GR’s Musical Background
Gary graduated University of
Wisconsin-Oshkosh with a Bachelor of Music Education Degree. Gary
studied trumpet with Allen K. Butcher, from the University of
Wisconsin-Oshkosh, Dennis Najoom, Co-Principal Trumpet with the
Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, and Renold O. Schilke to name a few.
After college, Gary traveled on the road, backing up big-name acts,
arranging, composing, doing copy work and some studio work.
GR as an educator
Gary Radtke has been a High School Band
Director, Department Head, as well as, an accomplished
composer/arranger. This extensive background is the basis to his
series of clinics, “The Scientific Approach To Brass Playing” and
“Understanding The Mouthpiece”.
GR’s Technical Background
GR is a journeyman tool maker. He started
GR Technologies in 1999 and introduced new tools and new thinking.
GR also defined the mouthpiece with mathematical parameters, developed a
system for communication, improved design, and developed methods for
proper fitting. (GR Playing Tests)
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GR Trumpet
Mouthpiece
Cups
Perfectly blended from rim to cup to throat
entrance, through the bore and backbore. No tooling marks, no
scratches, no discontinuities.
GR Cups are strategically designed to
provide optimum response and sound. Specific alpha angles allow
for optimum lip engagement for each individual's needs and physical
features.
Continue through the Cups Menu to choose
the perfect cup to suit your musical needs.
GR Cups Diagram
| GR Cups From left to right:
S,
MS,
M,
MX,
L,
LX |
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The Z
Cup has a small cup volume that features a brilliant fat and
powerful sound throughout the horn and an astonishingly easy
upper register.
While
most "conventional commercial" cups tend to shut off vibrations
and have a thin tone, the Z Cups have the chop room to allow for
free lip vibrations which produce clean articulations, and a
full commanding sound from low F# to above Double C!
The Z
Cup features a higher alpha angle than the S Cup and longer L1
to achieve optimum lip room for vibrating freedom, support for
compression and crisp articulation.
The Z*
rim has a medium bite and the Z** rim has a softer bite,
although, the cup parameters are basically the same.
This
is an excellent choice for commercial playing, big band,
lead-work, marching band, drum corps, and recording.
This
mouthpiece will really Zing from
top to bottom. |
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ES Cup
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The ES
cup has a higher alpha angle than our standard S cup. It has a
smaller first cup radius and an increased beta angle to enhance
articulation and sizzle in the extreme upper register. This cup
has a very small volume and is shallower in depth to maximize
compression.
The ES
cup has a huge sound in the upper register like all other GR
Mouthpieces. The throat and backbore were not compromised
because the compression is achieved from the cup design. The ES
cup is standard in the 64 and 65 diameters.
Standard GR Rim and #1 Backbore. |
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64 E -
5 The rim has semi-flat characteristics and the highpoint is
further from the bite than most mouthpieces in this diameter.
The
bite is medium sharp and the alpha angle is medium allowing for
more lip freedom in the upper cup. This allows for improved
articulations, flexibilities, range, and sound. This cup is
shallow with a small cup volume and a unique throat entrance
created by the GR Mouthpiece Design Program. The unique throat
allows for good compression and articulation in the upper
register as well as a big fat sound. This mouthpiece has the GR
#1 backbore. The 64 E - 5 mouthpiece works well for upper
register players that need more lip room. This rim has
similarities to the Wick 5E and Schilke A4a rims.
Recommendations:
Try
this mouthpiece if you are playing a GR 64Z* and you bottom out
or feel like you shut off. Also, if you play a Wick 5E and want
improved articulation, sound, projection, and intonation with a
similar feel, look at the 64E-5. If you play a Schilke 10A4a
and you bottom out or feel like you shut off, this piece may be
an ideal alternative. |
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SZ Cup
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The SZ Cups feature
the standard GR-Rim and alpha of the Standard
GR Compu-Balanced S
cup. The SZ cup basically has the rim and alpha of the S cup
and the bottom of the Z with the GR #1 Backbore.
