How was the Wedge developed?
The Wedge began as an experiment involving modifications of conventional mouthpieces based on various theories of embouchure formation, how tooth angle affects range, and the anatomy and physiology of the lips and face. The design went through about 40 generations with beta testing by more than 20 players over 6 months. The end result was the following:
1. Sloping rim at the sides
The areas of the rim in contact with the corners of the embouchure slope sharply away from the center of the mouthpiece. The rim is therefore narrower at the sides than the on the upper and lower segments. Hence The Wedge name.
2. Varying rim contour and high point
The contour and position of the high point changes around the rim. The parts in contact with the upper and lower lips have a high point shifted to the outside by a slight rounding of the inner rim. This produces a relatively soft bite and a sloping contour of the rim. To understand this concept see the rim cross sections on the Top Sizes page.
3. Shifted lateral rim contour medially toward the centre of the mouthpiece
The shape of the side rim has the effect of moving the inner cup border toward the middle, and contributing to a slightly oval shape to the cup. The long part of the oval is pointed up and down when playing.
4. Lateral dip of rim contour
The sloping shoulders also cause a dip in the profile of the rim when viewed from the side. This dip is designed to transfer pressure from the side to the upper and lower rims.
5. Changing inner rim bite
The changing rim contour produces a changing inner rim bite, which is sharper and narrower at the sides than on the upper and lower rim.