As mentioned in my equipment post, I'm not thrilled with my Bach 5C mouthpiece.

I was all set to do a mouthpiece trial with mouthpieceexpress.com, but then I spotted a Yamaha 11C4-7C on eBay for $4. I wasn't really looking for a Yamaha mouthpiece, but I figured this mouthpiece would help with sizing --if it feels good, then I'd know I should try some 7C-sized mouthpieces and perhaps even smaller sizes. I ended up winning the Yamaha auction and purchased the mouthpiece for $9, including shipping.

I've been playing the Yamaha mouthpiece for a week now (I used it when recording I Mean You). At first, the mouthpiece felt really small. While I can't see much of a difference between my Bach 5C and this 7C, my lips sure can feel it.

After a few days, I felt my embouchure adjust to the smaller size. I'm still not sure that this small size works for me, but I've noticed that the smaller size causes me to use less pressure as I try to focus my embouchure on a smaller target. Using less pressure, I have greater endurance and less soreness at the end of the day. Good stuff!

I'd like to say this experience has helped me in identifying the characteristics of my *ideal* mouthpiece. Honestly, though, I just feel more confused as I now have yet another variable (a smaller size) to add into the already perplexing mouthpiece equation. Why is it so hard to find the right mouthpiece?!? <--rhetorical question, no need to comment ;-)

I take that back, if you do have any suggestions, I'd be glad to hear them.

In other news, I'm going to be trying two new trumpets in the near future: a Yamaha Xeno and a Getzen Eterna 900S! You can expect detailed reviews and pictures…