Endorsing Artist Testimonials for the Wedge
We are pleased and honoured to present our ever-growing list of endorsing artists. Click on each artist to read their testimonial, bio and more. Or you can browse excerpts from their testimonials below.
- Mike Herriott - Endorsing artist of the Herriott Line of Wedge Mouthpieces
- Nick Drozdoff
- Trent Austin
- Gabriel Hasselbach - Endorsing artist of the Gabriel Line of Wedge Mouthpieces
- Art Davis
- Dean McNeill
- Jim Murray
- Kim Beachum
- Terry Townson
- Dr. Michael Guevara
- Howard Engstrom
- Merrie Klazek
- Louis Ranger
Endorsing Artist
"I can't recommend these highly enough. You really owe it to yourself to try these. You will be stunned at how well they play right off the bat!" (excerpt - read full review)
Nick Drozdoff
Chicago area trumpeter and Maynard Ferguson Orchestra alum
See video of Nick on a Wedge
Endorsing Artist
"I think Dr. Dave has finally come up with the proverbial 'better mouse trap' of mouthpieces.
When my friend and colleague Nick Drozdoff showed me some of the Wedge pieces, my first thought was, "oh, another gimmick". But when I tried the 3AC I played only 3 or 4 notes before saying "whoa!". I immediately felt an improvement in my tone and in the crispness of my attacks. My upper and lower registers "slot" better than before and my endurance has been enhanced. The pieces really free up the mouth corners so they can do their job. I have also had great success with the 3C and 3DC mouth pieces. I would highly recommend these mouthpieces to any trumpet player."
Art Davis
Professor, Jazz Studies
Northern Illinois University
Chicago area jazz artist
Endorsing Artist
"These are quite possibly the best trumpet mouthpieces ever made. These are a true revolution combining the best of modern technology, old world technology and common sense. I gladly endorse these mouthpieces as they have completely changed the way I play the trumpet. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do." (excerpt - read full review)
Trent Austin
Performing Artist and Clinician
Salem, MA
See and hear clips of Trent on the Wedge.
Endorsing Artist
"The Wedge, for all it's unconventional rim characteristics, felt comfortable right from the get-go. It seems to have a 'grip' that I have not found in other mouthpieces, and along with that seems to come an added degree of flexibility. If I had to describe it in layman's terms, I would liken it to the way a 'court' or 'cross-trainer' athletic shoe feels in comparison to a cumbersome, thick bottomed runner.... more adept and responsive. It feels good and I love the sound... full at the bottom and crisp at the top. There's always something new under the sun!"
Gabriel Mark Hasselbach
Performer, Recording Artist, and Producer
Vancouver, BC
Endorsing artist of the Gabriel Line of Wedge Mouthpieces
Endorsing Artist
"From the first note I played on the new Wedge "Herriott L" lead mouthpiece, I haven't looked back on anything I've used in the past. I find that I get more core to my sound, greater consistency in tone throughout the conventional and extended range of the trumpet, and improved response. The new Herriott line (Lead, Classic, Pops, Picc, Flugel) combines to make up the right tool-box of equipment for the variety of work that I do."
Endorsing artist of the Herriott Line of Wedge Mouthpieces
Endorsing Artist
"Dave Harrison has come up with a mouthpiece that improves articulation, accuracy and really defines the upper register. The trumpet mouthpiece allows me to cover the entire range of the horn with a full rich sound. The flugel model really enhances the dark, deep tone of my flugelhorn.
I can't say enough about the Wedge. Thanks Dave for your passion and expertise in building such a great line of mouthpieces."
Endorsing Artist
"This Wedge provides me with more range (my high Fs and Gs are solid) and the openness of the sound for soloing in the low, mid and high range makes it more enjoyable to play. As well, after a 3 hour hard big band blow, my chops don't feel as tired as they used to (which is great when playing multiple gigs in a day). This Wedge provides more range and endurance than my old Vizutti which I thought could never be replaced. This mouthpiece forces me not to over blow and to play correctly. You will be incredibly surprised how soft the stainless steel rim is. Everyone is going to want one.
