5 Best Trumpet Mouthpieces for High Notes

best trumpet mouthpiece for high notes

Trumpets remain one of the most popular musical instruments in the world. It is widely used across genres, cultures, and styles. Aside from being featured in many contemporary styles of music like pop, jazz, blues, funk, gospel, world, and many others, the trumpet is also one of the oldest musical instruments. The first known trumpets can be traced back to 1500 BC and earlier. Although being an instrument with a wide dynamic range, oftentimes, the trumpet shines and performs best in the upper registers. The beauty of the trumpet is always in the high notes and this explains why many trumpet players will always go for mouthpieces that will shine a little brighter and also make the upper register a bit easier to access. In this article, we will talk about some of the best trumpet mouthpieces for high notes.

Schilke Standard Series Trumpet Mouthpiece Group I In Silver 14A4a Silver 1.Editor’s choice for best trumpet mouthpiece for high notes Schilke Standard Series 14A4a
With a standard rim shape and overall design that makes it comfortable for most players, this mouthpiece will make the higher registers a lot easier to access.
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Glory Silver Plated Bb Trumpet Mouthpiece,7c 2.Best cheap trumpet mouthpiece for high notes   Glory Silver Plated Bb Trumpet Mouthpiece,7c
Perfect for both beginners and professionals, this mouthpiece is not just cheap but professionally crafted to make both higher notes and your overall tone sound better on the trumpet. 
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Bach Trumpet Mouthpiece 3C 3. Best professional trumpet mouthpiece for high notes Bach Trumpet Mouthpiece 3C
Professionally crafted, this trumpet mouthpiece was designed for the seasoned pro and enthusiastic intermediate player for the higher register and overall tonal development. 
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Yamaha Trumpet Mouthpiece Bobby Shew Signature Jazz (YAC SHEWJAZZ) 4.Best jazz trumpet mouthpiece for high notes Yamaha Trumpet Mouthpiece Bobby Shew Signature Jazz
Designed for the professional and beginning jazz musician looking for that mouthpiece good for high notes and crafting of their overall sound.
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Vincent Bach Bach L5515MV Commercial Trumpet Mouthpiece, Size 5MV, Lacquer 5. Best beginner trumpet mouthpiece for high notes Vincent Bach Bach L5515MV
Designed to provide absolute comfort to the beginner and intermediate player while also helping them craft a perfect tone.  
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5 Best Trumpet Mouthpieces for High  Notes Reviewed

Editor’s choice for best trumpet mouthpiece for high notes: Schilke Standard Series 14A4a

Schilke Standard Series 14A4a

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One thing about Schilke mouthpieces is that, unlike other brands, it does not just help with increasing volume and projection. It also does a great job in overall range expansion, tone crafting, and accessing of the register. This mouthpiece is just another masterpiece from the Schilke brand of trumpet mouthpieces. It was designed to not only play perfectly well but also feel super comfortable – comfortable enough for longer and extended playing sessions. Featuring a standard rim shape, cup volume, and backbore, this mouthpiece will make the higher register a lot easier to access than any other mouthpiece in the same price range. 

With its flattened rim, this mouthpiece is one of the most comfortable mouthpieces you will ever play on. It provides a perfect and comfortable base for your lips to rest on while doing a tremendous job in the upper registers. Because it is silver, you can also worry less about poor hygiene and bacteria build-up as it is very easy to clean up after each use. Also, the silver coating adds some extra durability as it is very much resistant to the normal wear and tears/tarnishing that comes with other finishes. So, you can rest assured that this mouthpiece will last you for a very long period while still looking new and all clean. 

They carefully designed the neck and cup size of this mouthpiece to restrict excessive airflow into your trumpet. As a result, you have a mouthpiece that flawlessly responds to those very high trumpet notes. Aside from being an amazing trumpet mouthpiece for high notes, it is also quite useful for all-round tone building as it also plays effortlessly across all registers. If you are looking to upgrade from a student mouthpiece to something more professional and durable, then this might be the perfect choice for you.

Pros

  • Designed to last long and guide you through your playing years. 
  • The shallow cup and narrow shank make it perfect for hitting high notes on the trumpet. 
  • Perfect for all-round tone development regardless of genre or style. 
  • A perfect and inexpensive upgrade for players looking to try out something more professional than a student or intermediate mouthpiece. 
  • Designed to be comfortable on the lips regardless of how long you play on it. 
  • The projection is awesome.

Cons

  • None that I can come up with. 

Best cheap trumpet mouthpiece for high notes: Glory Silver Plated Bb Trumpet Mouthpiece,7c

Glory Silver Plated Bb Trumpet Mouthpiece,7c

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Getting an amazing trumpet mouthpiece for high notes should not cost you a fortune. This Glory 7C mouthpiece bridges the gap that typically exists between top-quality and affordability by being of exceptional quality while also being surprisingly cheap. Having the “Amazon’s Choice” badge is also proof that this is one trumpet mouthpiece that outperforms its price tag. With a shine in the upper register and overall tone that beats almost every other mouthpiece in this price range, it is hard not to notice how exceptional this Glory 7C mouthpiece is. 

