Wedge Conversion of Trombone Mouthpiece

This is a Wedge modification of any trombone or bass trombone mouthpiece you provide. Almost any existing mouthpiece can be re-machined to have a Wedge rim. The resulting mouthpiece will have a sound and feel very similar to the original mouthpiece, but with significant improvements in performance.

The mouthpiece will be scanned and a new Wedge rim will be constructed by computer modeling in RhinoCAD. The rim will then be machined on a CNC mill to produce a Wedge profile on the side rims without touching the top and bottom portion of the rim. The lateral dip is relatively small on trombone models, so that the cup volume loss resulting from the modification does not make the mouthpiece play appreciably brighter. The entire mouthpiece is then re-plated. You can find more information about Wedge mouthpieces at www.wedgemouthpiece.com

This mouthpiece is currently being used by Eugene Watts of the Canadian Brass.

Benefits of the Wedge Trombone Mouthpiece

Reported by Players

Improved core to the sound in all registers

Increased range

Better flexibility

Better endurance

Less lip swelling

Better articulation

Easier multiple tonguing

Naturally forms a forward focused, closed aperture setup with a cleaner sound

Great for players with braces!

Design concepts

Sloping lateral rim shoulders

The lateral shoulders of each side of the rim, which lie over corners, slope sharply away from the center of the mouthpiece. That portion of the lateral rim in contact with the lip is therefore significantly narrower than the superior and inferior portions of the rim. Hence the Wedge name. 

Varying rim contour and high point

The rim high point and contour varies throughout its circumference. The superior and inferior portions of the rim have a high point shifted to the outside by a slight rounding of the inner rim, producing a relatively soft bite and sloping contour of the rim.

Shifted lateral rim contour  toward the centre of the mouthpiece

The shape of the rim has the effect of producing a slightly oval shape to the cup. The longitudinal axis of the oval is oriented in a superior and inferior direction when playing. 

Lateral dip of rim contour

The sloping of the lateral rim also introduces a lateral dip in the side profile of the rim. This dip is designed to transfer pressure from lateral to superior / inferior rims. 

Variable inner rim bite

The variable rim contour produces a variable inner rim bite, being sharper and narrower laterally than superiorly and inferiorly.  

The net result of this design is a mouthpiece that performs unlike anything you have ever played before. This mouthpiece has the potential to revolutionize your playing experience.  

How it Works 

The rim contour of the Wedge interacts with the player's anatomy and physiology in a unique way. The sloping lateral shoulders leave space for improved lip range of motion. This improves range, endurance, and flexibility. The increased space for lip movement also improves the ability to open the corners of the lips for a breath, and to then replace them to their original position without the difficulty associated with conventional rims. The central portions of the upper and lower lips are pinned in place by the relatively wider upper and lower rims while the lateral lips are able to move while breathing. All of this comes with a fuller sound with improved core in all registers. 

We all know that there is no magic bullet. The path to excellence in trumpet playing is through diligent and dedicated practice. No mouthpiece will give you instant high chops and super human endurance. However, the increased efficiency of the Wedge design provides a revolutionary improvement in performance throughout the entire range of the horn. The mouthpiece will do its part if you do yours.  

 "The Wedge has opened a whole new world to me, namely the upper range of the horn. I have always had range and endurance problems, and have had to work hard for a big sound. The Wedge has mitigated these in an astonishingly short time -- 2 months. As advertised, it makes me play correctly and comfortably, opens my sound and gives me access to the high range without undue fatigue. I'm still happily popping C - F even after a couple of sets of Latin music, and am making it to the end of the fourth big band set of the day without having to back off.

I've tried various conventional and unconventional set-ups over the past decade or so: big horn/small mouthpiece, vice versa, Parduba double-cup, Monette, Doug Elliot, and many others. They all have very positive aspects, but none so dramatic as the Wedge. The Wedge is the only piece of equipment that has ever brought immediate, major improvement in every aspect of my playing. Audiences and colleagues have all noticed.

Dr. Dave has really done it."

Jeff Presslaff - Freelance Trombonist