Even with a low-pitched musical instrument like the trombone, there is still always a scenario where hitting high notes becomes quite necessary. In cases like this, it doesn’t matter the genre or style of music you are playing. Be it in an orchestra, a school band, a military band, or even when taking a jazz or blues solo, you can’t forever dwell in the lower registers. You will need to hit some notes in all registers. For this article, we are talking about the high register specifically.
Your mouthpiece plays a significant role in the quality and pitches you hit with your trombone. Your mouthpiece is the middle-man between you and your trombone. That being said, I am going to present to you five best trombone mouthpieces for high notes.
 | 1. Best Professional Trombone Mouthpiece for High Notes: Denis Wick DW3180-10CS A perfect blend of technical superiority and flawless aesthetic design, maximum sensitivity and response across all registers, clearer overtones and an improved range. | Buy on Amazon |
 | 2. Best Large Shank Tenor Trombone Mouthpiece for High Notes:Bach K3415GS Megatone Coming from a household name like Bach in the brass industry, silver-plated for added hygiene, the Bach K3415GS Megatone is a large shank trombone mouthpiece suitable for players of all levels who are bent on hitting those high notes regardless of whatever. | Buy on Amazon |
 | 3. Best Budget-Friendly Trombone Mouthpiece for High Notes:Bach 6 1/2AL A very affordable beginner and pro trombone mouthpiece for small-bore trombones, baritones, and euphoniums that shine perfectly well in the higher register. | Buy on Amazon |
 | 4. Best Small Shank Trombone Mouthpiece for High Notes:Bach Small Shank 5G An all-around great 5G mouthpiece for orchestral, big bands, and jazz playing – perfectly crafted for those crisp high notes. | Buy on Amazon |
 | 5. Best Large Bore Trombone Mouthpiece for High Notes:Denis Wick DW5880-5BL Has a vintage vibe, ergonomically constructed, sounds amazing and projects well | Buy on Amazon |
Best Trombone Mouthpieces For High Notes Reviewed
best Professional Trombone Mouthpiece for High Notes Denis Wick DW3180-10CS
Although not the cheapest trombone mouthpiece in the market, the truth is that the overall quality of this mouthpiece overcompensates the price. If you are looking for a mix of technical superiority and aesthetic designs, then you should consider getting the DW3180-10CS. One of the selling points of this mouthpiece is its improved and widened range. What this means is that you will not only hit those high notes effortlessly but also play smoothly down there in the lower register.
The major innovation behind this series of trombone mouthpieces is in the combination of increased mass at key points with thinner upper walls. This combination helps reduce energy loss and also provides power and sensitivity at all dynamic levels. As a result, there is maximum sensitivity and response in all registers, with clearer overtones and a very improved range. Investing in this mouthpiece will help you hit those high notes better and will also improve your overall tone regardless of the genre you play.
The specially designed weight distribution of this mouthpiece increases articulation response and gives better tonal clarity. It gives you that needed big sound and bright sound for live performances and studio recordings. The Heritage range of trombone mouthpieces comes in all sizes. It is also finished with a silver-plated exterior and a gold-plated rim and cup. It looks amazing.
Pros:
- Perfect for all genres and styles of music.
- Looks quite amazing.
- Perfect for a very dynamic style of play.
- Works well in both life stages and studios.
- A good fit for players of all levels.
Cons:
- Not exactly budget-friendly for most people.
Best Large Shank Tenor Trombone Mouthpiece for High Notes Bach K3415GS Megatone
Are you searching for a top-quality large shank trombone mouthpiece that will aid you to hit those high notes? I recommend you check this out. Already, Bach is a household name in the trombone mouthpiece world. They have a reputation for manufacturing some good quality mouthpieces for trombones and euphoniums. The K3415GS megatone stands on that established Bach’s legacy. Although it may not be the most affordable trombone mouthpiece, trust me, if you want to hit those high notes, then consider getting this.
The Bach K3415GS is Silver Plated. It has a cup of 25.50mm and a medium-wide and semi-flat rim shape. Being a 5G S mouthpiece, you will need to spend some time rehearsing with this to get the high notes ringing out. However, once you finally get that, you will always remain glad that you invested in this.
Pros:
- More hygienic because of the silver plate.
- Good for players of all levels
- Works equally well in lower registers
Cons:
- Not a very pocket-friendly price.
