Mouthpieces: For Brass & Woodwind Instruments
Mouthpieces: For Brass & Woodwind Instruments
2 Yamaha Mouthpieces
CONTENTS
Brass Woodwinds
Yamaha Mouthpieces 3
The Music Starts Here …
A mouthpiece affects both how you play and how your instrument sounds in
very significant ways. Fit and feel are obviously major factors, but the mouthpiece
also exerts a considerable influence on your tone, range, and even intonation.
The mouthpiece is the point of greatest sound pressure within the instrument,
therefore its acoustic qualities — dependent on material, thickness, shape, and
other factors — affect the overall sound of the instrument to a remarkable degree.
The taper of the instrument extends all the way from the mouthpiece to the
bell, so in a very real sense the mouthpiece is an integral part of the instrument’s
sound-producing mechanism. A part that must be chosen with the utmost care.
4 Yamaha Mouthpieces
Why Yamaha?
Since every player and instrument is different, there can be no single “perfect”
mouthpiece. This makes the task of creating top-quality mouthpieces all the more
difficult. Advanced manufacturing technology is essential, but so is experience.
The Yamaha approach to creating superior mouthpieces is to bring experience
and technology together in perfect balance: experience in the form of continuous
consultation with some of the world’s leading artists — Yamaha has been producing
special custom mouthpieces for top artists for decades — and technology in the
form of precision computer-controlled machining equipment.
In contrast to some other areas of musical-instrument manufacture, mouthpieces
are not best crafted by hand. The tolerances that can have a big effect on
performance are far too small. Yamaha employs an advanced computer-aided design
and manufacturing system that ensures exact dimensions and contours in every
single mouthpiece. Shaped cutters are not used because wear and re-sharpening
rapidly alter the original shape. Instead, a computer-controlled lathe sculpts the
spinning mouthpiece blank precisely to the specified size and shape. Continuous
monitoring and a special cutter design guarantee that prescribed tolerances are
always maintained. Another advantage of computer control is that a constant cutter-
to-workpiece speed can be maintained relative to the position of the cutter. This
ensures a perfect finish, eliminating the need for final hand-polishing which could
result in distortion and inconsistencies from mouthpiece to mouthpiece.
Yamaha Mouthpieces 5
Essential Mouthpiece Parameters
Brass Essential Mouthpiece Parameters
Every player needs to find the size and style of mouthpiece which best suits both his or
her physical and musical requirements. Since different mouthpieces can emphasize different
embouchure muscles, it is difficult to pinpoint the ideal mouthpiece at a single testing. A little
knowledge can, however, provide a valuable foundation for making the right choice.
Cup Shank
Throat
Rim Thickness
Backbore
Rim Contour Shoulder
Cup Depth
6 Yamaha Mouthpieces
Brass Essential Mouthpiece Parameters
Rim Thickness
Although a thick rim provides greater lip
contact area for easy high notes and extended
endurance, lip movement is limited so you lose
tonal flexibility. A rim that is too thin offers plenty
of control over a wide range, but can quickly cause
fatigue. Beginning players are probably better off
choosing a rim of medium thickness, but the best
approach is to play a variety of types and choose
the one that feels the most natural and plays the
easiest.
Rim Bite
The bite of the rim has a large influence on
attack clarity and pitch control. Mouthpieces with
a sharp bite generally make it easier to produce
accurate, stable pitch and a rich tone. If the bite
is too sharp, however, lip control is limited and it
Cup Silhouette
becomes difficult to make smooth note-to-note
transitions. A sharp bite can also be painful on the
lips and reduce endurance. At the other extreme
Shoulder
a round, very soft bite may be comfortable to
Most “U” shape cups have a fairly sharp
play, but will produce a blurred attack and poorly
shoulder which results in easy-to-play resistance
defined pitch.
and a well-defined, bright sound. “V” shape cups
have a smoother, rounder shoulder which produces
Cup Silhouette
low resistance and a soft, dark tone.
