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Trumpet, Cornet and Flugelhorn Mouthpieces PDF Print E-mail

Concept of the Warburton System

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The Warburton system facilitates the brass player's choosing of a rim diameter, cup style and depth, with a backbore to best balance his/her sound and resistance. This choice ultimately affords one the most efficient mouthpiece with which to perform in any given playing situation.

This two-piece system consists of fully interchangeable "TOP" sections and "BACKBORE" sections. Due to the multiplicity of demands placed upon the modern brass player, the various cup designs have been chosen for ability to produce the most desired sound in any playing idiom.

The backbore sizes compliment the cup designs and further assist in the refinement and "fine-tuning" of the sound. Consideration has been given even to the placement of the backbore into the receiver (amount of gap).

Final Cut

The Warburton system allows the player the opportunity to personally "balance" their equipment. This can now be accomplished without the necessity of traveling to a mouthpiece maker or waiting for a mail-order custom made piece that often does not work and cannot be exchanged.

Warburton backbores are available in thirteen standard sizes for Trumpet, Cornet, Schilke Piccolo Trumpet and Blackburn Piccolo Trumpet.

With many years of experience, the Warburton staff can assist you in choosing a mouthpiece well suited to your needs.

In addition to the Warburton component-based system, custom mouthpiece work is our specialty. We can modify any manufacturer's mouthpiece to work with Warburton components. Gold plating is available too.

How to choose the appropriate Warburton Mouthpiece

Note the size of the mouthpiece currently used and consult the Approximate Comparison Charts below to find the Warburton mouthpiece diameter that is the closest to the diameter of the present mouthpiece. This is a good place to start unless there is difficulty with the diameter size of the present mouthpiece (i.e. too large? or too small?). After choosing a comfortable diameter, try one diameter size up and down to confirm the diameter selection.

Select an intermediate size backbore (6 or 7). Note that at this point this backbore is for test purposes and is to be used to settle in on diameter and cup shape. Other backbores will be tested later to balance the sound.

Play various cup models of the chosen diameter according to performance needs and desired sound:

Desired Sound Try these cups
Studio lead or piccolo soundS, SV, or M
Brass quintetM, MC, or MD
OrchestralMC, MD, D, or XD


Repeat the same musical passage, such as a scale, and compare the changes in timbre and settle in on which sounds the best. Remember, compare sound, not technique.

Using the cup selected, try a tighter backbore (one with a lower number), then one that is more open (one with a higher number). There will be a noticeable difference in the way it blows as well as in the way it sounds. This will give you a good idea of which direction to move to find a backbore that will suit your needs. While the Star (*) series backbores may feel more free blowing, depending on the player, these backbores may not focus as well as the standard series. This will be a personal choice.

Once a combination has been selected, go back and confirm the cup selection and then play the original mouthpiece as a comparison. You and your listener will hear a difference and you will feel a difference.

Remember that different styles of music may require different equipment to achieve the appropriate sound for the job. So, change equipment to get the optimum sound, not the method of playing.

If you run into a situation during a fitting session that you need assistance with, remember that help is only a phone call away at 1-800-638-1950.

Note: It is a good idea to have a listener familiar with your sound, or one whose judgment you trust, present for the entire fitting session.

Top Specifications and Approximate Equivalents

Please Note: Differences in rim contour between manufacturers make exact comparisons impossible. However, these charts may help you to find an appropriate starting point. Please call us at the factory to discuss your specific needs. We are all brass players and are more than willing to assist you in your search for the best possible equipment.

Please visit our online store for pricing and ordering information

Warburton Size #1 - Inside Diameter .690" (17.5mm)

Warburton ModelBachSchilkeReevesGiardinelli
1ESNo EquivalentNo EquivalentNo EquivalentNo Equivalent
1ESVNo EquivalentNo EquivalentNo EquivalentNo Equivalent
1SNo EquivalentNo EquivalentNo Equivalent1S
1SV"""No Equivalent
1M"""M
1MC"19B"No Equivalent
1MD"19"1C
1D"19D"1B
1XD"No Equivalent"No Equivalent

 

Warburton Size #2 - Inside Diameter .680" (17.25mm)
Warburton ModelBachSchilkeReevesGiardinelli
2ESNo EquivalentNo EquivalentNo EquivalentNo Equivalent
2ESVNo EquivalentNo EquivalentNo EquivalentNo Equivalent
2SNo EquivalentNo EquivalentNo EquivalentNo Equivalent
2SV""""
2M""""
2MC"17B""
2MD1X17""
2D1B17D""
2XD1ANo Equivalent""