The GR Mouthpiece
Design Program makes a mathematically perfect design that
features less volume than the S cup but more than the Z cup,
this design allows for the lip room of the S cup with the edge
and compression of the Z cup.
The SZ has a powerful
big sound and a full sound spectrum, good endurance and added
compression for a strong upper register with superb
articulation. The SZ cup is outstanding for lead work, marching
band/drum corps, Latin, jazz, and studio work, great for
microphone work and records well.
Recommended for
players that feel the Z cup impinges the lips, not enough lip
room, has an alpha angle that it too high, or the rim is too
flat, as well as, a great choice if the S cup doesn’t provide
enough compression for range requirements and articulation or
enough edge to the sound.
SZ Cups are available
in the 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, and 67 diameters as a standard
order. Other diameters and rims available as a special order. |
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S Cup
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This
versatile commercial GR S cup can be used in varied musical
situations. The sound is big and brilliant. Projection is
excellent. The backbore is the GR #1 Backbore with good core
to the brilliant sound.
The S
Cup volume is small, although, it has ample lip room for most
players. This is an ideal solution to those who bottom out on
"conventional commercial" cups.
The
alpha angle is not too high and does not impinge the lips,
furthermore, it has the ability to lightly grip and keeps the
lips held into place for great endurance.
This
cup is great for lead, show work, studio work, and all-around
playing. |
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MS Cup
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The MS
Cup has a slightly lower alpha angle, greater cup volume, a
slight increase in cup depth, as well as, a larger backbore
than the S Cup. The MS has the GR #2 backbore as standard.
This is a great all around cup with a huge brilliant sound.
The
Paul Butcher 65.6MS features the #1 Backbore.
The
added volume and a slightly lower alpha angle than the S Cup
gives the player more lip room. An ideal solution for players
who find that the GR S cup is a bit tight for them. The sound
is big and full with an excellent core. It has less edge than
the S Cup and works well in all playing situations. |
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S-B, M-B
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The Ultimate High Compression Mouthpiece For Players Who Can't
Play Shallow Cups!
In an effort to please
players who have a tough time with the standard GR high
compression Z cups, and for those who have a tendency to bottom
out on the GR S cups, Gary Radtke has developed the S-B Series
Trumpet Mouthpieces.
S-B Cup
For those of you who
can not tolerate a shallower cup and higher alpha angle, these
are the ultimate lead and commercial mouthpieces. The GR S-B
Series Trumpet Mouthpieces are designed using the GR design
program so each model will feature that fat GR sound. Crisp
articulations, full low register, amazingly easy upper register
are some of the benefits of the S-B design.
The S-B Series is
specifically designed for players who require the additional
chop room to prevent "bottoming out."
S-B Model Features:
- GR Standard rim, #1
Backbore,
GR Classic Blank.
- Standard GR Cup
Diameters - 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67
- Medium alpha angle
for added chop room. "High Compression" throat entrance.
- Balanced throat
length and diameter.
Click Here for a
comparison between MS and S-B Cups.
Take note of the added chop room on
the S-B as compared to the MS. But check out how the S-B comes
in tighter at the bottom of the cup to create the compression
required for faster attacks, crisp low register, focused center,
and easier upper register!
The M-B
Cup makes a
perfect "matched set" to the S-B cup.
The M-B was designed
for those who want an all around mouthpiece with more chop room
than the GR M cup, plus a slightly brighter sound and faster
response than the M.
M-B has more upper cup
volume than the M but it is tighter in the bottom of the cup and
throat entrance. Even though the M-B and M cups have virtually
the same volume, the M-B is not as deep as the M cup.
- #2 Backbore is standard. |
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M Cup
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The M
Cup has the same backbore as the MS Cup, the GR #2 backbore.
The M
Cup has a slightly lower alpha angle, more volume and more depth
than the MS Cup, although, the playing characteristics are
similar. The alpha angle is slightly lower and this is an
option when more lip room is needed.
Works
very well in a variety of playing situations from commercial to
concert work. An ideal all around mouthpiece with a compact
core, vibrant feel, and full of overtones. This is the most
popular GR Cup. |
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M2 Cup
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The M2
Cup has a slightly lower alpha angle (same as the MX Cup),
slightly more volume, although, the depth and throat entrance
are the same as the M Cup. Playing
characteristics are similar to the M Cup.
