Brochure

Custom Designed
Mouthpieces
In addition to the variety of standard
models listed in the Bach Mouthpiece
Manual, custom designed mouthpieces
may be specially ordered, allowing for
any combination of rim, cup, throat
and backbore designs. Many special requests
can be created as solid mouthpieces,
although some combinations can only be
manufactured as a screw-rim mouthpiece.
Special Shanks
The shank (stem) of a mouthpiece must
have the correct diameter and taper in
order to fit snugly. The mouthpiece must
be inserted a certain distance into the
receiver tube of the instrument in order
to give the best playing results. These
dimensions have been calculated to allow
for a reasonable amount of wear, and
after years of use, the mouthpiece will fit
up to
1
⁄16" further into the receiver tube
of the instrument.
If an instrument’s pitch is flat, the
mouthpiece should not be modified to
fit further in than the distance indicated
by the diagrams on page 32, nor should
the mouthpipe be cut. The proper place
to shorten the length of the tubing is at
the main tuning slide, where the bore
is cylindrical.
Special Shanks, continued
The shanks of Bach mouthpieces have
a Morse taper No. 1 (.050 inch per inch)
and represent the most practical average
size suitable for all standard makes of
American brass instruments.
Bach can manufacture a special shank
to fit practically any mouthpiece receiver.
Generally, all that is needed is the brand
name and model number of the
instrument. If in doubt, obtain either a
sample mouthpiece that will fit properly,
or accurate shank length and taper
measurements. Common special shank
mouthpieces include:
1. B & H or Besson Cornet Shanks
2. “Old Model” Olds Cornet Shanks
3. Couesnon Fluegelhorn Shanks
4. “Old Style Besson” Shank on
Bach Tenor Trombone Mouthpiece
5. “Bass” Trombone Shank on Bach
Tenor Trombone Mouthpiece
6. “Tenor” Trombone Shank on Bach
Bass Trombone Mouthpiece
7. Conn Shank for models 8H,
88H, 72H, etc.
8. Large (European) Shank for Tuba
Special Finishes
Silver-plate is the standard finish on all
Bach mouthpieces. For those allergic to
silver but not to gold, a gold-plated
mouthpiece is the least costly solution.
For those who are also sensitive to gold,
a screw-rim mouthpiece with a Lucite
rim will solve the problem.
Keep Your
Mouthpiece Clean
If sediment, food or dust collect inside
your mouthpiece, the throat and the
backbore will gradually become smaller.
This will interfere with the response,
tone quality and intonation of your
instrument. Clean your mouthpiece at
least once each week, brushing out the
inside with a mouthpiece brush and
soapy water to maintain the original
response and intonation. If the silver-
plating of your mouthpiece has worn
off, the mouthpiece should either
be refinished or discarded. Caution:
Exposure to raw brass can lead to an
allergic reaction or poisoning.
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