Mouthpiece Sleeves are designed to alter the gap between the end of the mouthpiece and the beging of the lead pipe. Sleeves are available in sizes #1-#7 by 1/2 sizes. Mouthpiece shanks will need to be cut down for sleeves. This service can be done to any of our one piece mouthpieces and to any of our backbore sections for a cost of $50. each, which includes one sleeve. Additional sleeves cost $20 each. Please specify at the time of order. reasons for modifying your gap and are these:
Why is Modifying resistance important?
The Gap between the end of your mouthpiece and your leadpipe creates resistance. Greater gaps increase resistance. Smaller gaps, diminish resistance. By varying that distance you can make a good mouthpiece-trumpet combination play great. You may also desire different resistance levels for different playing circumstances. For example playing lead in a jazz ensemble has different requirements than playing in a small chamber group. When you change the throat of a mouthpiece to a smaller throat you create backpressure as well as resistance. But by changing only the gap you add resistance to the feel of the mouthpiece but still have a good air flow through the system.
What is Nodal Balance?
The sound waves that are created at your aperture are magnified throughout the instrument and the waves touch certain points in the instrument. By adjusting the point that the sound waves start we change where they touch the nodal points in the instrument. When these waves and points are aligned properly we can improve the intonation and playability of the instrument.
Why don't manufacturers address the gap issue?
A few pioneers in the industry have. Fixed sized sleeves and adjustable gap receivers exist. However, most mouthpiece manufacturers don't address the issue because of the expense in stocking all their various models in a variety of shank dimensions. So their opinion decides what is best for you. The end result is your options are limited.
Also view our Gap Modulator for custom individualized and variable gap adjustment.