Choosing a Trumpet Mouthpiece for a Horn Player: Tips and Recommendations

As a horn player transitioning to the trumpet for casual playing or teaching purposes, finding the right mouthpiece can be a challenge. Horn and trumpet rims are quite different, and it's essential to find a solution that allows you to maintain a professional sound while adapting to your new instrument.

Understanding the Differences

Horns and trumpets have distinct mouthpiece designs. Horns generally have deeper cups and narrower rims, which give them a different tonal quality and embouchure feel. This can make the transition to the trumpet difficult, especially for those who are accustomed to the unique feel of the horn mouthpiece.

Experimentation and Personal Adaptation

The best advice is to experiment with various mouthpieces until you find one that suits your style and playing comfort. Some horn players have found success by having their horn mouthpiece rim modified to match a trumpet rim. This can be an expensive solution but might be worth considering if you want to go back and forth between the two instruments easily.

Standard Mouthpieces for Transition

Many professional horn mouthpieces, such as the Bach 7C, offer a slightly deeper cup and narrower rim, making them a good starting point. If you prefer a more personalized approach, a Bach 3C might be a better fit, especially if you originally played trombone.

A popular choice for students is the Bach 7C mouthpiece, which has a balanced depth that allows for a more natural transition from the more pronounced French horn mouthpiece. However, if you are teaching, it's important to sound like a trumpet and provide a standard sound for your students to emulate.

Mouthpiece Adaptors for Comfort and Sound

There are mouthpiece adaptors available that can help you use a horn mouthpiece on a trumpet, though the sound might not be entirely the same. These adaptors can be a practical tool to maintain the familiar feel of your horn mouthpiece while playing the trumpet.

For teaching purposes, it's crucial to have a consistent and professional sound to model for your students. If you must choose a single mouthpiece for teaching, the Bach 7C or a similar depth mouthpiece is a good starting point.

Ultimately, the choice of mouthpiece should balance comfort, sound, and personal style. Experiment with various options and consult with a professional if needed. Whether you decide to modify your existing mouthpiece or choose a new one, the key is to find a solution that allows you to perform and teach effectively on the trumpet.