- Because it is a large shank, it won’t fit well with every trombone.
Best Budget-Friendly Trombone Mouthpiece for High Notes Bach 6 1/2AL
The Bach 6 1/2AL is a popular trombone mouthpiece for both students and pro-level players. The Bach 6 1/2 AL has a small shank, and it fits perfectly well with small-bore trombone, baritone, and euphonium. This medium-deep cup mouthpiece shines so well when it comes to doing some magic in the higher register. Also, even with the unbeatable reputation of Vincent Bach as one of the greatest trombone mouthpiece makers in the world, you still do not need to break the bank to get this.
According to Vincent Bach, their mouthpieces are designed to meet every conceivable playing need – hitting high notes included. Bach has been doing exactly that for almost three-quarters of a century. The Bach 6 1/2AL mouthpiece can make a good instrument play better. With this, you will have great volume and excellent intonation. Also, you can be assured of ease of response in both the high and low registers. You will also have a rich and uniform timbre throughout the entire trombone range. The resistance is specifically calculated to increase the player’s endurance. Any Vincent Bach Mouthpiece is always a worthy investment for a trombone or euphonium player.
It has a medium-deep cup depth and a 25.40 mm cup diameter. Also, it has a medium-wide and well-rounded rim. It is slightly larger than medium and it has a standard-size throat and backbore. It can be used for trombone, baritone, and euphonium.
Pros:
- Works well with a lot of trombones, baritones, and euphoniums.
- Incredibly loud volume and excellent projection.
- Perfect fit for both beginner and pro-level players alike.
- Feels really comfortable.
- Cheap enough for most players to afford.
Cons:
- Getting the high notes ringing might be quite a challenge at first, especially if you are new to this type of mouthpiece. However, you will start hitting those high notes after spending some time with it.
Best Small Shank Trombone Mouthpiece for High Notes Bach Small Shank 5G
If you are searching for a small shank trombone mouthpiece that will help you perform some magic in the high registers, I suggest you check this out. When playing this particular mouthpiece, you will feel that it is bigger than the 6 1/2AL which I previously talked about. However, you will need a greater amount of air to get this sounding because it is a 5G mouthpiece. Being a 5G mouthpiece, it sounds broader than its smaller counterparts. With this, you won’t only hit those notes in your high register, you will also sound fuller.
The 5G size makes it perfect for small and large bore tenor trombones and euphoniums. It works quite perfectly for orchestral, big bands, or even jazz playing. This is all-around great for anything you want to do with the trombone. The range is perfect in my opinion. Although a great mouthpiece for hitting high notes, the low notes are not compromised. The low notes are better on this than the 6-1/2 AL size. This is one mouthpiece I would recommend for beginners and professionals alike.
Pros:
- Being a 5G mouthpiece, it sounds quite big and broad in all registers.
- It responds perfectly well in all three registers.
- Good for players of all levels, from beginners to seasoned professionals
- It doesn’t matter your style or genre, this is such a versatile mouthpiece.
Cons:
- Although not exactly unaffordable, still not everyone can afford to spend that much on a small piece of metal.
Best Large Bore Trombone Mouthpiece for High Notes Denis Wick DW5880-5BL
If what you want is a large-bore trombone mouthpiece with great clarity, projection, and some magic in the upper register, then Denis Wick DW5880-5BL might be exactly what you have been looking for. I have heard few close friends who are also trombonists perform some magic in the upper register with this mouthpiece. My first impression of this large bore mouthpiece was awesome. It did not only sound clean, but loud, and clear in the low, mid, and high registers. The purity in the articulation of sounds and perfect intonation is what makes this mouthpiece the perfect mouthpiece for trombonists who want to go beyond the mid-register and high up into the highs.
This flexibility and perfect intonation come because of the great attention to detail by the Dennis Wick company. The Denis Wick DW5880-5BL has a specially balanced throat, backbore, and cup that makes it ideal and just perfect for all styles of music and different playing scenarios.
Pros:
- Quite a flexible mouthpiece, as it can shine in every genre and style.
- Perfect for players of all levels ranging from total beginners to seasoned professionals.
- Sounds great in all three registers and not just the upper register.
- Flawless finishing because of Dennis Wick’s attention to detail.
- Feels super comfortable on the lips and good for very long playing sessions.
- Quite affordable.
