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Trumpet Backbore Specifications - Old

Modular Backbore Overview
Wedge trumpet backbores consist of separate upper and lower shank sections.
Backbore Length
Backbores are available in Bb trumpet and C trumpet lengths, determined by the length of the shank.
 
Using the shorter C trumpet shank shortens the backbore, and therefor the mouthpiece length by about .25 inches
Bb length backbores can be used on a C trumpet, but the C length backbore does offer certain advantages.
 
Most C trumpets will play better in tune with the shorter C length backbore. The notes from the 3rd space C to 4th space E play better in tune, reducing or eliminating the need for alternate fingerings. Some players find that the shorter backbore also makes the top of staff G sharper, which can be an issue with some trumpets. If you struggle with a sharp G the short backbore might not be the best option for you. 
 
Shorter backbores also play a bit more open with a broader sound and more open slots. 
Backbore Weight
The upper backore section can be regular or heavy weight.
 
Heavy weight backbores dampen some of the brighter overtones, producing a darker sound.
 
They add core to the sound, make slotting more secure, and reduce cracked notes.
 
Heavy backbores also make the mouthpiece slightly less responsive to soft articulation, although this is usually not an issue, since Wedge mouthpieces are more responsive than conventional designs.
 
You might notice that articulation is not as crisp when doing multiple tonguing with a heavy weight backbore.
 
Regular weight backbores provide greater responsiveness, brilliance, and projection. 

Small

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  • Similar to Schilke A, Warburton 5*, Reeves 629
  • Best matched with ES, LV, and S cups for lead trumpet.
  • Compact sound and good upper register support.

TT

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  • Similar to Warburton KT*
  • Slightly more open lead backbore
  • Works well with ES, LV, S, M cups.
  • Sound between S and M backbores

Medium

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  • Similar to Schilke B, Warburton 7*
  • Well matched to M, MV cups, or MD and MDV when a more compact sound and better upper register support desired.
  • Medium broad sound suitable for a wide variety of playing situations, very versatile.

Medium Large

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  • Similar to Bach 10, Warburton 8, 8*. 
  • Well matched to MD, MDV, RT, D cups.
  • Broad, resonant sound.
  • Suitable for orchestra, solo, quintet.

Medium Large-Large

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  • Similar to Bach 24, Warburton 9* to 10*.
  • For use with MD, MDV, RT, D cups in an orchestral setting when an extra broad, resonant sound is desired.

Large 

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  • Larger than Bach 24, similar to Warburton 11 to 12*.
  • Extra broad, resonant sound.

 

Materials 

Silver backbores are the most popular option and offset gold tops nicely.

Gold backbores sound exactly like silver backbores but are preferred by those who like the look of an all gold mouthpiece. The shanks scratch easily and therefore gold backbores cannot be returned.

Stainless steel two piece backbores backbores brighten the sound of any top they are used with. They make a stainless steel top project more than any other backbore, but the sound is difficult to darken and the mouthpiece can be prone to cracked notes. Stainless steel works extremely well with Delrin plastic tops to make them sound almost the same as brass, but with a very fast response to soft articulation.
 

Gap Adjusting Shanks

 

  • We also make shanks that are longer or shorter in 1/16 increments so that the mouthpiece gap can be increased or decreased by up to 1/8th inch.