For brass musical instruments, the mouthpiece remains one of the most important parts. It acts as that “middle-man” between the player and the horn, it contributes a great deal to the tone you produce on the horn. With the trombone, the type of mouthpiece you use affects not only your tone but your projection, playing comfort, and even technique development. Although there is no one “right mouthpiece” for every trombone player when using genre and style as a selection guideline, there are always reasonable guidelines to follow to choose the best trombone mouthpiece for yourself.
In this article, we are talking about the best trombone mouthpiece for jazz players. Basically, in Jazz music, what you want to achieve as a player is a sound that is unique and sets you apart from other players. However, this is not the case when playing in orchestras or big bands. When playing in orchestras, you want to blend in as much as possible with the rest of the players. Tone uniformity is one of the primary goals of an orchestra. Jazz trombone players always opt for mouthpieces with large and shallow cups that allow the trombone’s tone to shine. Also, these types of mouthpieces allow the player to use the full range of the trombone. Below, I list the five best trombone mouthpieces for jazz players.
 | 1. Best budget-friendly trombone mouthpiece for jazz: Blessing MPC65ALTRB, 6.5AL Designed with input from seasoned trombone players like Buff Dillard, Robert Dorer, and Dominick Farinacci, always the first choice in jazz and blues | Buy on Amazon |
 | 2. Best trombone mouthpiece for jazz players aiming for a broad and wider sound: Vincent Bach 3415G A perfectly designed 5G trombone mouthpiece for that solid, big, and penetrating jazz stone with much tonal emphasis in the lower registers. | Buy on Amazon |
 | 3. Best medium-bore trombone mouthpiece for jazz: Denis Wick DW5880-10CS Flexible and highly responsive across all three registers. | Buy on Amazon |
 | 4. Best tenor trombone mouthpiece for jazz: Schilke Standard Series Small Shank (51D Silver) A blend of affordable, sturdiness, durable and ergonomic design – perfect for jazz playing scenarios. | Buy on Amazon |
 | 5. Best large-bore trombone mouthpiece for jazz: Yamaha 48L Large Shank (YAC SLL48) Silver-plated for extra durability, highly affordable, consistent in all three registers | Buy on Amazon |
Best Trombone Mouthpieces For Jazz Reviewed
Best budget-friendly trombone mouthpiece for jazz Blessing MPC65ALTRB
In the world of brass, “Blessing” remains a household and very reliable name. Even though they may not have the reputation and prestige of brands like Vincent Bach, they are still not the kind of brand brass players will casually discharge. The MPC65ALTRB, 6.5AL mouthpieces, although designed at “Blessing,” is made by Terry Warburton in Florida, and by Lausmann in Germany. I once had a trombone player friend who also played with this mouthpiece in a small jazz ensemble I belonged to. It amazed me that this relatively cheap mouthpiece could project so well. Although he was a more advanced player, he also made me understand the mouthpiece contributed a great deal to his ability to “sound big” and also hit some high notes on the trombone.
It is also fascinating to know that ‘Blessings” developed the designs for their mouthpieces with input from seasoned trombone players like Buff Dillard, Robert Dorer, and Dominick Farinacci. It has a small shank of #6 1/2AL. This mouthpiece can also be used for baritone and euphonium. If you are looking for a decent trombone mouthpiece for jazz but don’t wish to spend so much money, I will recommend this. Also, it works well for total beginners to intermediate players.
Pros:
- Very budget-friendly.
- Long-lasting and sturdy.
- Perfect fit for both Euphonium and Baritone.
- With inputs from seasoned players like Buff Dillard, Robert Dorer, and Dominick Farinacci, you can’t expect less.
- Responsive in all three registers
- The size makes it perfect for a trombone player who also doubles as a lead trumpet player.
Cons:
- The finishing on the plating of some might not be 100% perfect.
- Not the best choice for professional players
Best trombone mouthpiece for jazz players aiming for a broad and wider sound Vincent Bach 3415G
If you are looking for a trombone mouthpiece that will give you a wide and broader tone in jazz, then I recommend you go for this. When playing this, you feel that this is bigger than models like the Bach 6 1/2. However, you will need a greater amount of air to get this sounding because of its enormous size. But you will definitely hear the sound difference. This is a 5G mouthpiece, and it sounds broader than its smaller counterparts. For most players, hitting lower notes with this becomes quite easier compared to hitting it on the 6 ½. With a bit of practice, you might even play the same high as on the 6 1/2.