Cons:
- Designed specifically for large bore trombones. This means it won’t work with small or medium bore trombones.
How to Choose the Best Trombone Mouthpiece for High Notes?
Know this First
I said before that your trombone mouthpiece only contributes a tiny fraction to your tone as a trombone player. Yes, that is the truth. No mouthpiece blows itself and there is no magical mouthpiece that will make your high notes ring out so clear and loud with no effort on your part. For the most part, your mouthpiece may just help to enhance comfort and endurance while you practice achieving the tonal quality you desire. The best way to hit high notes with ease on the trombone is to play high-long tones.
To play those high notes, you should know that the biggest element needed to make this happen is air projection and velocity. You need to practice this constantly. The inert tonal characteristic will only become noticeable after you have handled the major part through constant, right, and dedicated practice.
Knowing Your Kind of Trombone
The first step to narrowing down your search for a perfect mouthpiece that meets your need is to decide on a mouthpiece designed just for your type of trombone. Know that there are tenor and alto trombones and manufacturers will make different mouthpieces for each type of trombone. The best tenor trombone mouthpiece cannot perfectly work with an alto trombone.
Know the Material Your Mouthpiece is Made of
Aesthetics and cost are not the only reasons manufacturers make trombone mouthpieces from certain materials. Every material used will have a direct impact on how the mouthpiece sounds. For example, because we are focusing on high notes, gold-plated mouthpieces perform better in the upper register. Also, there is a brilliance that comes with stainless steel mouthpieces offering another option for trombone players looking for the best mouthpieces for high notes.
On the contrary, silver-plated mouthpieces offer players the possibility to achieve heavy and dark tonal qualities with a richness that cannot be rivaled by its gold-plated counterpart. However, the major reason why manufacturers choose to plate the mouthpieces they manufacture with either silver or gold is because brass is known to cause certain allergies to quite a lot of people.
Also, you can find mouthpieces that are made from excellent quality plastics. But, you must be aware that hygiene can become a problem with materials like plastic which are not easy to wipe clean.
Quality or Budget; Which Should Be Considered First?
It doesn’t matter what kind of trombone mouthpiece you want, you must strike a balance between the overall quality of the mouthpiece and your budget. As is often the case with any musical instrument or accessories, the price tags will always vary. What this means is that you must choose with some extra care.
Striking the balance between quality and budget is very important. The bottom line is that one shouldn’t be sacrificed for the other. Don’t go for something you know you won’t make any good use of because you are on a tight budget. On the other hand, don’t break the bank because you need something of good quality. Strike that balance. Always try to avoid being too rigid with your budget, instead make it a bit elastic.
Conclusion and Winner
After putting everything we have discussed here into consideration, I have come out with only one winner. The winner is Denis Wick DW3180-10CS. If what you are looking for is a mix of technical superiority and aesthetic designs, then go for the DW3180-10CS. One of the selling points of this beautifully made mouthpiece is its improved and widened range. What this means is that you will not only hit those high notes effortlessly but also play smoothly down there in the lower register. This is one mouthpiece I can comfortably recommend anytime to anyone. It is perfect for players of all levels.
Last update on 2023-03-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
FAQs
What trombone mouthpiece is good for high notes? ›
The standard series 45C2 trombone mouthpiece has a small, shallow cup that's designed to give plenty of support for playing high notes in the upper register.
What is the best size mouthpiece for trombone? ›The Bach 6 ½ AL is one of the best trombone mouthpiece sizes for students. It is a good, medium-deep size mouthpiece that will continue to be the right size for many students as they get older. Some students will need to move to a larger mouthpiece by high school, such as a Bach 5G, but many will not.
What is the highest note on trombone? ›RANGE: The trombone has a normal chromatic range of E2 below the bass clef to B flat4 above middle C. Experienced performers are able to extend the upper range, often to F5 (or higher).
Is a 12 C trombone mouthpiece good? ›The Bach 12C Trombone Mouthpiece is the best selling small shank mouthpiece for all-around playing. This model combines a crisp, brilliant tone, excellent flexibility, great volume, and easy response, making it a great all-around small shank mouthpiece.
What mouthpiece is good for high notes? ›Vincent Bach 3E
This is a versatile high note mouthpiece. In fact it's not only a high note mouthpiece, you can use it as a screaming lead trumpet mouthpiece in a big band, in marching bands or even in some classical music settings, in other words… …it's not too extreme!
