Equipment Recommendations

A student mouthpiece is designed to make it easy to produce a characteristic sound. I recommend that every student start on a very good student mouthpiece: 7C on trumpet and trombone, Yamaha 4C on clarinet and saxophone. Sometimes a woodwind instrument will come with a "no name" mouthpiece...they have no markings and often have uneven rails and tips. These "no name" mouthpieces are difficult to play, take a lot of air, and produce a stuffy sound. They are frustrating mouthpieces for a younger player to control. I suggest picking up a student Yamaha mouthpiece the next time you buy a box of reeds. Your child musician will be relieved at the next band rehearsal!

 An advancing student in 7th grade may find it easier to produce a bigger tone and a wider range of dynamics on an upgraded mouthpiece. A new mouthpiece will have a much bigger impact to the sound than a new instrument will (assuming the instrument is in good condition and is a reputable brand). This is why there are so many mouthpiece options out there for each instrument. I simplified things by listing my top choices for the advancing middle school student. These mouthpieces are industry-standard professional level mouthpieces and can last a lifetime.  

I or a private lesson teacher can provide you with one of these mouthpieces for you to try. We will guide you in the process of upgrading.   

*Prices are approximate

TRUMPET

  • Bach 5C  $50.00

TROMBONE / BARITONE

  • Bach 6 ½ AL (small shank) $65.00  

LARGE BORE TROMBONE / BASS TROMBONE

  • Bach 5G  $108.00

FRENCH HORN

  • Bach 11   $45

  • Holton Farkas MC   $49.00

TUBA

  • Bach Tuba/Sousaphone Mouthpiece 24AW  $80.00

  • Conn Helleberg 7B Series Tuba Mouthpiece   $71.00

CLARINET (I like Vandoren V12 2.5, 3, and 3.5 on these mouthpieces)

  • Hite Premiere  $22.95

  • Vandoren M15 (series 13, Profile 88)  $104.00 (District band, Concert, Solo, and Contest mouthpiece)

  • Vandoren M30 (series 13, profile 88)  $104.00 (Like the M15 but a little more flexible and takes a softer reed)

ALTO SAXOPHONE (I like Vandoren Java 2.5 and 3 on these mouthpieces)

  • Hite Premiere  $26.95 

  • Meyer 5 Medium or Meyer 6 Medium  $104.95 (A characteristic Jazz Sound that also works for concert band)

TENOR SAXOPHONE (I like Vandoren Java 2.5 and 3 on these mouthpieces)

  • Hite Premiere   $31.95

  • Vandoren V16 T6 medium Ebonite Mouthpiece  $134.99 (A characteristic Jazz Sound)

  • Jody Jazz Hard Rubber 6  $199.99 (popular jazz mouthpiece)

  • Metal Otto Link "Super Tone Master" 6 (Or the hard rubber Otto Link 6)  $215 for the metal

BARITONE SAXOPHONE (I like Vandoren blue box 2.5 and 3 on these mouthpieces)

  • YAMAHA 5C Baritone Saxophone Mouthpiece  $40.00

  • Vandoren V16 Ebonite  $265.00 (A characteristic Jazz Sound)

SNARE DRUM (Concert band use)

  • Vic Firth 5a Classic Drumsticks  $9.95

  • Vic Firth SD1 General Drumsticks  $9.95 

MARCHING BAND SNARE DRUM (These "indoor" sticks are a little smaller for middle school hands to get used to)

  • Vic Firth Corpsmaster Signature Snare Drumstick - Tom Aungst Indoor (Green)