Downsizing With the Wedge
Numerous players have reported great success in going to a smaller mouthpiece when switching to the Wedge.
There are often four limitations when switching to a smaller mouthpiece with a conventional rim.
- Less room for swelling, causing the sound to close off or shut down after playing for a while, especially in the upper register.
- Less central lip mobility because the embouchure is restricted by the smaller diameter. This impairs flexibility makes things feel cramped.
- A smaller sound.
- Poorer articulation.
The nature of the Wedge tends to overcome these limitations.Most players report less swelling with the Wedge because of improved blood flow in and out of the central part of the embouchure. This means that a smaller mouthpiece can often be used, since there is less need to allow for more lip in the cup as swelling occurs.The sloping shoulders of the Wedge provide much better range of motion at the corners, which translates into better control of the central vibrating portion of the lip. A smaller mouthpiece therefore does not pin the embouchure in place at the corners when using a Wedge the way a conventional smaller rim would. This means that even with the smaller size flexibility is maintained and the smaller size feels more comfortable and less cramped because the lips are more free to move.
The Wedge tends to sounder bigger, with more core to the sound, compared to a conventional mouthpiece. Smaller, shallower Wedge mouthpieces do not take on the stuffy, nasal character of smaller sized mouthpieces with a conventional rim. They also tend to sound more consistent and bigger in the upper register.
Most players report improved attacks and cleaner articulation on the Wedge, especially with multiple tonguing. This offsets the impaired articulation often experienced with smaller cup sizes.These characteristics mean that many players can go down at least one size when switching to the Wedge without sacrificing the quality of their sound or attack. The advantages of the smaller size usually include improved range and endurance. So if you have been thinking of a switch to a mouthpiece of a smaller size the Wedge may help you to get the advantages of the change without some of the limitations.