Mouthpiece (brass)

The mouthpiece is a circular opening that is enclosed by a rim and that leads to the instrument via a semi-spherical or conical cavity called the cup.

From the cup, a smaller opening (the throat) leads into a tapered cylindrical passage called the backbore.

The backbore is housed in a tapered shank, which is inserted into an opening called the receiver on the main body of the instrument.

Also, mouthpieces are selected to suit the embouchure of the player, to produce a certain timbre, or to optimize the instrument for certain playing styles.

[citation needed] Recent additions to the mouthpiece world include stainless steel,[2] titanium, and wood.

feel stainless steel and titanium mouthpieces provide advantages over the classic brass mouthpiece, including, anecdotally, a more centered feel and sound,[dubious – discuss][citation needed] as stainless steel and titanium do not absorb as many vibrations as brass,[citation needed] they require much less care, etc.—but they are much more expensive.

[citation needed]) Silver plating is common on all brass mouthpieces because it is cost-effective and good in terms of tone quality.

Silver plating is not as comfortable[citation needed] or as expensive as gold, but has properties and qualities that some feel facilitate certain styles of playing[dubious – discuss].

believe that silver plate provides a clearer, darker sound than gold[dubious – discuss] and is good for styles of playing that require clarity and projection.

[dubious – discuss][citation needed] For people allergic to the nickel found in most silver, this is the best (but not cheapest) way to play a brass instrument without discomfort.