 

Warburton Size #3 - Inside Diameter .670" (17mm)
Warburton ModelBachSchilkeReevesGiardinelli
3ESNo EquivalentNo EquivalentNo EquivalentNo Equivalent
3ESVNo EquivalentNo EquivalentNo EquivalentNo Equivalent
3S No EquivalentNo Equivalent3S
3SV1, 1 1/2 E15A"No Equivalent
3M1, 1 1/2 DNo Equivalent"3M
3MC1, 1 1/2 C15B"No Equivalent
3MD1, 1 1/4 C15"3C
3D1, 1 1/2 B15D"3B
3XD1, 1 1/2 ANo Equivalent"No Equivalent

 

Warburton Size #4 - Inside Diameter .660" (16.75mm)
Warburton ModelBachSchilkeReevesGiardinelli
4ESNo EquivalentNo Equivalent43ESNo Equivalent
4ESVNo EquivalentNo EquivalentNo EquivalentNo Equivalent
4SNo EquivalentNo EquivalentNo Equivalent6S
4SV3E14A43SNo Equivalent
4M3DNo Equivalent43M6M
4MCMT.V.3C14B43CNo Equivalent
4MD2C, 5C14No Equivalent6C
4D5B14D"6B
4XDNo EquivalentNo Equivalent"No Equivalent

 

Warburton Size #5 - Inside Diameter .650" (16.5mm)
Warburton ModelBachSchilkeReevesGiardinelli
5ESNo EquivalentNo EquivalentNo EquivalentNo Equivalent
5ESVNo EquivalentNo EquivalentNo EquivalentNo Equivalent
5SNo EquivalentNo Equivalent42ES7S
5SV6E13A42SNo Equivalent
5M6DNo Equivalent42M7M
5MC6C12B, 13B42CNo Equivalent
5MD613No Equivalent7C
5D6B13D"7B
5XD6ANo Equivalent"No Equivalent

 

Warburton Size #6 - Inside Diameter .640" (16.25mm)
Warburton ModelBachSchilkeReevesGiardinelli
6ESNo EquivalentNo Equivalent41ESNo Equivalent
6ESVNo EquivalentNo EquivalentNo EquivalentNo Equivalent
6SNo Equivalent10A41SNo Equivalent
6SV7ENo EquivalentNo Equivalent"
6M7D11A41M"
6MCMT.V.7C10B, 11B41C"
6MD710, 11No Equivalent"
6D7B10D, 11D""
6XD7ANo Equivalent""

 

Warburton Size #7 - Inside Diameter .630" (16mm)
Warburton Model;BachSchilkeReevesGiardinelli
7ESNo EquivalentNo EquivalentNo EquivalentNo Equivalent
7ESVNo EquivalentNo EquivalentNo EquivalentNo Equivalent
7SNo Equivalent8ANo Equivalent10S
7SV10 1/2 ENo Equivalent"No Equivalent
7M10 1/2 DNo Equivalent"10M
7MC10 1/2 C7B"No Equivalent
7MDNo Equivalent7"10C
7D10 1/2 B7D"10B
7XD10 1/2 ANo Equivalent"No Equivalent

 

Warburton Size #8 - Inside Diameter .620" (15.75mm)
Warburton ModelBachSchilkeReevesGiardinelli
8ESNo EquivalentNo EquivalentNo EquivalentNo Equivalent
8ESVNo EquivalentNo EquivalentNo EquivalentNo Equivalent
8SNo Equivalent5ANo EquivalentNo Equivalent
8SV11ENo Equivalent""
8M11DNo Equivalent""
8MC11C6B""
8MD116""
8D11B6D""
8XD11ANo Equivalent""

Trumpet Tops:
S - A shallow "bowl" shape. Preferred for lead playing and commercial work. Ideal for D, Eb and Piccolo trumpet.

SV - Medium shallow "V" style cup. This is an exceptional "high-velocity" cup for Piccolo trumpet and all upper register work.

M - Medium depth with a modified "V" style shape. Our M cups outsell all other models as they lend themselves well to all playing situations from jazz to symphonic.

MC - Medium "bowl" shape. The MC cups could be the ultimate in bright symphonic sound!