Perfect for starters and intermediate players, this mouthpiece makes playing high notes and other registers on the trumpet surprisingly easy. Being ergonomically designed, beginners can play on this for as long as and also easily produce notes that might be hard to produce with other mouthpieces. This is perfect for beginners who do not want to spend a whole lot but still need something decent and professionally designed for the early days of their trumpet playing. It is also perfect for teachers and players who are majoring in other wind instruments but occasionally pick up the trumpet. 

Being compatible with almost every trumpet in the market, this is a perfect mouthpiece for players who played on much smaller mouthpieces but wish to migrate to something bigger. This mouthpiece is not just perfect for high notes, it is awesome for overall range expansion as it also performs magic in the lower registers. The rounded rim ensures comfort for long and extended playing hours. It is perfect, both as a substitute and as the main trumpet mouthpiece. It is durable, comfortable, and sturdy; it will last for a long period of time. 

Pros

  • Super affordable.
  • Perfect for beginners and intermediate players. 
  • Versatile enough for different styles of playing.
  • Good for both higher and lower registers.
  • Comfortable for longer playing hours.

Cons

  • After some time, the silver will tarnish and will need a replacement. 

Best professional trumpet mouthpiece for high notes: Bach Trumpet Mouthpiece 3C

Bach Trumpet Mouthpiece 3C

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When it comes to trumpet mouthpieces, Bach has always and will always be a major player. With a reputation for making some of the best pro-level trumpet mouthpieces in the world, this Bach mouthpiece is just another masterpiece (no pun intended). Being a medium-sized mouthpiece with a narrow cup, you can rest assured that you will comfortably hit those high notes and a range of other seemingly hard notes on the trumpet. Designed for the seasoned pro, this mouthpiece is comfortable and gentle on the lips and it will support longer playing hours and professional demands. 

The size and the overall design of this amazing mouthpiece are to give you a great level of tonal and air control on the trumpet. Although this will help you play high notes more easily, you will still be in total control of how it works. With a very hygienic and easy-to-maintain silver body, you need not worry about hygiene issues, especially if you are going to play for longer sessions. 

Although being a bit on the high side when comparing the price to other mouthpieces, this mouthpiece lives not only up to its high reputation as a Bach product, but it is also worth every penny on its price tag. The intonation is flawless and even across all registers; it is ergonomically designed; it works just fine for professional playing scenarios and even for less demanding playing scenarios. When it comes to Bach, they have never got it wrong, and this mouthpiece is another testament to that. 

Pros

  • Perfect for range expansion and tone crafting. 
  • An outstanding choice for pro-level and intermediate jazz players. 
  • Comfortable on the lips.
  • The size is perfect for high notes.
  • Gives you some more control over the trumpet.

Cons

  • For a trumpet mouthpiece, this is not exactly cheap. 

Best jazz trumpet mouthpiece for high notes: Yamaha Trumpet Mouthpiece Bobby Shew Signature Jazz

Yamaha Trumpet Mouthpiece Bobby Shew Signature Jazz

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In collaboration with Bobby Shew, the legendary jazz soloist, Yamaha designed this amazing mouthpiece. It doesn’t matter if you are just starting or if you are a seasoned professional, this mouthpiece will definitely help you find your unique sound as a trumpeter. With a big sound and an unrivaled crispness/clarity in the upper registers, this is one of the best trumpet mouthpieces for high notes. This is an exceptional fit for jazz players who are looking to craft that penetrating solo trumpet sound that will always set them apart from the rest. 

Over the years, Yamaha has built a reputation as one of the best musical instruments and gadget makers in the entire world. From student model instruments to pro-level mouthpieces like this one, you can always trust Yamaha to give nothing but the best when it comes to manufacturing and design. The roomy cup of the mouthpiece will help you achieve that much-coveted warm and big jazz trumpet sound, while also giving you the very needed shine and projection in the upper registers. 

With a 16.85mm inner diameter, a standard cup, a semi-round, and semi-thick rim, and a standard backbore, this mouthpiece does not just play amazingly well, it is also super comfortable to play on. For extra durability and longevity, it features an extra thick silver plating. Thai silver plating also makes it quite easy to maintain and aesthetically pleasing. It perfectly fits all models and brands of standard trumpets. For that perfect jazz tone and crisp high notes, this mouthpiece might be your best bet. 

Pros

  • Gives you utmost tonal control. 
  • Perfect for jazz trumpeters, looking to mould their tone. 
  • Designed with inputs from and in collaboration with a renowned jazz player. 
  • Perfect for players who do more solo passages. 
  • Also great for ensemble playing.

Cons

  • Might not be an awesome fit for some classical players.

