Show CartWedge Backbore Line
Wedge mouthpiece tops can be used with Wedge backbores or with backbores from most major manufacturers who use the 3/8-40 thread.
Wedge modular trumpet backbores consist of an upper section and a separate screw on shank. The upper section is available in regular weight and heavy weight models. One piece mouthpieces are only available in regular weight. The profile on the right is the heavy weight model. Sizes range as shown from Small to Large.
Heavy weight models add extra mass to the mouthpiece, and are a bit darker, with more core to the sound. They have a slightly more stable response and tend to produce fewer chipped notes. Heavy weight models are very popular with players who like Monette and similar mouthpieces with a little extra mass.
Regular weight backbores sound a bit brighter and are slightly more responsive to light articulation than the heavy weight models.
Both models share the following features.
Special Features
1. Gap Adjustment
Wedge backbores are designed to provide the ability to adjust the gap of your mouthpiece / horn combination. The distance between where the tip of the backbore ends in the receiver and where the leadpipe starts is called the gap. A normal gap is often described as 1/8 inch, although Schilke mouthpieces and trumpets are described as having zero gap.
Gap can significantly affect the playing characteristics of your instrument, influencing slotting, resistance, intonation, and responsiveness.. Unfortunately there is no industry standard in mouthpiece receiver dimensions, and although trumpet mouthpiece shanks are close to a Morse #1 taper, there is considerable variation between manufacturers. As a result the actual gap in any particular horn and mouthpiece combination can vary considerable from the standard of 1/8 inch, which may or may not be the optimal gap for your particular setup.
The Wedge backbore is in two parts with a screw off lower shank. The shank is available in different lengths in order to allow for gap adjustment of any mouthpiece and horn combination. There are five lengths, 1/16 and 1/8 inch longer and shorter than the standard shank. These are designated as +1, +2, standard, -1,and -2. This system allows gap adjustment with a spread of up to 1/4 inch.
In most cases players are best to order the standard shank. It is possible to order more than one shank of different lengths as part of a size trial in order to experiment with different gaps.
Gap Adjusting Shanks are available in silver ($42) or gold ($55) or stainless steel ($47).
2. Turbulence Reducing Step-up at Screw Joints.
Wedge mouthpieces are designed to be used with Warburton trumpet and cornet backbores, and other backbores using the standard 3/8-40 thread.
The industry standard for thread tolerances of the 3/8-40 thread is 3.5 thousands of an inch. This means that even with careful machining there is the potential for slight misalignment of the top and backbore. This can produce a slight lip where the top and backbore meet, with the potential for turbulent flow.
Wedge backbores are manufactured to minimize thread inconsistencies, and with a 1/1000" step up in the lumen radius at each screw joint. This virtually eliminates the potential for a lip in the path of the airflow. Air passes over the step up with laminar flow and minimal turbulence.
3. Flexibility of Step Bore Design.
Mike Herriott is one of our endorsing artists, with his own line of signature mouthpieces. In working out Mike's ideal configuration over several days of play testing we discovered that for all of his backbores he prefers a step bore configuration matching his Yamaha Bobby Shew trumpet. For example, Mike's lead configuration is a gold 10.5FC with a 22 throat into a Medium Large upper part and a Large lower shank of standard length. The modular nature of the backbore system allows one to produce more or less of a step in the mid section of the backbore that some players will prefer.
4. Optional short lower shank for use on C trumpets and piccolo trumpets using a trumpet shank.
Our unique two part backbore gives you the option to use a special S shank for C trumpet. S shanks are available for Large, Medium Large, Medium and Small backbore shanks. They improve the tuning and slotting of C trumpets and Piccolo trumpets using a trumpet shank. They work equally well on Wedge, Warburton, and other compatible trumpet tops.
Short Lower Shank for C Trumpet are available in silver ($42) or gold ($55).
Wedge Trumpet Backbore Sizes
The following size descriptions apply to both heavy weight and regular weight trumpet backbores. To see a clear comparison of sizes visit the in-store backbore comparison page.
Large (L) 27
Similar to a Bach 24, or Warburton 11 backbore. This is a large orchestral backbore.
Large (L) 25
This is the 25 throat version of the Large 27 for a more open blow.
Medium Large / Large (MLL) 27 (Engstrom 27)
This backbore has an upper component intermediate in size between the ML and L sizes. It is designed for use with a Large shank.
Medium Large / Large (MLL) 25 (Engstrom 25)
This is the 25 throat version of the Engstrom 27
Medium Large (ML) 27
This medium large backbore resembles a Bach 10 or Warburton 8 backbore. It is a good choice for all round use.
Medium Large (ML) 25
This is the 25 throat version of the ML 27.
Medium (M) 27
This is a medium sized backbore similar to a GR #2 or Warburton 7. It has a more compact sound and offers a little more resistance than the ML
Medium (M) 25
25 throat version of the M25 for a more open blow.
TT 27
This is intermediate in size between the M and S backbore, designed for endorsing artist Terry Townson. It is comparable to a Warburton 5.
TT 25
This is the 25 throat version of the Townson backbore.
Small (S) 27
This backbore is similar to a Schilke A or Warburton KT backbore. This is a tight commercial backbore. Although many players prefer a larger backbore on the Wedge, this remains a good choice for those who want more resistance and a compact sound.
Small (S) 25
25 version of the S 27 backbore.
Backbores can also be reamed to a larger throat. Contact us to order Wedge backbores and to discus options with Dr Dave.
Wedge Trumpet Backbore are available in silver ($80), gold ($115), or stainless steel ($85)
Wedge Cornet Backbores
Wedge cornet backbores are one piece. They come in sizes Small (S), Medium (M), Medium Large (ML) and Large (L) and are available in 27 and 25 throats.
Small (S)
This backbore is similar to a Warburton 6 backbore. It is popular for Dixie-land playing.
Medium (M)
The medium cornet backbore is similar to a Warburton 8. It is a popular all round backbore for cornet and piccolo trumpet .
Medium Large (ML)
ML cornet backbores provide a more open blow and broader sound. They are our most popular cornet backbore and are also preferred by many players for piccolo trumpet.
Large (L)
The backbore produced a broad cornet sound. It is popular with British cornet players and those who like an open blow.
Wedge Cornet Backbores are available in silver ($62) or gold ($85).
Wedge Short Cornet Backbores
Short cornet backbores are designed to be used with Wedge flugelhorn blanks. They allow Wedge flugelhorn mouthpieces to be played in a cornet, and for flugelhorn blanks to be used to make deep British cornet style mouthpieces similar to the Wick line of cornet mouthpieces. They have a large number 14 throat.
Wedge Short Cornet Backbores are available in silver ($42) or gold ($55).