MD - Medium deep "bowl" shape cup that produces a rich, dark, symphonic sound.

D - Deep "bowl" shape. This cup shape produces the fullest of symphonic sound. It is ideal for the cornet parts with its warm sound.

XD - This extra deep "V" style cup was designed to give the traditional cornet sound. Herbert L. would be thrilled with this model.

Signature Trumpet Tops:
KT (Ken Titmus) - This is a shallow top with a #6 inside diameter.
WCC (Bill Carmichael) - A shallow cup with very small inside diameter.
LUIS AQUINO - This top is currently being played by top call Latin lead player Luis Aquino. He prefers the #5 backbore with this top for all his lead work. for more info click here
SHOOP - (Chad Shoopman) - for more info click here
R.BIRCH - Personal top of Bob Birch - more info click here


Trumpet Backbores:

1, 2, 3 - Our tightest commercial sounding backbores. These models have a concentrated and intense sound. The #3 is the most popular of this series. If offers a bright, projecting sound that is great for lead players and outdoor work.

4, 5, 6 - Tight to medium. With progressively less resistance, these models produce a bright and very projecting tone. The #5 is by far our most popular with strong lead players.

Q Backbore - New in 2004, the Q is our most aggressive backbore, preferred by lead players who also need to maintain dominance in the middle register without spreading or over-loosening their chops. Click here for more info on the Q
KT Backbore - Added to the line in mid 1987, this backbore appeals to commercial/lead players and is characterized by its projection and secure slotting of notes above high C. The comparative resistance falls in the 4, 5, 6 series.

7, 8, 9 - Medium large sizes. The #7 has been our best selling model for the past seven years. This series produces a quality of sound acceptable in the orchestra as well as the concert band. Models #8 and #9 are very well received by the orchestra player who appreciates the increased volume of sound with less resistance.

10, 11, 12 - Very large "Symphonic" sizes. These models have very little resistance and offer the strong player the potential for the ultimate in full, rich sound.

There are three styles of trumpet backbores:
The STANDARD Series - These 13 models have long established themselves as the most popular for all around playing situations.

The STAR Series - These were designed to allow each of the STANDARD models to be more free blowing without the necessity of reaming to a larger bore size. This is important because the quality of sound remains the same without the risk of losing focus sometimes caused by playing of too large bore size. Since these models were made available, the medium large sizes (7* to 10*) have been very well received in the orchestral trumpet community.

The "B" Series - They are exactly like the STANDARD and STAR series internally. The only difference is in the external dimension which is slightly larger and causes a subsequent increase in the GAP. This has often proven to re-establish a functional gap distance in trumpets with worn receivers and where the receiver has been soldered improperly.

While we recommend the use of our STANDARD series for most situations, if there is a noticeable problem with "LOCKING-IN" of the upper partials, the "B" backbores will very often rectify the problem.

Please visit our online store for pricing and ordering information

Approximate Backbore Comparison Chart
Compiled by Ben Smalley
WarburtonBachSchilkeReevesGiardinelli
1No EquivalentNo EquivalentNo Equivalent1
1*No EquivalentNo EquivalentNo Equivalent1
2No EquivalentAANo Equivalent1
2*No EquivalentAA69, 6921
3No EquivalentA69, 692No Equivalent
3*No EquivalentA69, 692No Equivalent
4No EquivalentNo Equivalent69, 692No Equivalent
4*No EquivalentNo Equivalent2No Equivalent
5No EquivalentNo Equivalent22
5*76, 41No Equivalent32
676, 41B32
6*76, 41B33
7No EquivalentNo Equivalent43
7*Standard 10No Equivalent43
8Standard 10C54
8*Standard 10C54
93, 24DNo Equivalent4
9*3, 24DNo Equivalent4
107 (SCHMITT)ENo Equivalent5
10*117DNo Equivalent4
11No EquivalentNo EquivalentNo Equivalent5
11*87No EquivalentNo Equivalent5
1287No EquivalentNo EquivalentNo Equivalent
12*87No EquivalentNo EquivalentNo Equivalent

 


Warburton Cornet Mouthpieces

Cornet Tops:

BC - Extremely deep. British Cornet" style cup. Tradition, classic. Very deep cup, full rich tone. Produces a warm tone with great volume of sound (when required).

XD - Extra Deep. Large "V" shaped cup for players that may want some assistance in the upper register without sacrificing tone.

