dimension's for...

[quinterbourne]

A mouthpiece is not just about dimensions.

Really? I'm paying for a hunk of metal of specific size and shape. How is it not about dimensions?

I didn't say that a mouthpiece is "not about dimensions" - I said that is is not just about dimenstions. I put the word "just" in there for a very specific reason, please don't pretend as though I didn't. There is more to a mouthpiece than just the dimensions (although, yes, the dimensions do play a very large role in the characteristics). I could take a $130 mouthpiece and copy the dimensions exactly on a metal lathe in a machine shop - and the $130 mouthpiece would still sound better.

[UDELBR]

I put the word "just" in there for a very specific reason, please don't pretend as though I didn't. There is more to a mouthpiece than just the dimensions

F'rinstance... (please be specific).

[quite sure I quoted you accurately, using Sean's little "quote" thingy]

[Chuck(G)]

A mouthpiece is not just about dimensions.

Really? I'm paying for a hunk of metal of specific size and shape. How is it not about dimensions?

Whoops, I read that one wrong. I though he said "not just about dementia"...

[SplatterTone]

its gotta have a COOL CAMPY NAME

Each night, before bedtime, I pray for my own Buffy Summers mouthpiece -- complete with wooden stake backbore cleaner.

[quinterbourne]

I put the word "just" in there for a very specific reason, please don't pretend as though I didn't. There is more to a mouthpiece than just the dimensions

F'rinstance... (please be specific).

People and companies frequently attempt to make copies of various equipment (horns and mouthpieces) all the time. Even with "exact" duplication, it still isn't as good as the original and doesn't "measure up" to the original in practical application. Others agree with this and here is an example:

Having the same dimensions doesn't make two items the "same". Otherwise we'd just measure up the CSO York and have a CNC machine cut us up a bunch of clones.

Most people don't know why copies don't work exactly as well as the original - only that they don't. Many people figure it has to do with machining, craftsmanship and materials used. I'm sure this applies to mouthpieces as well. The type and density of metal used must play a factor, as well as the techniques they use to create their product. There are many copies of many different models, and it seems like the originals are, for the most part, still considered to be the best. I do agree that dimensions are a HUGE factor in determining the characteristics and qualities of mouthpieces, but just not the ONLY factor.

If I was to take a scientific device and figure out exactly what the materials were in a Coca-Cola soft drink, and I was to attempt to recreate the product, my creation would, in most likelihood, not be up to the quality of the product they make. I'm sure they use specific types of ingredients as well as special techniques that make their product what it is.

[quite sure I quoted you accurately, using Sean's little "quote" thingy]

Yes, you did quote me accurately. However, your response to my statement let me to believe that you ignored a key word in my sentence, to strengthen your argument and weaken my credibility. You made it appear as though I thought that dimensions have nothing to do with the qualities of a mouthpiece. Nothing could be further from the truth.

[UDELBR]

Even with "exact" duplication, it still isn't as good as the original and doesn't "measure up" to the original in practical application.

That's equally true for instruments (and mouthpieces) of the same model, and made by the same manufacturer though! There's enormous variance. Tools wear, the care with which said instrument is assembled varies greatly, etc.

The argument that a copy wouldn't be any good simply because a layman did the copying is specious IMHO.

[quinterbourne]

Good points for the most part, but...

The argument that a copy wouldn't be any good simply because a layman did the copying is specious IMHO.

I never said the the instrument copy "wouldn't be any good." Just not as good as the original.

Even with "exact" duplication, it still isn't as good as the original and doesn't "measure up" to the original in practical application.

[Highams]

Are you going for the brushed & whipped finish or just the plain oven-baked look?

CB

[Brassdad]

I'm making my own Besson 968 out of milk jugs, paper mache and egg cartons 'cause I'm too cheap and the company is going belly up anyhow...

Having some experience with "milk jug" construction - reccommend that you go with "buttermilk" jugs over standard plastic milk jugs. They are thicker and tend to flow solder more evently.