Stand near a wall. Gently place the back of your trombone (the tuning slide) against the wall and stand normally to play. The wall should resist your ability to push the mouthpiece against the embouchure. Play slow ascending lip slurs to get the feeling of going higher without pushing so hard.
What trombone mouthpiece should I buy? ›Question: What is the Standard Trombone Mouthpiece? Answer: A Bach 6 1/2A is a great standard mouthpiece for beginners. It is near the median of trombone mouthpiece size. The Bach 12C, a mouthpiece on the smaller side, is also a standard for students.
What size mouthpiece does Wynton Marsalis use? ›Wynton Marsalis (Bach 1-1/4C)
How do you pick a good mouthpiece? ›- Know the most important thing you'd like to change. ...
- Don't be afraid to try a few different sizes/models. ...
- Bring your own instrument and your current mouthpiece to compare. ...
- Play a variety of different music and passages. ...
- If in doubt, go for comfort. ...
- Listen to your private teacher or coach.
With each slide position in the trombone, you can play up to 7 different notes in the harmonic series. For example: in 1st position you are able to play in order from lowest to highest: Bb1, Bb2, F3, Bb3, D4, F4, and Bb4 (the numbers dictate the octave).
What do you call a person who plays the trombone? ›
tromboner (plural tromboners) (nonstandard) A person who plays a trombone.
How can I improve my trombone tone? ›Practicing slow, long, sustained whole notes (commonly referred to as “long tones” in band) is the best way to improve your tone quality. Do this first, as a warm-up exercise, before playing anything else.
Is 5G trombone mouthpiece good? ›The Standard 5G mouthpiece is suitable for everyone who plays a large bore trombone. It gives a full rich sound in all registers of the instrument, making it versatile and a popular all round mouthpiece. It has a slightly smaller cup size than the 4G, making higher notes easier to play.
What is a 1.5 C mouthpiece used for? ›A serious option for the intermediate and advanced trumpet player, the Bach 1-1/2C has been the mouthpiece of choice for classical trumpet players and symphony trumpet players for generations.
What is a 5C mouthpiece good for? ›The Bach 5C Trumpet Mouthpiece has a lively and rich tone and is ideal for players with a strong embouchure. In addition to its medium cup, this model has a #10 backbore that produces a rich, full, clear tone. "C" models are preferred by many players that alternate between Bb, C, and D trumpets.
How can I make my high notes sound deeper? ›Holding your jaw open until the close of the word (sing on the vowel not the consonant) will give you more volume and power. The best way to do this is to practice voice building exercises.
How do you make your high notes sound better? ›- Try a new vocal exercise. ...
- Warm up with a song. ...
- Record yourself to eliminate strain. ...
- Sing in the right vocal register. ...
- Practice singing vowels. ...
- Consider your larynx position. ...
- Use twang. ...
- Check your intensity.
- Tip 1: Know Your Range. ...
- Tip 2: Warm Up Your Vocal Cords. ...
- Tip 3: Maintain Good Vocal Hygiene. ...
- Tip 4: Pay Attention to Your Posture. ...
- Tip 5: Use Your 3 Voices. ...
- Tip 6: Aim for the Second Highest Note. ...
- Tip 7: Practice, Practice, Practice. ...
- Want to Become a Better Singer?
4) Fuzzy or Airy Tone—The problem of fuzzy or airy tone is sometimes the result of not warming up or of basic fatigue at the end of a lot of playing.
How do you not run out of breath when playing trombone? ›Breathe often enough and deep enough so that you feel full of air all the time. Make sure to breathe through your mouth to get a deep breath. Shallow nose breaths will not do for this (sniff breathing is something else). Breathe deep enough and full enough so that your body feels like it wants to get rid of the air.
What is the most popular trombone? ›
The Tenor trombone, also known as a straight trombone, is the most common trombone and the preferred choice to learn on.
Is a 3C mouthpiece better than a 5C? ›The 3C cup is significantly shallower than the 5C cup. Since the diameter of the 5C and 3C are in the same family, and differ by as little as . 002 inches (or less), the 5C actually functions for most players as a larger mouthpiece compared to the 3C.