If what you are aiming for as a jazz trombone player is a solid, big, and more penetrating tone, then consider getting one of these. Being a large-shank mouthpiece, it is intended for tenors and larger trombones. It has a deep of 25.50 mm cup, and a medium-wide, semi-flat rim. The cup diameter is smaller than that of 1G, but it is still very large and deep, with the sonority that fits any jazz scenario.
Pros:
- Being a 5G mouthpiece, it sounds quite big and broad.
- The lower register which is quite a frequently used register by trombone players is quite easy to access with this mouthpiece.
- Good for players of all levels, from beginners to seasoned professionals
Cons:
- Not everyone can afford to spend that much on a small piece of metal
- Only for large-bore horns.
Best medium-bore trombone mouthpiece for jazz Denis Wick DW5880-10CS
If you want a medium-bore trombone mouthpiece with great clarity and projection for jazz, then Denis Wick DW5880-10CS is exactly what you have been looking for. I have heard a few trombonist friends who are also jazz musicians play with this mouthpiece. My first impression of this medium bore mouthpiece was awesome. It sounded clean, loud, and clear in all three registers. The clean articulation of sounds and perfect intonation is what makes this mouthpiece the perfect mouthpiece for jazz trombonists who want that clean and pitch-perfect sound from their trombones.
This flexibility and perfect intonation come because of the great attention to detail by the manufacturers. The Denis Wick DW5880-10CS has a specially balanced throat, backbore, and cup that makes it ideal and just perfect for jazz players. It is specifically for medium-bore, alto, and jazz trombone.
Pros:
- Although designed for medium bore trombones, we can also use it on small-bore trombones.
- Quite a flexible mouthpiece as it can shine in other genres and styles too.
- Perfect for players of all levels ranging from total beginners to seasoned professionals.
- Sounds great in all three registers.
- Perfect finishing because of Dennis Wick’s attention to detail.
Cons:
- Although not on the high side price-wise, it is not still what I would call “budget-friendly.’
Best tenor trombone mouthpiece for jazz Schilke Standard Series (51D Silver)
If you play the tenor trombone, and you are searching for a small shank mouthpiece for jazz, then you should consider getting this silver-plated mouthpiece. The shank of this mouthpiece will fit perfectly well with tenor trombones and small shank euphoniums. This mouthpiece does not only sound great for jazz, but It also feels great on the lips, has a solid weight, looks sturdy, and has an amazing deep cup.
With the silver plate on this mouthpiece, you will get more than excellent hygiene, if cleaned and washed often. Also, you will be able to produce very clean and heavy tones in the lower register. Because it is well-rounded and robust, it will not only be easy to blow into but will also last for a long time. This mouthpiece best fits tenor trombonists who wish to create that unique jazz tone but also want a mouthpiece that will last for long.
Pros:
- Because of its sturdiness, it will last for a very long time.
- Good for both professionals and beginners.
- Because it is silver plated, it is more hygienic than most mouthpieces out there.
- Great choice if you also double as a euphonium player as you can use this on small shank euphoniums too.
Cons:
- Because the shank is longer than that of most mouthpieces, it might play a bit flat on some trombones.
Best large-Bore trombone mouthpiece for jazz Yamaha 48L (YAC SLL48)
If what you want is a high-quality large bore trombone mouthpiece that does not only project loud and plays lower notes better but also perfect for jazz, then you should consider getting this. The 48L is plated with silver. The 48L plays so smoothly and loud in the lower register. So it doesn’t matter if you are playing in a jazz band or taking a jazz solo, your trombone will be heard no matter what.
Apart from being a very decent mouthpiece, the brand name Yamaha also adds some extra points to what it already has. The 48L comes with a well-balanced rim and cup that make this such a great utility mouthpiece for all-around playing. It has a 25.25mm inner diameter, standard cup
Standard rim, semi-narrow backbore, and extra thick silver plating for added durability and longevity. The 48L will fit any brand or model of trombone, baritone, or euphonium that uses a large shank receiver.
Pros:
- Very affordable for most people
- The silver plate makes it more durable.
- Consistent in all three registers
- Perfect for players of all levels.
Cons:
- Might come with some minor dents at the mouth section.
