How to Choose the Right French Horn Mouthpiece

The French horn mouthpiece directly impacts intonation, endurance and tone quality. Selecting  this accessory isn’t as simple as it may seem. You should consider many factors such as shape, depth of cup, your playing style and preference. In this article, we will share tips on how to pick the right French horn mouthpiece for your comfort and optimal performance. 

7 Things to Consider when Choosing the French Horn Mouthpiece

1. Don’t expect a single mouthpiece to provide many benefits at once. The mouthpiece can’t provide you high volume, wide range, and excellent tone quality all at once. In practice, mouthpieces that allow you to play higher often sacrifice tone quality.
2. Don’t rely on someone else’s success when picking a mouthpiece for you. If you think a specific type and model make you play as well as your friend, you’re probably wrong, as mouthpieces feel and respond differently for each individual. Lips and mouths of people function differently, which results in different sounds. Choose a mouthpiece considering your own needs rather than copying what your friend uses.
3. Set your key priority. There’s nothing wrong if you’re searching for the mouthpiece to play louder or higher, but you should select what your specific goal is. You can’t receive all desired results from using the single mouthpiece. If your main goal is to play higher, then select mouthpieces, which can provide you with this characteristic. If you want better endurance to play for long hours, then search for the accessory that aims at that specific need. There are mouthpieces that can meet any of your needs, but to find what works perfect for you, you should first understand what matters to you the most.
4. Try different mouthpieces to find the best for you. It’s impossible to find your perfect device without trying a few different sizes and models. Especially if you used to play the one and only mouthpiece. Ask experts at your local music store for advice or explore what mouthpieces other players typically use when working in your genre. You can even borrow some devices from your friends to know whether they feel right to you.
5. Test a new mouthpiece with your own instrument. Don’t forget to bring your French horn with you to the store. When trying a mouthpiece with your own French horn you can easily identify what changes a new device brings. You can’t feel and hear the same result if you just borrow the instrument from the store. Since you can hardly remember how your current mouthpiece feels, it’s also useful to bring it with you to compare to a new one.
6. Play a few different passages with a new mouthpiece. Test your purchase by playing parts with lots of moving motes and quick articulation, then try some slower parts. Play something from the music you usually play. This will give you a feel of how the mouthpiece responds in various musical contexts. You can also try a new mouthpiece by doing some warm-up exercises. Play high, fast, loud and even what feels boring to you to test a full set of capabilities of the new device.
7. Don’t overlook comfort. You may quickly feel overwhelmed by many options available in the store, however it’s always better to consider comfort. Select the mouthpiece that provides you with ease when you play and especially when you play your current musical repertoire.

Diameters, Depth of Cup, Bore and Backbore of French horn Mouthpieces 

Now let’s delve into some technical parameters to consider when choosing the right mouthpiece for your French horn. 

Diameter 

The diameter affects comfort and endurance. 

Mouthpieces with a smaller diameter increase endurance, offering less strain, however limited tone richness and absence of significant brightness. A smaller diameter shapes the sound, making it less broad at the base and bigger in the upper register. These mouthpieces are perfect for beginners as they are easier to play. 

French horn mouthpieces with a larger diameter are more flexible, offering a fuller tone. However, they are not as easy to play as those with small diameters, as they require more lip strength.

Depth of the Cup 

The cup depth, which is the parameter from the top of the inner rim down to the throat, impacts the overall response of the French horn, its tone quality and resistance.

Shallow cups offer a quicker response with a more focused sound. They allow musicians to hit high notes easier and offer an excellent bright tone. Shallow mouthpieces are perfect for musicians, whose goal is to play high-register passages better.

Deeper cups offer slower response, with a wide, broad, and warm sound. They make it easier to play low notes but require more air support. They also make high notes more difficult. If you want a darker sound or bigger lower register you should choose mouthpieces with deeper cups.

Medium-depth cups have characteristics of both cups mentioned, offering a balance of warm tone and playability.

Bore and Backbore

When speaking about the bore, we mean the opening at the center of the mouthpiece. It affects the airflow and resistance. A larger bore provides more airflow, resulting in open and rich sound, while a smaller bore offers more resistance, making it easier to control notes. A larger bore requires strong breath support, while a smaller bore may limit your volume and tone depth. 

The backbore is the gradual taper from the bore towards the end. Its contour impacts pitch control and the amount of resistance experienced by musicians when they play the French horn. Musicians whose priority is free-blowing typically select a larger bore size. Soloists select a narrower backbore as they allow for more clarity and projection.

How to Store and Transport your French Horn Mouthpiece

Since mouthpieces play a crucial role in shaping the sound, proper caring and reliable storage aren’t something to neglect. It’s not the best idea to hold it loosely in the bag’s pocket with other essentials that may damage their surface and thus affect the sound. 

To protect your French horn mouthpieces from dents, mechanical impacts and temperature extremes, we recommend using specially designed French horn mouthpiece pouches, like those available at KGUmusic.

Made from leather, they act as reliable barriers against environmental impacts and protect your devices if accidentally dropped. Available in three styles — single, double and triple, these pouches can meet needs of beginners with a limited arsenal of devices and experienced musicians who have a larger collection of mouthpieces. These pouches have an appealing exterior that ages in the unique way, as well as slots designed for each accessory with soft lining.  Their size allows them to fit into the instrument bags, while a wide range of colors help you select what reflects your personality the best. 

Conclusion 

Although selecting a mouthpiece for your French horn isn’t an easy task, our practical tips can help you set your goals and find your perfect accessory. Try different mouthpieces to see what works best for your embouchure and style. Consider your skill level. Ask for professional advice from your teacher or colleague. 

You can explore other useful accessories for French horns on our website, where we offer leather guards to protect vulnerable parts on the instrument’s surface, skill development tools, shelter bags, cleaning devices, and more.

Recently we’ve also shared tips on Preparing for Brass Auditions. Feel free to check them out to turn your next audition into a big success!