If you’re a French horn player, you know that finding the perfect mouthpiece for high notes can be a challenging task. The French horn, also known as the round horn, is a brass instrument with a distinctively rich and warm tone. However, mastering the high register can be difficult, especially without the right equipment. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best French horn mouthpieces for high notes, breaking down the features and benefits of each option to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding Mouthpiece Characteristics
Before diving into specific mouthpiece recommendations, it’s essential to understand the key characteristics that affect a mouthpiece’s performance, particularly in the high register. These include:
Rim Shape and Contour: The rim is the part of the mouthpiece that touches your lips. Different rim shapes and contours can significantly impact the ease of playing high notes. A narrow, thin rim may provide better control and agility, while a wider rim can offer more stability and power.
Cup Shape and Depth: The cup is the hollowed-out part of the mouthpiece where your air flows. The shape and depth of the cup affect the tone and response of the instrument. A smaller, shallower cup may favor high notes, while a larger, deeper cup can enhance the lower register.
Throat Size: The throat is the narrow passage between the cup and the shank (the part that connects to the horn). A smaller throat can make it easier to reach high notes, but it may also restrict the airflow, affecting volume and tone.
Material: Mouthpieces are typically made from brass or silver. While the material doesn’t directly impact the ability to play high notes, it can affect the instrument’s overall tone and response. Brass mouthpieces tend to have a warmer, richer tone, while silver mouthpieces can offer a brighter, clearer sound.
Best Mouthpieces for High Notes
Now, let’s look at some of the best French horn mouthpieces for high notes, based on these characteristics and feedback from professional players.
Schilke Standard Series
The Schilke Standard Series is renowned for its high-quality mouthpieces designed in collaboration with world-class horn players. These mouthpieces offer a variety of rim and cup shapes to suit different playing styles and needs.
Model 28: This mouthpiece is a true “French” model, featuring a small cup and throat that favors the high register. It’s recommended for Descant Horn players who need to reach high notes with ease. The narrow diameter and thin rim make it an excellent choice for soloists and orchestral hornists who require precision and agility.
Model 30C2: Based on a standard design, the 30C2 has an excellent response in both high and low ranges, with a free-blowing feel. It’s suitable for both professional and developing players who want a versatile mouthpiece that can handle a wide range of musical styles and dynamics. The wide rounded rim and medium-large cup offer a great volume of tone, making it a good all-around option for experienced players.
Model 31C2: The 31C2 has a very thin rim and medium-large cup, providing a great volume of tone with ease in the high register. It’s an excellent choice for players who need a mouthpiece that can produce a rich, dark tone while still allowing them to reach high notes with clarity and control.
Laskey G Series
The Laskey G Series is another popular choice among French horn players, thanks to its unique rim contour and balanced cup design. Developed by Scott Laskey after years of research and development, these mouthpieces are customized for professional horn players.
G Series Standard: The standard G Series mouthpiece offers a round rim contour with a high point towards the inner edge, providing clear articulation and precise slotting through the entire range. The cup is slightly shallower than other models, making it optimal for a wide range of playing styles and artists of all pedagogical backgrounds. The standard throat size of .182″ ensures a balanced response in both high and low registers.
85GW: This signature model for Gail Williams features a narrower rim on the same G Series underpart, providing greater flexibility and movement within the iconic Laskey rim. It’s an excellent choice for players who need a mouthpiece that can handle complex musical passages and rapid changes in register.
Bach Mouthpieces
Vincent Bach mouthpieces are designed to meet every conceivable playing need and have been trusted by professionals for nearly three-quarters of a century. These mouthpieces are known for their excellent intonation, ease of response, and rich, uniform timbre throughout the range.
Bach Silver 10: The Bach Silver 10 mouthpiece features a deep cup with a diameter of 16.80mm. It’s designed to enhance the instrument’s volume and intonation, making it an excellent choice for players who need a mouthpiece that can produce a powerful, clear sound in the high register. The silver material contributes to the instrument’s bright, clear tone, making it suitable for a variety of musical styles and genres.
Tips for Choosing the Right Mouthpiece
When choosing a mouthpiece for high notes, consider the following tips:
Try Before You Buy: If possible, try out different mouthpieces before making a purchase. Visit a music store or contact a horn teacher who can help you find the right fit for your playing style and needs.
Consult with Professionals: Seek advice from experienced horn players or teachers who can recommend mouthpieces based on their own experiences and knowledge of the industry.
Consider Your Budget: Mouthpieces can range in price from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand. Set a budget before shopping and be prepared to compromise on certain features if necessary.
Experiment with Different Combinations: Don’t be afraid to try out different rim and cup combinations to find the perfect fit for your playing style. Remember, the best mouthpiece is the one that allows you to play with ease, control, and expression.
Conclusion
Finding the best French horn mouthpiece for high notes is a personal journey that depends on your playing style, budget, and preferences. By understanding the key characteristics of mouthpieces and trying out different options, you can find a mouthpiece that enhances your ability to play high notes with clarity, control, and expression. Whether you choose a Schilke, Laskey, or Bach mouthpiece, the most important thing is to find one that allows you to enjoy playing your instrument and reach your musical goals.
In summary, the Schilke Standard Series, Laskey G Series, and Bach mouthpieces are all excellent choices for French horn players looking to improve their high register. Each brand offers a variety of models with different rim and cup shapes to suit different playing styles and needs. By trying out different options and seeking advice from professionals, you can find the perfect mouthpiece for your instrument and playing style. Happy playing!