The
alpha angle is slightly lower than the M Cup and this is an
option when more lip room is needed.
Works
very well in a variety of playing situations from commercial to
concert work.
The M2
Cup is often used by players that play larger volume cups for
most of their work but occasionally require more compression and
sizzle without sacrificing lip room. Think of this as an M cup
with more chop room.
M2 features the GR #2
backbore. |
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MX Cup
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The MX
Cup has many of the same characteristics as the MS, M, and M2
Cups. Furthermore, it has more volume and more cup depth, lower
alpha angle than the M Cup, and the larger GR #3 Backbore. This
mouthpiece is excellent on Bb and C trumpet. MX is one of the
more popular mouthpieces of choice for C trumpet. It is
particularly well suited to students, part time C trumpet
players, and top studio musicians that want an efficient C
trumpet mouthpiece.
The MX
cup offers more blow resistance than the VC or CX cups. This
cup is popular for larger less resistant horns and also for
lighter chamber work. The MX Cup projects well throughout the
Concert Hall. The tone is brilliant and very even throughout
all registers. The upper register speaks very easily with
precise intonation. Light articulation is also very easy with
the MX Cup. If you are looking for a cup that is fat, precise,
and brilliant, the MX cup is an ideal choice. |
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L
Cup
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The L
Cup has a lower alpha angle, increased depth, slightly more
volume than the MX Cup, and a #3 Backbore.
Although this mouthpiece is excellent on the C trumpet, many
players prefer the vibrant feel of it on the Bb trumpet.
The
sound presence is around you where the MX cup projects with a
sound that is more direct. This cup plays very evenly
throughout the registers and the sound is rich with resonant
overtones.
Preferred for Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, Brass Quintet,
Chamber Work, Orchestral Work, Solo Work, and Jazz. |
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LX
Cup
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The LX
Cup has a very large cup volume, increased depth, an alpha angle
much lower than the L Cup, and a #3 Backbore. This allows for a
lot of lip engagement into the mouthpiece.
A
strong embouchure is required to control this mouthpiece and
maintain endurance, but the pay off is a huge sound, a full
spectrum of overtones, and an evenness and brilliance throughout
the horn unmatched with "conventional" mouthpieces of a similar
volume.
Projection is excellent. Works well on the C and Bb trumpet.
An
outstanding orchestral and solo mouthpiece, used by top
orchestral players the world over. |
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VC
Cup
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This
is a special mouthpiece designed specifically for use on the C
trumpet.
The
rim is a standard GR with the same alpha angle as the L cup.
The upper cup has a little larger radius as does the lower cup
and a lower beta angle. This formula makes more of a V shaped
cup but articulation and brilliance are outstanding. The VC
Cup was designed to project in the orchestra.
The
throat entrance is a shape that is excellent on the C trumpet.
The sound is big and projects in a rich brilliant manner,
furthermore, it is very easy to shade and color. The upper
register is efficient and strong while the lower is warm and
rich.
The
throat entrance, throat, bore, and backbore are a little more
open than the standard MX, L, and LX. This mouthpiece can be
played on Bb with good results, although, requires a very strong
player.
Many
players use the 66L or 67L on Bb trumpet and the 66VC or 67VC on
C trumpet. This is an excellent choice for symphonic
applications and use in other large ensembles.
It
offers the serious C trumpet player a huge symphonic sound that
really projects. |
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VB
Cup
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The VB
cup has the same parameters as the VC for the rim and upper cup.
The
throat entrance, bore, and backbore are tighter and this
mouthpiece doesn't require as much work.
This
works well on the Bb for concert band to jazz work. It is also
good the C trumpet.
This
mouthpiece was designed for players that find the VC too open . |
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C Series
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The C*
Cups feature the
GR Classic Blank, GR Standard Rim, and GR #3 Backbore.
The C*
was designed for all-around Bb use featuring a higher alpha
angle (similar to M cup) and a larger cup volume. This design
allows for added lip support and efficient playing
characteristics throughout the range of the trumpet.