What mouthpiece does Tom Hutchinson use? ›Tom has played a Classic 4 Cornet Mouthpiece for many years and uses the DW5504C Copper-Bottomed Straight Mute and DW5531 Cup Mute.
What mouthpiece does Arturo Sandoval use? ›Sandoval's personal Bach Mt. Vernon 3C mouthpiece, which he allowed us to scan. The backbore is a Legends Chicago, which has a broad dark sound, but can really sizzle when pushed.
What mouthpiece does Branford Marsalis use? ›The Sakshama Branford Marsalis tenor saxophone mouthpiece is a . 110 tip opening which is an 8 tip opening. It has a slim profile tenor sax mouthpiece diameter and shape to it similar to a metal Guardala tenor saxophone mouthpiece although I think the Sakshama might be slightly thinner.
Are plastic mouthpieces better than metal? ›For most players a silver plated brass mouthpiece will give the best performance. Some players actually prefer to play on a plastic mouthpiece, either because of allergies or because they prefer the characteristics of the plastic rim.
What does a heavier mouthpiece do? ›Heavy mouthpiece with extra mass behind the cup. When compared to a standard mouthpiece, a mouthpiece that has extra material added to make it heavier will generally have a more focused and powerful sound, but without as much of the cutting brilliance you'd find if it had been built using a harder metal.
What does a deeper mouthpiece do? ›The cup depth
A mouthpiece with a large cup diameter increases the volume, while a deeper cup gives the tone a dark quality. A flat cup results in a harder, brighter tone, but a deep cup makes it easier to produce high notes.
The 3C is actually a pretty good, generally decent mouthpiece. It's not very deep, so it's actually not bad for playing high notes.
Is a 7C mouthpiece good trombone? ›Trombonists who love a loud and proud sound will delight in the Bach 7C Small Shank trombone mouthpiece. The medium-shallow cup depth provides a voluminous tone with a bright and vivid quality — indeed, players at Sweetwater find that it's an excellent mouthpiece for melodic passages and soloing.
What brass instrument plays the highest notes? ›
Considered the oldest brass instrument in existence, the Trumpet was first created in around 1500 B.C. Not only this, but the Trumpet is also the highest pitched instrument of the brass family.
Is 3C or 7C better for high notes? ›To the OP: Note that while the 3C is a tad shallower than the 7C which will give you a brighter sound, not necessarily "better", its inner cup diameter is slightly bigger, so it won't necessarily make for easier high notes.
Is a shallow mouthpiece better for high notes? ›Deeper cups make it harder for players to reach higher notes. Conversely, shallower mouthpieces facilitate playing in the upper register. Air travels through a shallow mouthpiece faster, allowing you to reach higher notes. The smaller cup also gives it a brighter tone and improved response.
What mouthpiece does Wynton Marsalis use? ›Wynton Marsalis (Bach 1-1/4C)
What is a 1C mouthpiece good for? ›The Bach 1C Trumpet Mouthpiece is good for all-around use. In addition to its medium cup, this model has a #10 backbore that produces a rich, full, clear tone. "C" models are preferred by many players that alternate between Bb, C, and D trumpets.
What is the hardest brass instrument to master? ›The French horn is a difficult brass instrument to master and a lot of people consider the French horn to be the hardest brass instrument to play. And perhaps rightfully so.
What instrument makes the highest note? ›- The highest-pitched orchestral instrument is the piccolo, but there are some other impressive musical instruments that can reach high ranges. ...
- Flutes are a member of the woodwind family that is perhaps the most well-known instrument for producing high pitches.
French Horn
At its loudest, the French horn can reach between 90 and 106 decibels, one of the loudest brass instruments in an orchestra.
- Know the most important thing you'd like to change. ...
- Don't be afraid to try a few different sizes/models. ...
- Bring your own instrument and your current mouthpiece to compare. ...
- Play a variety of different music and passages. ...
- If in doubt, go for comfort. ...
- Listen to your private teacher or coach.
Generally, the larger mouthpiece is often played for lower registers, and the smaller mouthpiece is played for the higher registers. Then, deeper cup produces darker and milder tones while shallower cup produces more brilliant and clearer tones. Standard cup depth would be preferred for a flexible performance.
What is the standard trombone mouthpiece? ›
Trombone Mouthpiece, Large Shank - gold. Large shank mouthpiece with a 26.26mm diameter rim, deep cup and a model 429 backbore with a 0.276" throat.