Cup silhouette encompasses both cup depth
and shape. Shallow cups produce a brighter tone
Throat Diameter
and are more controllable in the higher register …
The throat is the narrowest portion of the
at the expense of volume. Deep cups offer a dark
mouthpiece bore, and therefore the point of
tone, easy low notes, and plenty of power. Cup
highest sound pressure. The diameter and length
shapes range from “U” shapes to “V” shapes. The
of this part of the mouthpiece have a major
more “U” shaped a cup is, the brighter the sound
influence on playing resistance. A narrow, long
and the easier it is to play in the high register. As a
throat produces high resistance which contributes
cup approaches the “V” shape the sound becomes
to fast response, brilliant tone, and enhanced
darker and the lower register becomes easier to
playability in the high register. A wide, short throat
play. Some French horn mouthpieces employ a
is more playable in the low register and is capable
“double cup” design — essentially a combination
of producing greater volume — but requires lots of
of the “U” and “V” shapes — to facilitate playing
air from the player and can lead to fatigue.
throughout the instrument’s range.
Yamaha Mouthpieces 7
Brass Essential Mouthpiece Parameters
Backbore Shank
The “backbore” is the inner section of the This parameter is of prime importance in
mouthpiece bore which follows the throat. determining how well a mouthpiece matches your
The backbore has a complex flare which can instrument. The taper of the mouthpiece shank
significantly affect high-register pitch. The must perfectly match the instrument’s receiver —
diameter of the backbore also influences timbre there should be absolutely no “play”. The outer
and resistance. Like most other diameter-related diameter of the shank determines how deeply the
parameters, a narrow backbore results in increased mouthpiece seats in the receiver, thus affecting
resistance, brighter tone, and easier playing in overall pitch, the accuracy of individual notes, and
the high register. A larger backbore decreases even playing feel.
resistance for darker tone and easier playing in the
lower range.
Narrow
Wide
Backbore
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8 Yamaha Mouthpieces
Material, Weight & Finish
Material Weight
The most common material used for Generally speaking, light mouthpieces exhibit
mouthpiece production today is brass. Some older fast, flexible response while heavier types produce
French horn mouthpieces were made from nickel a more focused tonal core and are more suited
silver and these tend to have a “harder” tone than to powerful playing styles. The Yamaha Standard
brass types. Series concentrates on the medium weight range
for the best balance for all-around playing, while
the GP Series feature a more specialized weight
balance for outstanding expressive scope and
versatility.
Finish
Silver plate is an ideal finish for brass
mouthpieces. As long as the thickness of the
plating is sufficient, silver affords exceptional
Standard durability and will not flake or peel. Silver is also
non-toxic to most players.
Gold plate offers a smooth, luxurious feel
that actually contributes to enhanced lip control
flexibility. In the Yamaha GP Series and some
Signature Series models the gold plate extends
to the inside bore of the mouthpiece, achieving a
unique tone and exceptionally smooth airflow.
In some cases no plating is applied at all.
GP Series Generally speaking, gold-plate finishes provide
the smoothest feel with unrestricted lip movement,
while unplated silver gives the best “grip”. Silver
plate falls somewhere between gold-plate and
unplated silver.
Yamaha Mouthpieces 9
Standard Series
Brass Standard Series
Trumpet Mouthpieces
Rim
Model Inner Cup Throat
Backbore Playing Characteristics
No. Diameter Contour Thickness Depth (mm)
(mm)
Extremely small inner rim diameter. Flat and
TR-5A4 15.90 Semi-flat Thick Shallow 3.65 Narrow
wide. Small cup volume. Ideal for lead trumpet.
10 Yamaha Mouthpieces
Trumpet Mouthpieces
Rim
Yamaha Mouthpieces 11
Cornet Mouthpieces (Short Shank)
Rim
Brass Standard Series
12 Yamaha Mouthpieces
Cornet Mouthpieces (Long Shank)
Rim
Semi-
CR-14B4L 16.85 Semi-flat Standard 3.65 Standard Outstanding overall balance for all genres.
shallow
CR-15C4L 16.98 Semi-flat Standard Standard 3.65 Standard Bright, powerful tone. For advanced players.
Yamaha Mouthpieces 13
Flugelhorn Mouthpieces
Rim
Brass Standard Series
14 Yamaha Mouthpieces
French Horn Mouthpieces
Rim
Semi-
HR-33B 17.87 Standard Semi-thick shallow 3.90 Semi-wide “V” cup with rich and mellow tone.