Best Trombone Mouthpiece for Jazz Buying Guide
Which Brand and Size?
When searching for the best trombone mouthpiece for jazz, have it in mind that no two brands will use the same numbering system to indicate size. Also, each trombone mouthpiece brand will have differing rim profiles. What this means is that some will feel more comfortable than others. However, “comfort” is subjective as what may be comfortable for you may turn out to be uncomfortable for some other player. This is because the lip of every player will have a different physical structure that makes it different from that of another player. Having said that, rather than ask which model or which size is the best, below are some very practical questions to ask yourself to help you choose your best trombone mouthpiece for jazz.
What is Your Goal?
Like I said at the beginning of this article, in jazz what you want is to stand out and not blend in. Although there might be scenarios where you’ll have to play simultaneously with other horn players, they’ll also be cases where you will need to play solo. Whatever the case is, what you need in jazz is a unique tone that sets you apart from other players. But, here is what a lot of people will not tell you about developing your unique tone.
The truth is that your trombone mouthpiece only contributes a tiny fraction to your tone as a trombone player. Yes, you heard me well, a very tiny fraction. To a casual and appreciative listener, it will be extremely hard to tell that you have changed your mouthpiece. A friend once told me that if a seasoned jazz player like Charlie Parker changes his horn or the mouthpiece of his horn or any other vital accessory, that it will be quite hard and almost impossible to tell the difference.
Your unique tone as a jazz trombonist comes from a combination of factors like phrasing, articulation, breathing, and many other techniques. In essence, 95% of your tone comes from you and not your mouthpiece. A seasoned trombone player can use a mouthpiece labeled “classical” or “student model” and still shine so bright in a jazz band. My point is, it is very good to choose a trombone mouthpiece that is good for jazz, but more importantly, chooses a trombone mouthpiece that feels comfortable and in turn, helps you develop your distinct tone as a jazz trombonist. Greater work in sounding like a jazz trombonist lies in your rehearsals and technique development. So, choose a mouthpiece that will last and take you through this development process. Choose a mouthpiece that doesn’t just sound great, but you are also comfortable blowing into.
Know the Parts of the Trombone Mouthpiece
Rim
This is the round edge of the mouthpiece that you will place your lips against to get the trombone sounding. The rim is one of the most crucial parts to consider when choosing a trombone mouthpiece for jazz. What works for many trombonists, especially beginners, is a medium-wide rim with a semi-rounded contour and a slightly sharp inner edge. This type of rim gives just enough surface for comfortable lip pressure while giving the lip the needed movement to produce a wide range of tones.
Cup
This is the area inside the rim that the player blows into. The larger and deeper the cup, the darker the tone and greater the volume the trombone can produce. Obviously, large cups will require lots of control. This, however, can result in the player quickly getting tired. On the other hand, smaller and shallower cups produce brighter tones. They also improve control and response and require much less effort. However, when the cups are too shallow, the volume dies.
Throat
The throat is that opening leading out of the cup. The throat allows you to push air from the cup and concentrate it into a stream with just an adequate amount of backpressure providing tonal control. A mouthpiece with a bigger throat will allow you to blow harder and bring out more volume. However, it will require more air pressure from your lungs and make playing soft passages a lot more difficult. On the opposite end, a throat that is too small will choke your tone and will feel more uncomfortable.
Backbore
The backbore is the last chamber. It is the chamber that transfers your breath to the horn. The shape and size of the backbore can produce either a brighter or darker tone, raise or lower volume, and raise or lower pitch. The best backbore is that which is neither small nor big.
Conclusion and Winner
Having put every factor into consideration, I was left with no option but to choose the Denis Wick DW5880-10CS jazz trombone mouthpiece as the winner. This mouthpiece comes with a specially balanced throat, backbore, and cup that makes it ideal and just perfect for jazz players. It is specifically for medium-bore, alto, and jazz trombone. Also, it can work perfectly well with small-bore trombones too. Also, it looks quite amazing. Also, the Yamaha 48L Large Shank (YAC SLL48) comes second. Yamaha is one brand that I can always trust, and trust me, they didn’t go wrong with this one. The 48L is a high-quality large shank trombone mouthpiece that does not only project loud and plays lower notes better but also perfect for jazz. Lastly, the 48L is very affordable.
Last update on 2023-04-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
