David's Superchops Blog: Mouthpiece Selection

I have created this Blog so that I can pass on my experience of learning to play the trumpet using the Superchops method, or more technically known as the Tongue Controlled Embouchure, as taught by the late Jerome Callet. I have been learning this method for more than 20 years now (using Jerome's book "Trumpet Secrets", and also his DVD, as well as a number of telephone lessons with him) with a high level of success, and have documented my progress from day 1 to the present, recording down everything that has allowed me to progress further with this wonderful method of playing the trumpet; (or any other brass instrument for that matter).

I have given my own brief description of the Superchops embouchure below, but for those of you not already familiar with the Superchops system, that require a detailed description of the Superchops embouchure, click on the link to the Jerome Callet's Master Superchops site. There you will find lots of useful information as well as a full description, and photos showing how the embouchure works.

I hope you find the following notes helpful - please let me know what you think.

Mouthpiece Selection

The choice of mouthpiece for this method of playing is very important. A mouthpiece with a shallow cup works far better than one with a deep cup. I have tried many different mouthpieces in both the Bach and Schilke range and settled on the Schilke 10A4 for a period of time, but then decided to try something with a wider rim / cup to enhance control. Mouthpieces that work extremely well are the Yamaha Bobby Shew Lead, and surprisingly, the Kelly Screamer, but with a metal enhancer fitted to give it improved mid to low resonance (see photo). The best for me now however is the Warburton 4M cup with a No6 Star (*) backbore. I have in the past played some time on the Callet mouthpieces that are available for Superchops, namely the Superchops 1 (SC1) and the Superchops 2 (SC2) and Superchops 3 (SC3 - best one), but found that the intonation did not suit my current choice of instrument (Conn Vintage One).

David's Superchops Blog

Mouthpiece Selection

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