works for you. Now just focus on your air and now that you know the sound that you want do some experimentation with your practise and see what works.

Trust me mate
Stick with what you have and Practise the right way and you'll be fine.

Ash