The C*
has an improved throat entrance over older "conventional" C cup
designs which allows improved articulation, accuracy, and
efficiency, along with a pure core of sound not found on most
traditional mouthpieces.
The C*
has a beautiful full sound with excellent projection, as well
as, the ability to blend in any situation. The C* will be a
great choice for the student, amateur, and professional. The C*
has been use successfully on the D/Eb trumpet as well as the C
trumpet.
If you
play a very open set up and require more resistance an excellent
option is the C* cup with the GR #2 Backbore.
All
the C Series (C*, C**, and C) have the same rim, alpha angle,
L1, and 1st cup
radius (R1) to provide easy accommodation when switching between
Bb, C, and D/Eb, as well as, accommodating other playing
requirements.
The C**
Cups feature the
GR Symphonic Blank, GR Standard Rims, and GR #3 Backbore.
The
C** was designed to have a similar blow and feel to older
traditional C cup designs, although, improving intonation,
slotting, articulation and efficiency. It is an excellent
choice for the Bb and C trumpet featuring a higher alpha angle
(similar to M cup) and a larger cup volume.
The
design allows for added lip support and efficient playing
characteristics throughout the range of the trumpet.
The
C** has a more open throat entrance than the C* requiring more
strength. The C** is a powerful mouthpiece that has a great
volume of sound, good articulation, and excellent projection.
The
C** will be a good choice for the orchestra, concert band, solo
work, or quintet.
The C
Cups feature the
GR Symphonic Blank, GR Standard Rims, and GR #3 Backbore.
The C
has a more open throat entrance than the C* and C**,
furthermore, it requires a strong player.
The C
design features a higher alpha angle (similar to M cup), a
larger cup volume, very open throat entrance, and huge
orchestral sound. The design allows for added lip support and
efficient playing characteristics.
The C
is a very powerful mouthpiece that has a great volume of sound,
good articulation, and excellent projection. The C is the
preferred choice for the orchestra, as well as, for very
powerful players requiring a more efficient alpha angle. |
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CX Cup
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The CX
Cup has a very large cup volume, increased throat entrance, and
an alpha angle that is the same as the LX Cup. This allows for a
lot of lip engagement into the mouthpiece. A strong embouchure
is required to control this mouthpiece and maintain endurance.
Sound
is large with a full spectrum of overtones, even, and brilliant
throughout the horn. The larger throat entrance and throat bore
is a good match for the C trumpet and it has a #3 Backbore.
Projection is good, although, it has a strong presence of sound
near and around the player. Designed for C trumpet players who
use the LX Cup on the Bb trumpet.
An
outstanding orchestral and solo mouthpiece. |
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BX
Cup
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The BX
cup is similar to a traditional "B" style cup.
It has
a very open design and requires a strong player like the VC cup,
and has a #3 Backbore.
This
mouthpiece is excellent on the C trumpet and has a brilliant
tone that really projects across the orchestra hall.
Not
recommended for players that use a lot of lip engagement. |
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B-T,
C-T
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C-T Cups
This
rim has characteristics of an old 1C, although certain rim
parameters have been changed to make this mouthpiece more
efficient.
The
67C-T mouthpiece was designed for the C trumpet, but it is also
a good match for certain Bb trumpets. The alpha angle is raised
slightly to enhance articulation for a player that must work
very hard to play a 1C style mouthpiece. The 1st cup
radius or R1 has been slightly increased over older 1C designs
to increase efficiency and provide a fat vibrant sound.
The
throat bore is larger than the standard #27. The Backbore is a
#3 and a GR Classic Blank is standard.
There
is an option to have the 67C-T made with the GR Symphonic Blank
that is slightly shorter and has a more open blow. The 67C-T
produces an incredible Orchestral Sound.
B-T Cups
67B-T
Has all the same characteristic as the 67C-T, although, the
throat entrance has been adapted to accommodate the Bb trumpet. |
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All material copyright GR
Technologies. |
| GR®
is a registered trademark and must not be used without permission. |
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