(V cup)
Semi-
Largest “V” cup in the lineup. Heavy sound and
HR-34B 18.07 Standard Semi-thick shallow 3.90 Semi-wide
low notes. For advanced players.
(V cup)
Plenty of volume. U cup for powerful
Semi- Standard Semi-
HR-34C 17.81 Semi-thin 4.09 performance. Relatively thin rim for easier high
round (U-cup) narrow
notes.
Yamaha Mouthpieces 15
Trombone/Euphonium/Baritone Mouthpieces (Small Shank)
Rim
Brass Standard Series
16 Yamaha Mouthpieces
Trombone/Euphonium Mouthpieces (Large Shank)
Rim
Yamaha Mouthpieces 17
Bass Trombone Mouthpieces
Rim
Brass Standard Series
Tuba Mouthpieces
Rim
Model Inner Cup Throat
Backbore Playing Characteristics
No. Diameter Contour Thickness Depth (mm)
(mm)
Small inner rim diameter with a medium cup.
An ideal beginner’s model for young players.
BB-64 30.45 Standard Thick Standard 8.35 Standard
Well-balanced rim configuration for flexibility
and easy playability.
Relatively small inner rim diameter and
medium cup volume for easy playability.
BB-65 30.95 Standard Semi-thin Standard 8.35 Semi-wide
Excellent balance throughout the instrument’s
range, with a fairly dark tone.
Shallower cup than the 66. Outstanding
Semi-
BB-66B 31.37 Standard Standard 8.35 Semi-wide playability and flexibility. Fairly bright tone and
shallow
facile response over a wide range.
Voluminous cup. Fairly dark tone with plenty
BB-66 31.37 Standard Standard Standard 8.35 Standard of power. Excellent resonance and clarity.
Popular in ensembles and orchestras.
b
Excellent matching with E brass band
BB-66D4 31.49 Semi-flat Semi-thick Semi-deep 8.87 Semi-wide instruments. Very deep cup. Dark tone with
plenty of volume. Symphonic sound.
Large inner rim diameter with a shallow cup.
Semi- Easy playability with a bright tone. Particularly
BB-67B4 32.06 Semi-flat Semi-thick 7.02 Standard
shallow easy high notes and clear lows. Perfect for F
instruments.
Exceptional rim and cup balance for easy
b b
BB-67 31.93 Standard Standard Standard 8.35 Semi-wide playability. Good match for B , C, and E
instruments. Well-centered tone.
b
A perfect match for B and C instruments.
All-around versatility. Smooth, mellow tone
BB-67C4 32.06 Semi-flat Semi-thick Standard 8.10 Standard
throughout the instrument’s range. Plenty of
volume and power.
Large inner rim diameter with a small cup
Semi-
BB-68B 32.72 Standard Semi-thick 7.50 Standard volume and throat. Enhanced clarity in large
shallow b
B and C tubas.
18 Yamaha Mouthpieces
GP Series
Brass GP Series
Our GP Series have been created especially for professionals who
require superior quality from their mouthpiece.
The GP Series features an innovative shape and extra-heavy gold-
plate finish for players who prefer a focused, concentrated tonal core.
GP
Trumpet Mouthpieces
Rim
Model Inner Cup Throat
Backbore Playing Characteristics
No. Diameter Contour Thickness Depth (mm)
(mm)
A somewhat shallow cup and medium rim for
Semi- Semi-
TR-11B4-GP 16.46 Semi-flat Standard 3.65 extra endurance. Brilliant tone. Suitable for D,
shallow narrow b
E , and piccolo trumpets.
Yamaha Mouthpieces 19
Flugelhorn Mouthpiece
Rim
Brass GP Series
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Signature Series
ERIC AUBIER
International soloist
Rim Cup Throat
Model No. Backbore
Inner Diameter (mm) Contour Thickness Depth (mm)
FRITS DAMROW
Professor at the Zurich University of the Arts (Switzerland) and one of Europe’s best soloists
Rim Cup Throat
Model No. Backbore
Inner Diameter (mm) Contour Thickness Depth (mm)
MARK GOULD
The chair of brass department of Manhattan School of Music, the faculty of the Julliard School
Rim Cup Throat
Model No. Backbore
Inner Diameter (mm) Contour Thickness Depth (mm)
ERIC MIYASHIRO
Lead player in a Who’s Who of Top Bands and founder of the EM Big Band
Rim Cup Throat
Model No. Backbore
Inner Diameter (mm) Contour Thickness Depth (mm)
ERIC AUBIER Model FRITS DAMROW Model MARK GOULD Model ERIC MIYASHIRO Model
Powerful, full sound. An all- Full, resonant sound and a This mouthpiece has been Two cup sizes available.