Best beginner trumpet mouthpiece for high notes: Vincent Bach Bach L5515MV

Vincent Bach Bach L5515MV

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Perfect for both the beginner and intermediate player, this Vincent Bach is another testament to the fact that Vincent Bach never goes wrong with trumpet mouthpieces. With a crisp and even tone that sets it apart from all other beginner mouthpieces, you can rest assured that this is one mouthpiece that will stick with you through your beginning days as a trumpet player and even as a pro player. Designed with comfort and ergonomics in mind, this mouthpiece sits perfectly and comfortably on your lips and reduces playing fatigue while also helping you ring out those penetrating high notes. 

It is an awesome mouthpiece for beginners looking to ring out those high notes. Although it might be a great idea to get a backing mouthpiece that is more of an all-rounder as this mouthpiece was specially designed for high notes. However, lower notes might be a bit of a challenge on this, but the high notes remain clean, clear, easy, and strong. Aesthetically, this mouthpiece looks just as fine as it plays. It is also quite easy to maintain and will definitely last for a long period of time, withstanding heavy and continuous usage. 

Pros

  • For the price, none that I can
  • Makes high notes easy to play while also giving a big sound. 
  • Perfect for jazz players and soloists.
  • Great projection. 
  • Easy to maintain and keep clean.
  • Long-lasting and sturdy. 

Cons

  • Does not perform so well in the lower registers.
  • Might need to get a backup mouthpiece that is more of an all-rounder. 
  • Not exactly the cheapest.

Trumpet Mouthpieces for High Notes Buying Guide

What size of trumpet mouthpiece is best for high notes?

The higher the number on the label of the mouthpiece, the easier it is to produce high notes. For example, 7C and 12C are awesome for high notes. 7C mouthpieces are known to produce quite a brilliant tone and are perfect for beginners to play on. 
However, when it comes to high notes, your techniques count as much as the size of the type of trumpet mouthpiece you are using. The mouthpiece is just to create a soft landing for you when starting out. Although it is quite important to choose a befitting mouthpiece, it is also crucial you take some time to build your embouchure and overall playing technique. A well-versed trumpet player will most likely effortlessly ring out those high notes regardless of the size or type of mouthpiece they are using. The mouthpiece is important, but debating on which mouthpiece is best for a certain trumpet playing technique can get a little subjective. Your playing technique will always be a leading factor. 
Also, it is important to know that although mouthpieces with higher numbers are great for high notes, a 3C mouthpiece is always regarded as an all-rounder. This means they are great for both high notes and low notes. But, they may not shine so bright in the higher registers as the mouthpieces with higher numbers, but they perform fairly well in all registers. Another thing to note is that some mouthpieces like the Schilke Standard Series 14A4a, and the Yamaha Trumpet Bobby Shew Signature Jazz may not always have the “C” in their size label. This is because they are regarded as specialty mouthpieces. They are designed to be excellent in a certain aspect, in this case, the high register. That is why these mouthpieces will not always use the conventional labeling system. 

What size of trumpet mouthpiece is best for beginners?

For beginners, the 7C mouthpiece is the most commonly recommended. This is because the 7C feels a lot more comfortable and it is quite easy to produce sound using the 7C mouthpiece. 

What makes a good trumpet mouthpiece? 

When choosing a trumpet mouthpiece, there are certain factors you should put into consideration. An important factor is comfort. The mouthpiece you choose has to be comfortable enough for you to use. Also, always remember to go for the higher numbers if you are looking to hit those high notes and the lower numbers if you are interested in the lower notes. 

What does “C” stand for in trumpet mouthpiece numbering?

“C” stands for cup volume or cup depth. The numbers (3 or 7) stand for the rim diameter or aperture. The smaller the number, the bigger the rim diameter. 7C has a smaller rim diameter compared to 3C, and 5C is always between 7C and 3C. 

Conclusion and Winner(s)

All the mouthpieces mentioned here are quite amazing and will definitely perform some magic in the higher register. You can rest assured that every here was carefully selected after an extended practical and theoretical research. However, the Schilke Standard Series 14A4a made it to the top of this list for a few reasons. Being more of an all-rounder, this mouthpiece will not only help you hit those high notes, but it will also play an outstanding role in helping you craft a tone for yourself. For players looking to upgrade from a student model trumpet mouthpiece, it remains an inexpensive but major upgrade. It was designed to feel comfortable and also last a long period of time. It is an awesome fit for professionals, intermediate, and even total beginners. 

The next mouthpiece on this list is the super affordable Glory Silver Plated Bb Trumpet Mouthpiece,7c. Being a 7C mouthpiece, this is an awesome fit for both total beginners and the seasoned pro. It makes the playing of high notes easy and seamless. Perfect for jazz and other styles that will require a penetrating and bright trumpet sound. This mouthpiece has bridged the gap between top-quality and affordability; you don’t have to spend a fortune to get this masterpiece. As a matter of fact, this is one mouthpiece every trumpet player should have in their trumpet case. 

Last update on 2023-04-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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