I guarantee you, the Wedge is AMAZING!!"
Endorsing Artist
I've been playing on an early Wedge prototype (hand adjusted Monette B4S) since June 2007. Dr. Dave lent it to me at the UMASS ITG Conference. I told him that I was very sceptical regarding gimmicks, but open minded enough to consider something that might be an innovation. I honestly thought that I'd mail it back to him in a week. Wrong! I bought it. Since then, Dr. Dave has created a prototype Wedge Monette B4L for me that is stunning. I have just received samples of the #3 production series that have all of the latest designs. They are fantastic.
Everything is better on the Wedge - sound, endurance, range. The change in endurance was incredible. I had strong chops, but I was wasting a lot of energy and that was causing me to tire out faster. I love the sound. And, I'm not even going to tell you what happened to my range because it will make this sound like some cheesy infomercial. Let's just say it was a good thing - a REALLY good thing.
Read the explanations on the website to understand a little more about the physical interaction between the body and this chunk of brass that we call a mouthpiece. The bottom line is that the Wedge helped me isolate areas of inefficiency in my setup that were holding me back. That alone is worth the price of admission. It might not work for everybody, but it sure has been great for me.
Pat Shaner
Freelance Professional
Salisbury, MD
Endorsing Artist
"The Wedge is the most comfortable mouthpiece I have ever played on. Having it so comfortable naturally has led to improved range and sound. EVERY Wedge mouthpiece I have tried has been more comfortable and had an improved range then my all my conventional mouthpieces." (excerpt - read full review)
Endorsing Artist
"The Wedge Mouthpiece concept is fantastic 'fit' for my chops. The unique rim contour design is a revelation to me; The Wedge rim design specifically has helped me to increase my musical results while minimizing physical effort.
Dave Harrison's user-friendly approach, helping people experiment and understand his product, clearly indicates that he is making these mouthpieces for all the right reasons. Well done Dr. Dave."
Dean McNeill
Head, Department of Music
University of Saskatchewan
Endorsing Artist
"I have no hesitations about recommending the Wedge mouthpiece and, for what it's worth, heartily give the Wedge an enthusiastic 'two thumbs up!' I now have the sizzle that I wanted on the top end, and still have a nice, full lower register. This combination allows me to easily adjust between playing lead, and warm and beautiful solos on my cocktail jazz pieces. I didn't think that one mouthpiece could allow me to play with such varying tonal colors, but this Wedge combination certainly allows me to do it better than with any other mouthpiece that I have tried. I couldn't be happier!" (excerpt - read full review)
Dr. Michael Guevara
Cinco Ranch Conservatory of Music
Endorsing Artist
"I first encountered Dr. Dave and The Wedge at the ITG Conference in Banff, Alberta, in June of 2008. Within a few minutes of our introduction I had a Wedge mouthpiece in my trumpet and there's been no looking back...I actually played the Night of Principals concert that same evening on the Wedge." (excerpt - read full review)
Howard Engstrom
Principal Trumpet Emeritus, Calgary Philharmonic
Endorsing Artist
"Rarely have I been so enthusiastic and pleasantly surprised about a new trumpet product. Dave Harrison's mouthpieces are truly exceptional, offering a legitimate and significant bonus to my playing. The design fully compliments the fundamental combination of focused aperture, light pressure, and fluid wind flow, offering increased range (high and low), endurance, and response. My experience with Dave and his products has been an absolute pleasure!"
Merrie Klazek
Principal trumpet, Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra
Endorsing Artist
"The backbore design of the Wedge also offers genuine advantages, as well. Any Wedge or Warbuton top can be quickly screwed on to a variety of Wedge backbores. The two-piece backbore design permits easy experimentation with the gap inside the receiver - a critical dimension that is normally very difficult and expensive to alter.
I commend Dr. Dave Harrison for his creativeness and dedication in producing the Wedge. It is an innovation that deserves consideration by all dedicated brass players." (excerpt - read full review)
Louis Ranger
Professor - University of Victoria School of Music