around model. responsive feel when played. designed for a big orchestral Fatigue-free rim bite makes
For orchestral performers. sound with enough projection it ideal for lead trumpeters.
to fill a concert hall. The wide
inner rim size and open throat
allow a warm broad sound even
at fortissimo.
Yamaha Mouthpieces 21
Brass Signature Series
Trumpet
BOBBY SHEW
Jazz trumpeter renowned for powerful lead playing and expressive solos
Rim Cup Throat
Model No. Backbore
Inner Diameter (mm) Contour Thickness Depth (mm)
ALLEN VIZZUTTI
Soloist in a multitude of musical genres—from jazz to classical
Rim Cup Throat
Model No. Backbore
Inner Diameter (mm) Contour Thickness Depth (mm)
TR-VIZZUTTI
16.67 Semi-flat Semi-thick Shallow 3.56 Narrow
TR-VIZZUTTI-GP
Cornet
PIERRE DUTOT
International soloist
Rim Cup Throat
Model No. Backbore
Inner Diameter (mm) Contour Thickness Depth (mm)
22 Yamaha Mouthpieces
Brass Signature Series
Flugelhorn
BOBBY SHEW
Jazz trumpeter renowned for powerful lead playing and expressive solos
ERIC MIYASHIRO
Lead player in a Who’s Who of Top Bands and founder of the EM Big Band
PIERRE DUTOT
International soloist
Yamaha Mouthpieces 23
Brass Signature Series
French Horn
JAMES SOMMERVILLE
Principal horn with the Boston Symphony Orchestra
THOMAS BACON
International soloist
Trombone
PETER SULLIVAN
Principal trombone with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
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Brass Signature Series
Trombone
NILS LANDGREN
International Jazz soloist
ALAIN TRUDEL
Classical and Jazz soloist
Bass Trombone
DOUGLAS YEO
Former Bass Trombonist with the Boston Symphony Orchestra
Rim Cup Throat
Model No. Backbore
Inner Diameter (mm) Contour Thickness Depth (mm)
SL-YEO-S
28.72 Semi-flat Semi-thin Semi-deep 8.00 Semi-wide
SL-YEO-GP
Yamaha Mouthpieces 25
Brass Signature Series
Tuba
JIM SELF
Associate Professor of USC, Studio Musician
ROGER BOBO
Legendary teacher
SERGIO CAROLINO
Principal Tuba with the Porto National Symphony Orchestra
26 Yamaha Mouthpieces
Mouthpiece Lineup
Brass
Trumpet
Cup Volume Cup Diameter
& Shape Narrow Wide
Shallow EM1S EM2S SHEW-LEAD VIZZUTTI
5A4 6A4a 7A4 11A4/11A5 13A4a 14A4a
7B4 11B4 13B4 14B4 15B4 17B4
SHEW-JAZZ MG
11 DAMROW AUBIER
8C4 9C4 11C4 13C4 14C4 15C4 16C4 17C4 18C4
14D4 16D 17D4
Deep 14E4 15E4 16E4
Flugelhorn
Cup Volume Cup Diameter
& Shape Narrow Wide
Shallow SHEW
11F4 13F4 14F4
Deep EM 16F4 17F4 DUTOT
Alto Horn
Cup Volume Cup Diameter
& Shape Narrow Wide GP Series available
37C4 38D4 Signature Series
Yamaha Mouthpieces 27
Brass
French Horn
Cup Volume Cup Diameter
& Shape Narrow Wide
V Cup 28B 29B/SOMMERVILLE 30B 31B 32B 33B 34B BACON
U Cup 29C4 30C4 32C4 33C4 34C/34C4 35C4
29D4 30D4 31D4 32D4
Double Cup
30 31 32
Bass Trombone
Cup Volume Cup Diameter
& Shape Narrow Wide
Shallow 60BL
58L 59L 60L
Deep YEO
Tuba
Cup Volume Cup Diameter
& Shape Narrow Wide
Shallow 66B 67B4 BOBO-SOLO CAROLINO 68B BOBO-SYM
64 65 66 67 SELF
Deep 66D4 67C4
28 Yamaha Mouthpieces
Selecting a Woodwind Mouthpiece
The clarinet or saxophone player is just as dependent on mouthpiece design and quality as
his or her brass-playing colleagues. Although the basic configuration is the same for all clarinet
and saxophone mouthpieces, subtle differences can significantly affect the sound and playing
feel. Yamaha has prepared an array of top-quality woodwind mouthpieces to meet the musical
Wood winds
requirements of players at every level of proficiency in every genre.
