- Mike Herriott
- Nick Drozdoff
- Gabriel Hasselbach
- Art Davis
- Dean McNeill
- Jim Murray
- Kim Beachum
- Terry Townson
- Dr. Michael Guevara
- Howard Engstrom
- Merrie Klazek
- Louis Ranger
- Dennis Esson
- Brandon Ridenour
- Shawn Spicer
- Vince Mai
- Randy Tinnin
- Matt Hilgenberg
- Neal Bennett
- Richard Scholz
- William Hopson
- Jordan McLean
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
- 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
- Dennis Esson
- Brandon Ridenour
- Shawn Spicer
- Vince Mai
- Randy Tinnin
- Matt Hilgenberg
- Neal Bennett
- Richard Scholz
- William Hopson
- Jordan McLean
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
"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
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
Endorsing Artist
"I strongly feel that playing on my Wedge mouthpiece has been a positive and beneficial addition to my musical performance. There is a better core to the sound, increased flexibility and response. In addition I find that the increased embouchure efficiency that the mouthpiece creates allows for a more relaxed and consistent airflow.
I also have to say that working with Dave has been a wonderful experience. The level of customer service is exceptional and his product is wonderful."
Endorsing Artist
"Wedge mouthpieces provide excellent focus for both sound and pitch. This tonal focus makes finding those note "slots" much easier and aiming for those slots becomes much more reliable. Since playing on a Wedge, I have already noticed an improvement in my overall intonation when playing with others. In addition to these characteristics, the Wedge is the most comfortable feeling mouthpiece I have ever played. The contour of the rim feels like it's actually forming to your lips! If all of these assets are something you're searching for, then try out a Wedge!"
Endorsing Artist
"There is something about the clarity of sound that makes the Wedge easier to play. It seems that the mouthpiece does a better job of centering each note. I did not realize how much adjusting I was doing to achieve a vibrant sound throughout the range of the horn until I tried the Wedge and experienced an immediate difference. This mouthpiece also works well on Eb trumpet." (excerpt - read full review)
Randy Tinnin
Associate Professor of Trumpet - University of North Florida
Endorsing Artist
"I am delighted to be a Wedge artist. These mouthpieces are wonderfully engineered to play evenly in all registers and to bring out the best sound from bottom to top. The versatility and vast selection have allowed me to find just the set up that compliments the kind of playing I do!"
Endorsing Artist
"I first encountered the Wedge a few years ago and thought it was too strange to work for me. I just looked at it and thought - this is too radical.
Last year I met Dr Dave I decided to give it a go and we went through a series of fittings and modifications to suit my playing needs and embouchure.
I am very happy to say that this mouthpiece delivers in range, endurance AND sound. Even though my upper register has increased, my lower register actually got bigger! This has not been the case for any other conventional mouthpiece I've tried. I've got a flugel wedge as well and have used both mouthpieces in the studioand on stage with great satisfaction. They have made a huge difference in my enjoyment of trumpet playing!"
Endorsing Artist
"I first bought a used 3CC top and beat up Warburton 8* backbore from the internet to give the Wedge a try. Prior to this I was switching back and forth between a GR 65MX and Yamaha Bobby Shew Jazz for jazz and legit, a Reeves 41SV for shows and Latin work, and a Monette BL2 for lead.
When I got the mouthpiece in the mail I immediately brought it to my monthly small group Latin gig. I played two sets on it and was totally impressed with my ability to play to the top of my range, all night, with a completely even, open sound. More than impressed. I woke up the next day to absolutely no pain, swelling, or bruising, a feeling that was totally new to me. I knew that there was something to this rim shape and I had to find out more.
I called Dr. Dave and we talked for a long time. Prior mouthpieces, musical styles, how he discovered and developed his rim concept, etc. We got on great immediately. I wanted to order a couple pieces, and it turned out he was coming to New York the following week. He came to my gig at Birdland and gave me about 4 mouthpieces, including a 5DC top with a heavy medium backbore to try. I played it the whole gig and loved it! I have never instantly bonded with a line of mouthpieces like this before. Smooth from the bottom to the top of my range and I didn't have to change anything about my playing. Endurance, power, evenness, and intonation have all improved considerably. Two days later we were hanging out in a bar comparing mouthpiece scans in his computer over several beers.
After trying several lead tops and backbores, we're still tweaking the perfect one for me. I am totally happy with a 3CC/8* for jazz combo and classical, the 5DC/heavy medium for shows and big band, a 3FLX for flugel, and we're making a top for lead. All through this, Dave has been nothing but attentive and responsive to my needs. He has a great way of customizing pieces for people that don't come in his line, and his new standard line of pieces are great, too. Every time I practice on the Wedge, I feel my chops getting stronger, and I'm working muscles all the way back to my jaw. I want everyone to know about the Wedge, and I recommend them wholeheartedly. Dave's service can't be beat!"
Endorsing Artist
"The science behind the Wedge is the best compromise between narrow and wide rim designs. I have seen consistent improvements in range, flexibility and attack in my own playing and in my colleagues. I highly recommend the Wedge to anyone as a revolution in mouthpiece design that can have real advantages to your playing. Dr. Dave suggested blowing air through an unmodified piece and then the Wedge. The same air and lip produced a solid core buzz on the Wedge. The efficiency of the Wedge is truly astonishing."
Endorsing Artist
"I have been playing on The Wedge since 2008. This mouthpiece has created better flexibility in my playing has provided continuity of timbre throughout all ranges. I have greater endurance and the pitch is easier to center with The Wedge compared to conventional flat-rimmed mouthpieces. I recommended that everyone try The Wedge. I now use it exclusively on all of my horns."
Endorsing Artist
"This new Wedge Mouthpiece came to me just at the right time. I'm the Second Horn player in the Calgary Philharmonic, and we had a Beethoven Festival coming up. You all know how the Second Horn plays everything, and Beethoven can be brutal on the lip. Well, our orchestra had this idea to do the symphonies consecutively, and the last three concerts were the Fourth through Ninth Symphonies on consecutive nights, with dress rehearsals every morning. On top of it all, we were recording the Fifth and the Eighth, with recording sessions after the concerts. Crazy, right? I knew how this was going to cut up my lip, and I wasn't looking forward to it.
I'm not an equipment changer. Before this I had been playing a Holton MC for about thirty years. Then two weeks before the festival Dr. Dave provided me with one of his Wedge Mouthpieces. The bottom of the rim looked so fat and round I immediately thought, "Hey this won't cut me up as bad as what I'm playing", but of course I had to check out how it played first. It took a couple of days to get used to it, but it felt good. I played the Wedge for the festival, and I played fine. I still got cut up, but not as much as I expected. Those big skips that Beethoven liked to write were not a problem. I'm happy. The Horn section is happy. My Music Director is happy. I'm not going back to my Holton MC. I play the Wedge from here out.
Now, can Dr. Dave make a wooden Wedge Mouthpiece for my Alphorn?"
Endorsing Artist
"Dr. Dave, these mouthpieces feel like home.
Your skills in creating new and improved custom versions of my time-tested Shilkes has me convinced you are leading the way into the new century of brass playing.
Thank you!"