Posted by Doug Whitten on November 21, 2003 at 09:39:08:
In Reply to: Mouthpieces affecting pitch? posted by Rocky Bivens on November 21, 2003 at 07:50:15:
The only way you could quantify the effects of different mouthpieces and their effects on pitch and other playing qualities was if you could control the variables. For instance, if everyone you sampled played the same horn with the same lips the resulting data would have validity for everyone who used that same horn and used those same lips. In other words, there are too many variables to consider to have reliable data on which mouthpieces works best with which instrument.
Mouthpieces do affect pitch, playing characteristics, and tonal color a little bit. However, the amount of difference any particular mouthpiece makes is minimal compared to the horn and, most importantly, the player.
Admittedly, some horns are pretty "mouthpiece sensitive." Trial and error seems to be the way to find what works best with you and your instrument. Just don't keep looking for the Nirvana of mouthpieces. It doesn't exist.