D - Deep. Extra-large bowl shaped cup for players wanting to produce a great volume of tone.

MD - Medium "bowl" shape. The MC cups could be the ultimate in bright symphonic sound!

MC - Medium. Medium "bowl" shape, producing a bright symphonic sound. Also used by players who bottom on shallow cups.

Cornet Backbores:

1, 2, 3 - Our tightest commercial sounding backbores. These models have a concentrated and intense sound.

4, 5, 6 - Tight to medium. With progressively less resistance, these models produce a bright and very projecting tone.

KT Backbore - This backbore falls between the 5 and 6 in resistance and produces a compact sound appropriate for outdoor and Dixieland playing.

7, 8, 9 - Medium large sizes. The #7 has been our best selling model for the past nine years. This series produces a quality of sound acceptable in the orchestra as well as the concert band. Models #8 and #9 are very well received by the brass band player who appreciates the increased volume of sound with less resistance.

10, 11, 12 - Very large "Symphonic" sizes. These models have very little resistance and offer the strong player the potential for the ultimate in full, rich sound.

There are three styles of cornet backbores:

The STANDARD Series - These 13 models have long established themselves as the most popular for all around playing situations.

The STAR Series - These were designed to allow each of the STANDARD models to be more free-blowing without the necessity of reaming to a larger bore size. This may help to avoid losing focus sometimes caused by playing too large of a backbore. Since these models were made available, the medium large sizes (7* to 10*) have been very well received by orchestral cornet players.

The BC Series - These  British cornet backbores are shorter than the standard cornet backbores. They were specifically designed for use with the BC tops, resulting in an overall length of 2.25". These are very popular with brass band enthusiasts.

 

Approximate Diameter Reference Chart
WarburtonBachWick
1No EquivalentNo Equivalent
21No Equivalent
31-1/22
433
564
67No Equivalent
710-1/25
811No Equivalent

 

If you're using a Wick mouthpiece, this comparison chart will help you select an appropriate Warburton model:

Warburton - Wick comparison chart
Denis WickInside DiameterWarburton
NO EQUIVALENT0.68"(17.25mm)2BC
No. 20.67"(17mm)3BC
No. 30.66"(16.75mm)4BC
No. 40.65"(16.50mm)5BC
NO EQUIVALENT0.64"(16.25mm)6BC
No. 50.63"(16mm)7BC
No. S (Soprano)0.63"(16mm)7MD

 

Customer Testimonial:
Frank Hilligas - Principal Cornet, Fountain Creek Brass Band, Colorado Springs, CO

Frank Hilligas "I experienced an instant improvement with the new set-up. What I thought was a mediocre model 927 Besson was transformed into a great horn. I don't even have to trigger the A above the staff, and the high C is perfect. The sound is exactly what I was looking for!"

 

 


Warburton Flugelhorn Mouthpieces

We offer Three Standard Models:

FL - Standard deep funnel shape with #16 bore size. This has been by far our most popular model over the years.

FLM - Medium funnel shape with a #20 bore size. This model has a lighter sound and is preferred by players who need to play in the upper register.

FLX - Extra deep funnel shape with a #14 bore size. This model is capable of producing a most beautiful classic Flugelhorn sound for orchestral and other large ensemble work.
flugel-3fl

The shanks are available in the standard American taper and the "French" taper, which fits the Couesnon and French Besson Flugels. The inside diameters and rims are identical to the trumpet models 1 through 8.

NOTE: The following special tapers are also available by request:

"Bach" - (Longer shank to fit Bach Flugelhorns, Kanstul 1525, & Leblanc Sandoval)
"Vintage One" - (Wider shank dimension to compliment Conn Vintage One Flugelhorns)

Warburton Flugelhorn mouthpieces are 1-piece models because each cup-depth has a corresponding bore size to match.

Please visit our online store for pricing and ordering information


Access to a Warburton Master Kit enables one to test in logical fashion for the correct combination of diameter, cup style and backbore configuration that will result in a proper balancing of the equipment. This process can be extremely beneficial under the direction of a qualified Warburton Dealer or Representative. A smaller more compact "Studio Mini kit is also available. This kit is currently being used as a valuable diagnostic tool by university trumpet instructors nationwide.

Our aim is to have one or more of our kits available to the trumpet community in all geographic areas. Please take advantage of this system by calling the factory for the Dealer or Representative nearest you.