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It is an expensive game to keep buying and trying. How do I just try some without having to travel 400 miles?

Just ask around, I've found people are pretty willing to lend you a mouthpiece for a play test or trial, so long as you wash it out . I haven't really looked around for that many people in my area to try mouthpieces but now that I'm in college it's pretty easy to find somebody that might have a mouthpiece that I would like to try. I usually find it the other way around though .

Starting from where you are, and what you've played with, how do you identify the next mpc to try?

Play your current mouthpieces and make notes very carefully about your impressions: size, fit, comfort, blow, intonation, response, color, character and consistency of timbre from range to range, etc.

Then contact one of these people (in no particular order -- they're all great) and tell them what you play, your horn, repertoire & ensemble makeup, be painfully honest how you play, and your current mouthpiece situation(s). Each can give you good recommendations that will work, as they have fit more players to mouthpieces than anybody else. Then you can purchase a mouthpiece with confidence without having to try to beg, borrow, steal, or get a return voucher for each mouthpiece you think you want to try.

This is what I have done to cut down on the safari time and cost. Yes, occasionally I still purchase a used mouthpiece here and there to try, but only at a price I can resell it if it doesn't work out.

Matt Walters @ Dillon Music
Roger Lewis @ WWBW
Jeff Ridout @ Custom Music Corp
Dave Fedderly @ Baltimore Brass

iiipopes wrote:Play your current mouthpieces and make notes very carefully about your impressions: size, fit, comfort, blow, intonation, response, color, character and consistency of timbre from range to range, etc.

Then contact one of these people (in no particular order -- they're all great) and tell them what you play, your horn, repertoire & ensemble makeup, be painfully honest how you play, and your current mouthpiece situation(s). Each can give you good recommendations that will work, as they have fit more players to mouthpieces than anybody else. Then you can purchase a mouthpiece with confidence without having to try to beg, borrow, steal, or get a return voucher for each mouthpiece you think you want to try.

This is what I have done to cut down on the safari time and cost. Yes, occasionally I still purchase a used mouthpiece here and there to try, but only at a price I can resell it if it doesn't work out.

Matt Walters @ Dillon Music
Roger Lewis @ WWBW
Jeff Ridout @ Custom Music Corp
Dave Fedderly @ Baltimore Brass

Thanks. . . sounds sensible and effective.