In the trombone family, the bass trombone remains one of the three most popular types of trombone. Three major types of trombone you will most likely come across are the straight tenor, trigger-type tenor (also called F-rotor or F-attachment), and bass trombones. The bass trombone is like the F-rotor trombone, but with a bigger bore. Bass trombones also use larger mouthpieces (wider in diameter). The large mouthpiece makes it easy for bass trombonists to produce lower-pitched sounds.
 | 1. Best bass trombone mouthpiece for beginners – Denis Wick DW5880-1AL Perfect design and balanced response across all registers; perfect for the beginners and intermediate players. | Buy on Amazon |
 | 2. Best bass trombone mouthpiece for pro-level players– Denis Wick DW3180-0AL Heritage Bass Trombone Mouthpiece, Silver/Gold With a top-notch aesthetic design, this mouthpiece does not only look awesome but also plays exceptionally and responds evenly across all registers. | Buy on Amazon |
 | 3. Best bass trombone mouthpiece for players on a budget – Schilke Standard Large Shank Trombone Mouthpiece in Silver 60 Silver An outstanding choice for pro and beginner players who are on a budget, but still need a decent bass trombone mouthpiece that can work just fine. | Buy on Amazon |
 | 4. Best bass trombone mouthpiece for marching bands/school bands – Vincent Bach 3416HAL 61/2AL Large Shank Trombone Mouthpiece, 6 ½ Perfect for players playing in marching bands or school bands; awesome design and excellent craftsmanship. | Buy on Amazon |
 | 5. Best gold-plated bass trombone mouthpiece – Denis Wick DW4880-0AL Gold-plated Bass Trombone Mouthpiece With superb aesthetics and ergonomics, this is designed for the bass trombonist both functionality and aesthetics. | Buy on Amazon |
5 Best Euphonium Mouthpieces Reviewed
Best bass trombone mouthpiece for beginners – Denis Wick DW5880-1AL
The beginning stage of learning to play the bass trombone is always a very delicate one. For a successful and smooth musical experience, it is important you use the right tools as much as you use the right techniques. Your beginning stage as a bass trombone player doesn’t exactly have to be a stressful one. The Denis Wick DW5880-1AL is specially designed for beginner bass trombonists who are bent on making their musical journey as smooth and productive as possible. However, this mouthpiece is also a perfect fit for the exploring intermediate player who seeks tonal clarity, warmth, and fluency without necessarily wanting to break the bank.
It has a specially balanced throat, backbore, and cup that does not only support tone but helps a great deal in preventing fatigue during long rehearsal and playing sessions. Perfect intonation in all registers. With this Denis Wick, you can be sure of a clean articulation response, volume, and just the needed projection. Being a bass trombone mouthpiece, it is no surprise that it boasts of an amazing and somewhat flattering low register – it never goes wrong with those clean and heavy low notes.
However, despite being known for its dark rich tone, it is also an absolute wonder in the upper register as it boasts of a wide dynamic range. This is just the perfect mouthpiece for the player looking to grow musically and also get to understand the nuances of the bass trombone. Denis Wick is popular for making trombone mouthpieces that help players achieve clarity, warmth, and overall tonal beauty. This is something few mouthpieces manufacturers have been able to accomplish. For superb intonation and flexibility, Denis Wick will always be the go-to name.
Pros
- Even response across all registers
- Quite affordable for most beginner and intermediate players
- Denis Wick is popular for amazing craftsmanship
- Helps with range expansion as it also plays well in the upper registers
- Versatile and perfect for diverse musical scenarios
Cons
- Not exactly the right mouthpiece for the seasoned professional and for long-term playing. Although being quite an outstanding mouthpiece, they did not design it for professionals as it tends not to have the flexibility, ergonomics, and tonal nuances needed for actual professional bass trombone playing. However, it is not a total write-off.
Best bass trombone mouthpiece for pro-level players – Denis Wick DW3180-0AL Heritage Bass Trombone Mouthpiece, Silver/Gold
This is another masterpiece from the Denis wick line of trombone mouthpieces. First of all, this particular Denis Wick spots a rather striking and unique look with a perfect blend of silver and gold plates. Aesthetically, the design stands out from the rest of the bass trombone mouthpieces in the market, kudos to Denis Wick for always paying equal attention to functionality and aesthetics. Denis Wick has made it known that the idea behind the Heritage series lies in the perfect combination of two important factors. These factors are “increased mass at key points and thin upper walls” that provide power and sensitivity at all dynamic levels. The result is maximum sensitivity and response, with clearer overtones and an improved range. The increased mass at certain points helps to reduce energy loss while playing.
Being a standard large shank mouthpiece, bass trombone players who also double on the euphonium can also use it on their euphoniums, provided the euphonium fits large shank mouthpieces. Apart from being able to play pedal notes and other really low notes with ease, you can also easily maneuver your upper register with this mouthpiece. It is the perfect choice for the seasoned professional and even the growing intermediate player looking to fully explore the bass trombone.
