GR-CS Signature Mouthpieces / Silver Plated
CS Signature Mouthpieces are designed and manufactured by GR Mouthpiece Technologies. Below you'll find answers to many of the questions you may have, and there are three videos on mouthpieces you should watch (they are posted on this site and on YouTube), but feel free to get in touch if there is anything else you'd like to know.
CS Mouthpiece FAQs
Who is GR?
GR is Gary Radtke, who revolutionized the design and manufacture process to become one of the world’s leading trumpet mouthpiece makers. While the science behind the art is beyond most people's comprehension, when you play a GR mouthpiece and discover how well it responds, it's reassuring to appreciate the high degree of precision engineering that produced it.
What was the design goal for CS mouthpieces?
The partnership between GR and Chase Sanborn dates to the inception of the company more than twenty years ago--CS models were among the very first GR mouthpieces on the market. The goal was to create a matched set of mouthpieces designed to accommodate daily playing requirements ranging from lead trumpet to small combo jazz to the myriad challenges of studio work. Months of prototype testing produced a matched set of three trumpet cups, plus models for flugelhorn, cornet, piccolo trumpet and the unique hybrid FD model.
What's the difference between the models?
RIMS
CS mouthpieces are generally stocked in two rim diameters: 66 and 65, which are roughly equivalent to Bach 3 and 7, and plated in gold or silver. Some models are also available in a 67 diameter, similar to a Bach 1.5.
The rim diameter of the CS66 is .662" (16.76 mm, 42/64).
The rim diameter of the CS65 is .652: (16.5 mm, 41.5/64)
The rim has a medium rounded contour, with a fairly pronounced inner radius (bite) and a softer outer radius. It is a comfortable rim that offers an excellent combination of flexibility, articulation, range and endurance.
THROAT & BACKBORE
The throat is a #27. 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 to assure no disturbance of the air (discontinuities).
The GR #2 backbore is used on the CS66M and CS65M, while the MS and S models utilize a GG backbore.
CUPS
CS66MS or CS65MS (medium-shallow cup)
The CS66MS is the most popular CS model, and is one of the best-selling GR mouthpieces. The medium-shallow cup facilitates the high register, yet provides plenty of room for most players and produces a big, full sound. Most players who are used to a Bach 3C or 7C feel comfortable right away on the MS cup, but discover that the sound has increased intensity and the high register feels more centered and solid. The CS66MS / CS65MS has a wide range of tonal possibilities: bear down and it responds with a bark; back off a little and the sound becomes soft and gentle. This is a truly versatile mouthpiece, as hundreds of players will attest.
CS66M or CS65M (medium cup)
The medium cup has a greater volume and softer inner rim angle (bite) to provide a darker, warmer sound. The high register is still responsive, but has less burn and sizzle than the MS cup. The cup volume and tonal balance are comparable to a Bach C cup, but the sound is more focused and responsive. This mouthpiece will appeal to a wide cross-section of players, and can truly be considered an improvement on the venerable 3C / 7C designs.
CS66S or CS65S (shallow cup)
The S cup has a small volume, and produces an intense sound with lots of burn and a sizzling high register yet maintains a robust, full-bodied sound throughout the entire range of the horn, even in the low register.
Not everyone can play a cup this shallow-some people 'bottom out' depending on the degree of lip protrusion. If you have had success with something like a Schilke or Yamaha 14a4A or 13a4A, you may find that the CS66S or CS65S is an invaluable asset.
CS66FL or CS65FL (flugelhorn)
The CS flugelhorn mouthpieces utilize the same rim as the CS trumpet mouthpieces, making it easy to switch back and forth between horns. They produce a deep, rich flugelhorn sound with the accurate pitch and slotting that are hallmarks of GR designs.
CS66FD or CS65FD (trumpet/flugel hybrid)
The CSFD mouthpiece produces a soft, gentle sound that I would describe as somewhere between a flugelhorn and a cornet. The transformation in sound is almost miraculous, dramatically expanding the tonal possibilities of your trumpet.
CS66C or CS65C (cornet)
The CS cornet mouthpieces utilize the CS rim matched to a medium-deep cornet cup, and GR's medium cornet backbore. It produces a classic cornet tone with flexibility and easy response in all registers.
CS66P or CS65P (piccolo trumpet)
This model, specifically designed for piccolo trumpet, incorporates the CS rim, a shallow cup volume and GR's custom piccolo trumpet backbore. The CS piccolo mouthpieces are fitted with a cornet shank. For standard trumpet receivers (e.g, Yamaha), adaptors are necessary and available.
What is the difference between gold and silver plating?
Gold feels smoother and softer