Mouthpiece FAQs
What can you tell me about the rim, cup, throat, shank and backbore?
The rim diameter of the CS66 is .662″ (16.76 mm, 42/64). This is roughly the same inner diameter as a Bach 3, Yamaha 14, Schilke 13, Monette 6, Reeves 42, Stork 3, Warburton 4, Laskey 60, Giardinelli 7, Curry 3, Wick 3, Purviance 8.
The CS65 has a narrower rim diameter of .652″ (16.5 mm, 41.5/64). This is roughly the same inner diameter as a Bach 7, Yamaha 13, Schilke 11, Monette 7, Reeves 41, Stork 5, Warburton 5, Laskey 50, Giardinelli 7, Curry 7, Wick 4, Purvience 6. All other playing characteristics are the same as the CS66.
The rim has a medium rounded contour, with a fairly pronounced inner radius (bite) and a softer outer radius. (The inner radius is softer on the M cup.) It is a comfortable rim that offers an excellent combination of flexibility, articulation, range and endurance.
CS trumpet mouthpieces are available in three cup volumes:
S: Shallow. Similar in volume to a Schilke A4a cup. Lot’s of sizzle in the sound and high compression for the upper register. Not everyone can play a cup this shallow.
MS: Medium Shallow. The MS is the most popular cup in the CS line. For many players, it is the perfect all-round mouthpiece. It has enough punch to hammer out a lead part, but the sound is full bodied and rich.
M: Medium. The M cup produces a warm sound, suitable for small group jazz or classical. Overall cup volume is similar to a Bach C cup (3C/7C).
The throat is a #27 diameter. The length of the throat is as important as the diameter when calculating blow resistance. Both throat length and diameter have been designed for optimal slotting and intonation, while providing a comfortable degree of blow resistance. The entrance and exit transitions to the throat are carefully calculated, as are the juncture of all radii throughout the mouthpiece. This assures no disturbance of the air (discontinuities).
CS mouthpieces utilize two of GR’s standard backbores. The #2 backbore is used on the CS66M and CS65M. It produces a fat core of sound with just enough edge, provides a medium blow resistance, and projects a wide sound. The MS and S cups utilize the GG backbore. It provides greater compression, increased focus, and a bit more presence to the sound around you, and is a good match for the smaller cups.
The length and diameter of the shank is industry standard, and should provide an optimal gap in most trumpets.
What is the difference between gold and silver plating?
Gold feels smoother and softer on the lips. It is also a more hypo-allergenic material and a better choice for anyone who is sensitive to silver. A small minority of people find that gold feels too slippery, but for most players, from an aesthetic and tactile perspective, gold is the preferred finish. Gold adds significantly to the cost of the mouthpiece but most players still opt for it.
What is your trial or return policy?
We offer an 80% refund policy. Once you receive your mouthpiece, you have a one-week trial period. At the end of the one-week trial, if you do not wish to keep the mouthpiece, contact chasesanborn.com for return authorization. When the mouthpiece is returned in the same condition as it was received, you will receive 80% of the cost of the mouthpiece less shipping, the retained amount to cover cleaning and re-stocking expenses. Mouthpieces that are marked or damaged in any way except for minor shank scratches will not be accepted for refund. Please be very careful with the mouthpiece during the trial period!
Very few mouthpieces are returned, so it is highly likely that the mouthpiece you receive will be brand new. If it is important to you that your mouthpiece is ‘virgin’, you may specify that on the order form, however the refund policy will be void.
How long will it take for delivery?
Orders are shipped from Toronto, usually within 2-3 days. You will receive a confirmation email when the order is processed. Canadian and US orders are sent via Expedited Mail. Orders shipped to other destinations are sent via XpressPost. Typical delivery time is two weeks.
How much difference can a mouthpiece make?
A mouthpiece won’t create miracles, but it can help you to maximize your abilities. For instance, it might help you achieve a fuller tone, or more burn on the upper notes, or better slotting, easier flexibility, more accurate intonation, or more defined attacks. Ultimately, there is no substitute for hard work and intelligent practice. Choose a mouthpiece that works for you, then head for the practice room!
Do you believe in using more than one mouthpiece?
In theory, matching the equipment to the job makes a lot of sense. The sound you strive for when playing lead trumpet is quite different than the sound you strive for when playing with an orchestra or a jazz quartet. In practice, it can be hard to accomplish. It is no good to have a mouthpiece that sizzles in the upper register, yet sounds terrible below high C. Likewise, to have a mouthpiece that produces a rich dark sound yet cuts an octave off your range will be useless. There are too many situations that ‘straddle the fence’ to have a mouthpiece that curtails your ability in any one area.
Thanks to GR’s revolutionary design technology, we are able to design a matched set of trumpet cups (M, MS, S). The blow resistance and range are very close, yet each mouthpiece produces a noticeably different tonal characteristic, allowing you to shape your sound to a given musical situation. Being able to match the mouthpiece to the sound that you hear in your head allows you to relax and concentrate on the music, rather than on the mouthpiece.