Schilke Trumpet MouthpieceSchilke Mouthpiece Numbering SystemsThe Schilke method of mouthpiece labeling has been designed to assist the student, teacher, amateur and professional in selecting a mouthpiece to meet the needs of the player. All mouthpieces come with standard rim shapes, cup volumes, and backbores unless shown otherwise on the mouthpieces. This method enables the player to know the characteristics of their trumpet mouthpiece.Example: a trumpet mouthpiece using this method might be called 9C3cUsing this example, 9 refers to the CUP DIAMETER Smallest numbers have smallest diameters C E. Large C refers to the CUP VOLUME A. Small Cup B. Medium-small C. Standard (medium size) D. Medium-large E. Large 3 refers to the RIM CONTOUR 1 Rounded 2 Semi-rounded 3 Standard 4 Semi-flat 5 Only slightly rounded c refers to the BACKBORE a. Tight b. Straight c. Standard d. Slightly curved out e. Large When a Schilke mouthpiece has a standard backbore, rim and cup, only the cup diameter (first number) is shown on the mouthpiece. In the example above only the #9 is necessary to identify the mouthpiece because the C is the standard cup volume, 3 is the standard rim, and c is the standard backbore. Whenever measurements differ from the standard sizes the alterations are shown on the mouthpiece.CUP DIAMETER (First number in label)Most trumpet and cornet mouthpieces have a cap diameter that falls between .600" and . 725". Nos. 1 to 25 in the Schilke system represent sections of .005" each between these two measurements. Cup diameters for mouthpieces other than trumpet and cornet are relative to each other with the smallest numbers representing the smallest diametersCUP VOLUME (First letter in label)In general the deep cup mouthpieces produce the darkest sounds. In reverse the shallow cup mouthpieces produce the brightest sounds and also aid in the production of the high register. The Schilke "C" cup is a comprise which offers both full tone and ease of production. In switching f