A particularly important parameter for woodwind players is the tip opening. For beginners,
Yamaha offers mouthpieces with a narrow tip opening to facilitate a clear tone with easy
response and consistent intonation. More advanced players will be able to take advantage of
the fuller volume and better projection permitted by mouthpieces having larger tip openings.
Yamaha mouthpieces are created through careful consideration of all factors affecting
the woodwind sound. Inspection and quality control at every stage of production, and after
completion, ensure conformance with proven guidelines for musical performance.
Facing
Length
Chamber
Table
Tip Opening
Bank
Baffle Tip Rail
Yamaha Mouthpieces 29
Yamaha Woodwind Mouthpieces
Yamaha Custom Ebonite Mouthpieces with exceptional clarity. Their accurate intonation and
Yamaha Custom saxophone and clarinet comfortable playability have made them popular with
mouthpieces are sculpted out of choice ebonite, many leading artists.
a high-quality hard rubber which offers a deep
Woodwinds
Clarinets 3C 1.30
4C 1.40
b
5C 22.0 1.50
B /A Clarinet 6C 1.60
Model Facing Length (mm) Tip Opening (mm) 7C 1.70
b
4CM 1.05 B Bass Clarinet
5CM 21.0 1.10 Model Facing Length (mm) Tip Opening (mm)
6CM 1.15
3C 1.60
4C 1.70
Standard
b 5C 31.0 1.80
E Clarinet 6C 1.90
Model Facing Length (mm) Tip Opening (mm) 7C 2.00
3C 0.95
4C 1.00
Playing Characteristics
5C 17.0 1.05 Model Comments
6C 1.10 Easy control and good response from lower to
3C
higher ranges, even for beginners.
7C 1.15
b 4C
Helps obtain a well-balanced tone over all
B /A Clarinet octaves, for professionals and beginners alike.
Model Facing Length (mm) Tip Opening (mm) Facilitates a richer, fuller volume than 4C, with
5C
3C 1.00 a greater tonal variety.
30 Yamaha Mouthpieces
Standard
Woodwinds
Custom Clarinet Custom Saxophone Standard Clarinet Standard Saxophone
Mouthpiece Mouthpiece Mouthpiece Mouthpiece
Saxophones
b
E Alto Saxophone
b Model Facing Length (mm) Tip Opening (mm)
B Soprano Saxophone
Model Facing Length (mm) Tip Opening (mm) 3C 1.50
4C 1.60
3CM 1.20
5C 23.0 1.70
4CM 1.25
6C 1.80
5CM 19.0 1.30
7C 1.90
6CM 1.35
7CM 1.40 b
B Tenor Saxophone
b
E Alto Saxophone Model Facing Length (mm) Tip Opening (mm)
7CM 1.80 b
E Baritone Saxophone
b
B Tenor Saxophone Model Facing Length (mm) Tip Opening (mm)
Model Facing Length (mm) Tip Opening (mm) 5C 28.0 2.10
3CM 1.60
4CM 1.70 Playing Characteristics
5CM 24.0 1.80 Model Comments
6CM 1.90 Suitable for beginners. Helps bring out
7CM 2.00 3C distinctive, clear sound with good response in
high and low registers.
Yamaha Mouthpieces 31
P 1 0 0 2 4 2 5 9
MOUTHPIECE GENERALCATALOG
WA-37R (P10028590)
http://www.yamaha.com/ Printed in Japan 2017.11