Alto trombone Cup Depths

[BrianJohnston]

Hi all,

I'm looking to educate myself a bit more on what the typical alto trombone mouthpiece cup depths are. I really like my FA3 & 12s on alto, but i'm looking to see what the typical depths are for alto mouthpieces.

Based on my knowledge thus far, it seems most common alto mouthpieces are between:

23mm - 25mm

Anybody have additional knowledge on this subject?

[tbonesullivan]

I'm not sure there really is one at present, as the most popular altos on the market now vary pretty widely in bore size, bell size, and overall sound. The few people I know playing alto regularly use a significantly smaller rim diameter on alto when compared to their tenor playing. Like a 7c / 11c, maybe smaller, and sometimes with a smaller cup. It is really going to depend on what you are blending with, and what alto in particular you are using.

[dcslideman]

I would be considered an expert by nobody, but I chose to play a Bach 12C or 15C (24.4mm) usually. When I wanted to sound more trumpet-like, I had a small Shilke 43A(23.5mm). Since I no longer dabble with alto, any of these would be for sale if someone wanted.

[harrisonreed]

The DE A cup is my fave. The Lindberg 15CL is a little deeper and is also very good.

I think a lot of folks are using mouthpieces that have way too much internal volume for alto. It should have some snap in the sound, but even on some solo albums you hear this "fuzzy" alto sound.

How are you measuring cup depth? I think cup volume is more useful, but either way you need an end point. Is it the narrowest part of the throat? The end of the entrance to the throat? The point where the throat entrance bends away from the cup?

[BrianJohnston]

The DE A cup is my fave. The Lindberg 15CL is a little deeper and is also very good.

I think a lot of folks are using mouthpieces that have way too much internal volume for alto. It should have some snap in the sound, but even on some solo albums you hear this "fuzzy" alto sound.

How are you measuring cup depth? I think cup volume is more useful, but either way you need an end point. Is it the narrowest part of the throat? The end of the entrance to the throat? The point where the throat entrance bends away from the cup?

I'm figuring it out based on websites mm description of cups. My favorite alto sound has been the Yamaha 46c2, but not an adequate rim for me.

[Kdanielsen]

Im liking my DE B+ cup.

[imsevimse]

Bach 12E is a good alto mouthpiece. I don't know the depth or specifics, but it is rather shallow. It gives a real nice light alto sound and that's what I want

/Tom

[Doug Elliott]

In my stuff, A, B, B+, C, C+ cups are all reasonable on alto. Personally I prefer the bigger sound of a C+, but then I would play soft so although it's "bigger" it doesn't have to be overbearing.

And I use the same XT N104 rim I use on all tenors. Alto doesn't play any different range than I do playing lead in a big band on a small tenor... and alto is easier... so a smaller rim would only be a disadvantage. I like being able to pick up any size horn and feel immediately at home.

[stewbones43]

For my 36H, my go-to piece is a DE ST95 C with the Alto S shank. It works very well for me.

But if the gig requires a change between Alto and large bore tenor, I use the Christian Lindberg 15CL and 5CL.
On rare occasions, when the alto part is constantly high (Handel's "Israel in Egypt") I have used a Schilke 40, but that takes some getting used to!

Cheers

Stewbones43

[deanmccarty]

I use a 95B… it works well for me.

[dukesboneman]

I use a Bach 7C Megatone turned down by Ken Titmus (KT Custom Mouthpieces)
so more metal than a standard 7C but less than a Megatone. Works great on my Weril Alto