This mouthpiece features a specially designed weight distribution that helps increase articulation response. Also, it has the added advantage of giving better tonal clarity, a big sound, particularly in styles that require those fluent and heavy low notes. This range of trombone mouthpieces comes in different sizes and features an amazing silver-plated (outside) and a gold-plated rim and cup. With a beautiful, mellow, and deep tone, it is quite hard not to grade this mouthpiece as one of the best mouthpieces for the bass trombone.
Pros
- Makes the sounding of pedal notes significantly easy when compared to other trombone mouthpieces.
- Also shines in the upper registers as you can also easily hit your high B flat note.
- Perfect for range expansion.
- Versatile enough for various musical styles, including jazz, big band, and classical music.
- Perfect for both intermediate and professional playing scenarios..
Cons
- Not exactly the most affordable bass trombone mouthpiece in the market.
Best bass trombone mouthpiece for players on a budget: Schilke Standard Large Shank Trombone Mouthpiece in Silver 60 SilverGold
Budget should not hinder players from experiencing the full capabilities of their instrument and thus have a rewarding learning/playing experience. This bass trombone mouthpiece tries to bridge that gap that always exists between price and quality. Schilke, just like other renowned brands is popular for producing some very top-quality trombone mouthpieces. Although it may not be as popular as its competitors in the market, it still reminds a renowned and trusted brand to reckon with as a brass player.
Schilke offers a very comprehensive line of mouthpieces to meet any playing needs by trombone players, baritone horn players, and even euphonium players. Schilke is known for providing as many functional products as possible. This mouthpiece features a cup that gives it a warm, and rich sound, just right for concert bands, orchestras, and even jazz ensembles. Also, this mouthpiece is very flexible and easy to play on. When it comes to design and ergonomics, this mouthpiece scores very high. It was designed perfectly for those low notes that might be significantly hard to hit on other mouthpieces. This is just the perfect mouthpiece for the bass trombone.
Pros
- Perfect for pedal notes and other really low notes on the bass trombone
- With this mouthpiece, you can easily go below pedal B flat and pedal G
- Precise and top quality design
- When it comes to hitting lower notes, it can compete very well with even more expensive models and brands
Cons
- Not exactly an all-round mouthpiece as it might struggle outside of the lower register
- Not very versatile
- Not quite useful for players who are not solely playing the bass trombone
Best bass trombone mouthpiece for marching bands/school bands: Vincent Bach 3416HAL 61/2AL Large Shank Trombone Mouthpiece, 6 ½
When getting a bass trombone for marching band, what you need is an affordable mouthpiece that plays not only fine and blends perfectly but that can also withstand some rough handling. Vincent Bach is not a new name in the brass industry, the brand stands firm on a reputation as one of the major makers of affordable and durable mouthpieces. With Vincent Bach, it is hard to go wrong. The Vincent Bach line of mouthpieces is a combination of artistry and top-notch engineering.
This large shank mouthpiece features a medium-deep cup depth, 25.40 mm cup diameter, and a medium-wide, well-rounded rim that all come together to give it a well-rounded and sonorous response in the lower registers. With this Vincent Bach, pedal notes and other extremely low notes become a lot less difficult and enticing to hit. Bach labels this mouthpiece as “among the largest and most powerful bass trombone mouthpieces” to be made today. Aside from performing amazingly in the lower register, this is also a very versatile mouthpiece, as it will work just fine in different playing scenarios and not just marching bands. However, it still remains a preferred choice for modern school bands, marching bands, orchestral ensembles, and even solo playing. For a powerful bass trombone playing experience, the Vincent Bach 3416HAL 61/2AL Large Shank Trombone Mouthpiece, 6 1⁄2 remains an exceptional and perfect choice.
Pros
- This is a perfect mouthpiece for beginners, intermediate, and professional bass trombone players.
- Versatile enough for different playing scenarios.
- Being from a reputable brand like Vincent Bach, you can rest assured that it will always “play up to” expectations.
- Affordable enough for most bass trombone players
Cons
- Might not perform exceptionally well in jazz and solo playing scenarios.
- Might arrive with some minor dents.
Best gold-plated bass trombone mouthpiece: Denis Wick DW4880-0AL Gold-plated Bass Trombone Mouthpiece
Although silver-plated mouthpieces are known for producing darker tones, gold-plated mouthpieces on the other hand are known for their comfort and the flexibility it offers the lips because of less friction. Silver-plated mouthpieces are also known to have a tonal characteristic that could be rightly described as “clean and lyrical.” This explains why most of the trombone mouthpieces for high notes and trombone mouthpieces for jazz are silver-plated. But, regardless, some players still crave the “clean and lyrical” sound of gold-plated brass mouthpieces. This Denis Wick DW4880-0AL Gold-plated bass trombone mouthpiece is just perfect for bass trombone players looking at infusing the unique tonal color that comes with gold-plated mouthpieces into their bass trombone playing. Apart from being unique, it also looks super stunning and unconventional.
