Question : I am going to check out GR Mouthpieces at my local dealer. I have seen your catalog and the many mouthpiece models available. How do I go about trying the mouthpieces in a logical manner?

GR : First off, make sure you know which cup diameter you need to start with. Use the comparison chart on our website or ask your dealer for a reference point. If in doubt, give us a call and we will get you started. Seek out a trained GR dealer!

Here is a quick version of how we assist a player with selecting a GR Mouthpiece. Let's say I have a visit from a 3C player. I know the 3C is like the GR Compu-Balanced 66. I check the horn and consider that in the equation. The backbore of the 3C is open yet full of discontinuities that causes it to blow differently in the registers. I will start with the M cup if they are using Bb trumpet. I do a series of tests to determine if that configuration is letting the pressure drop correctly for the lips to vibrate. They play soft, do breath attacks, articulate at varied dynamic levels and play some studies that will instantly give me the direction. Then I go to the MS or MX (one cup volume smaller and one larger, alpha angle higher and lower respectively) and proceed until a cup, alpha, volume and backbore are found.

Start out with a similar diameter as the piece you now play, and try the M cup. If the diameter feels good but you want less volume, try the MS and so on. If you want more volume, try the MX, then the L etc.

If the diameter feels small, go one size larger and try the M cup. If the diameter feels large, try one diameter smaller. Ask the dealer for assistance if necessary.