Customer Reviews

Bach Trumpet Mouthpiece 3C

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The Bach 3C is about as standard a trumpet mouthpiece as you can get and is usually the first step-up mouthpiece from the beginner's 7C. Mouthpieces are such and individual matter, and many players get neurotic about it, so before you go off and spend a bunch of money in search of the perfect piece, invest $34 (or whatever the going price) in this one and play on it for a bit. If it works for you, fantastic; if it doesn't, you haven't spent much and you'll have a better idea of what you're after. Some players swear by it, others swear AT it - no surprise there. Even if you go to another piece, keep this one, as your embouchure or methods may change (or hang onto it for your own kid some day).
Another reason to start with this is that many trumpeters you'll meet have played on it, so they can tell you what they like or don't like about it and you can go from there. Oh, yeah, talk to your teacher about it, of course.

It's hard to review a mouthpiece, because every brass player is going to have a preference as to what they like in a mouthpiece based on their embouchure, the shape and size of their lips, the type of playing they do, etc. I will say that the Bach 3C is a nice all-around mouthpiece for both classical and jazz playing. The diameter allows me to both create a nice, open sound but still have the ability to add zip for jazz/lead trumpet playing. Most lead players would venture towards a shallower mouthpiece, but I've found it is much easier for me to play high on this since it allows for the swelling of the lips that eventually occurs (I bottom out on shallower mouthpieces).

For those beginners looking for a progression to follow, many start on a Bach 7C, then to 5C(late middle school), then 3C (high school). Some move on to the 1.5C (if you practice a lot and it fits your embouchure), or venture out to other brands. Everyone develops differently, so these suggestions are just general guidelines. Talk with your music teacher or private instructor before any mouthpiece switch. I've played for 26 years, tried many mouthpieces, and came back to the 3C because it is just a great mouthpiece, so moving on from the 3C isn't necessary if you are creating the type of sound you like.

Good luck! Give any mouthpiece switch at least a month to take hold - Don't judge it from just a few days.

my son is very happy with the 3c Bach trumpet mouthpiece. The mouthpiece arrived in a timely fashion, in new condition, original wrapping, not a scratch on it.

Like many other reviewers have mentioned, mouthpieces are such a personal decision that it is tough to review them. Based on my personal experience of 20+ years of playing, I can say that I have gone back to the 3C a number of years ago after trying a variety of mouthpieces in college. I had used a 1 1/2C and then a 1 1/4C at my trumpet professor's instruction. With those mouthpieces I found myself having some range difficulties and lack of comfort while playing in the upper register. For me, the 3C is a good balance allowing easier upper register playing while keeping the tone that I desire. Also, as I have bigger lips I actually found it more beneficial to use a smaller rim to help focus my embouchure. This has worked very well for me and has helped me improve my playing.

This is a great mouthpiece. You might have to twist it to get to fit in you trumpet but its great. I have braces and this really helps in the 6 years ive been playing.

I got this for my cousin who just started playing trumpet. I told him to get a 3c mouthpiece because that's what I did when I played years ago. So I got him this and now all he does is rave about how much better he is able to play with this over the 7c that came with his trumpet. Also you can never go wrong with Bach, very good brand.

Bach is one of the household names in trumpeting, so you can trust the quality of this mouthpiece. If you're new to the horn and are wondering about size, I'm a rookie all over again (after 35 years away!) and find the 3C pretty similar to the standard 7C that comes with pretty much every trumpet, but just ever so slightly easier for hitting low notes, with no real sacrifice on the highs.

It places and fits better than the default 7C

I use the standard 7C to warm up, and then switch to the 3C for performance.

Mouthpiece receives your technique

This mouthpiece offer's less resistance, however, this mouthpiece cannot give great stellar sound if you don't have great stellar technique.

It responds well to buzzing and works in just about any Bach trumpet (from my limited experience). It's currently what I play on- my third try at the perfect mouthpiece. Just make sure you clean it every now and then by running water through the main pipe so as to get rid of any muck that might have built up.

For newbies: The Bach Mouthpiece sizing scale: The higher the number the smaller the diameter/cup of the mouthpiece is. Thus, the 7C is smaller than the 3C.

Disclaimer: I have only played on Bach mouthpieces, so I would not be able to compare it to anything else.

I was a band buddy in elementary, middle, and high school. I highly recommend BACH products for brass instruments. The mouthpieces are just made better and are easier to re-shape, for parents like me who have beginner brass players in the house, re-shaping after dropping the mouthpiece is an every day occurrence. Most beginning band classes recommend 3C but you will have to speak with your local band director about which size mouthpiece to purchase, BACH makes different sizes.