We can describe the sound of this Denis Wick as a perfect blend of clean, heavy, and penetrating. While maintaining a unique shine in the upper register, it also does amazingly well in the lower register, especially by hitting pedal notes effortlessly. The result is a bass trombone mouthpiece that plays evenly and fluently across all registers. It shines even in the lower register – a unique tonal characteristic that is hard for other mouthpieces to replicate. Just like every other Denis Wick mouthpiece, it boasts of a specially balanced throat, backbore, and cup that helps in making playing a lot less tedious and a lot more fun. This is a perfect mouthpiece for the seasoned or exploring bass trombone player looking at exploring the full range of the bass trombone or bent on range expansion.
Pros
- Plays just fine and even across all registers.
- Perfect for range expansion.
- Versatile enough for diverse playing scenarios.
- Perfect for players of all levels.
- Top-notch aesthetic design.
- Ergonomically designed and optimized for maximum performance.
Cons
- Not exactly the most affordable bass trombone mouthpiece.
- The much-coveted dark tonal quality of the bass trombone mouthpiece has been compromised to some extent because it is gold-plated.
Best Euphonium Mouthpiece Buying Guide
What makes a good bass trombone mouthpiece?Generally, because the bass trombone plays more in the lower frequencies, a mouthpiece that will help you hit pedal notes and other lower notes with ease is regarded as a good bass trombone mouthpiece.
However, some players might have unique needs and playing settings might differ in some cases, thereby requiring that it works a bit unconventionally. For instance, some players might need mouthpieces with a bit of “shine” and some might need mouthpieces that will stand out tonally and also hit high notes more easily. Different playing needs will dictate the kind of bass trombone mouthpiece any player would opt for. But, overall, the mouthpiece that hits the lowest of notes easily is also regarded as a good bass trombone mouthpiece – “it’s All About That Bass.”
What are some of the top brands for trombone mouthpieces?
Brands like Denis Wick, Vincent Bach, Schilke, Selmer, Blessing, and Yamaha are among the most reputable maker of trombone mouthpieces.
However, although brands matter, the brand name should not always be the first thing you consider when shopping for bass trombone mouthpieces. If you are shopping online, it is best you read different reviews from previous users and buyers in order to have an honest and unbiased review of what you are about to purchase. On the other hand, if you are buying from an actual shop, it might be a great idea to go with your trombone or with someone who can play the trombone to test out and know what really suits your needs.
Do specs like rim, cup, throat size, and others actually affect the sound of the bass trombone?
The answer is “yes it does.” and here is how it affects:
Wide and round bass trombone mouthpieces always feel more comfortable – especially for bass trombonists with larger lips. It allows the bass trombone player to play for extended periods without feeling the effects of lip fatigue. On the opposite end, the more narrow rims are for more precise and somewhat lyrical playing. To get a dark and rich bass trombone tone, large cup mouthpieces will always be your best bet. On the other hand, smaller and more shallow cups tend to brighten your tone and also help reduce playing fatigue. This is the reason it is good for beginner players. When starting out as a beginner player, don’t always go for the largest of cups. For the backbore, tighter backbores will always give a bright and somewhat shiny sound, while the wider backbores are more dark and mellow. Generally, as a bass trombonist, you might want to go for the dark and mellow sound. Oftentimes, this is what is expected of the bass trombone, regardless of style and setting.
Because of the lower baritone voice of the bass trombone, a larger, deeper bowl will always provide a deeper tone and a lot more volume. A bass trombone mouthpiece with a shallow bowl will produce a brighter sound, just perfect for solo and jazz playing and also for players who double on the tenor trombone.
Which is the best option for the bass trombone; silver or gold plate mouthpieces?
This might be based on personal taste. Silver-plated mouthpieces are natural germ killers, thus, the reason we regard them as more hygienic. Also, silver is generally not as expensive as gold-plated. But the downside of silver-plate mouthpieces is that they also tarnish quite easily.
Practically, gold plating will allow your lips and the skin around the mouthpiece to warm much more quickly than it will with silver. Gold plating will give the lip more flexibility because it offers less friction when compared to silver. Tonally, gold also produces what we would describe as a “clean and lyrical sound,” as opposed to the somewhat dark and gritty sound of silver. Also, silver-plated mouthpieces give a more secure feeling due to their enhanced grip and they produce a relatively darker tone colour when compared to gold.
Conclusion and Winner(s)
After carefully analyzing everything and taking everything into consideration, I have narrowed down my options and resultantly come to a conclusion. However, it is important to mention that every mouthpiece mentioned here is amazing in its own way and, in most cases, can hold it down in most playing scenarios. But, there will always be favorites, based on certain factors.
That being said, my winner is the Denis Wick DW3180-0AL. Aesthetically, it is hard to beat this mouthpiece. Aside from aesthetics, this is just one mouthpiece that plays just perfectly. With this mouthpiece, you can get down to your pedal notes a lot more easily than with other bass trombone mouthpieces. Aside from pedal notes, it also shines pretty well in the upper register.
The second mouthpiece I have chosen is the Vincent Bach 3416HAL 61/2AL Large Shank Trombone Mouthpiece, 6 ½. This amazing mouthpiece is not only affordable but also plays just amazingly. It features an exceptional design and amazing craftsmanship. It remains an awesome choice for professionals, beginners, and intermediate players. A perfect combination of amazing engineering and artistry.
Last update on 2023-04-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
