5MM Modular Heaven!

Welcome to 5MM Modular Mouthpiece heaven! The concept of a modular brass mouthpiece has been around for at least a hundred years. I know because I own some very old mouthpieces with screw rims and top/bottom parts. Brass players are very particular about their equipment and the mouthpiece topic is by far the most popular and controversial. I created the 5MM Modular Mouthpiece system to allow the player a simple, more direct path towards the best configuration(s) suitable for his or her playing requirements.

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What can you do with the 5MM that you cannot do with standard mouthpieces?
Almost anything is possible within the 5MM system including duplicating any part of your existing brass mouthpiece then combining this with any component from another brand/size mouthpiece. Now it is possible to play on a Monette rim, a GR cup and a Schilke backbore with your choice of throat size and shape. You can even combine parts between instrument types meaning you can create a french horn mouthpiece using your favorite trumpet rim.

The 5MM will be available in all instrument sizes including:

• Trumpet - currently available
  
• Cornet - coming January 2016
  
• Flugelhorn - coming January 2016
  
• French Horn
• Trombone
• Baritone
• Tuba

How does the 5MM simplify playing trumpet?
As with everything I do, my focus in creating the 5MM is first on solving problems. At first glance, seeing many components may seem overwhelming and unnecessary. For you as an individual, the number of options suitable for your requirements is simply one branch of the entire tree of options. Once you settle on a comfortable rim, the next step is to decide on one or two cup sizes. Then you have the option of changing throat and backbore sizes to adjust your tone, intonation, air flow and gap setting offering ideal configurations for every type of music.

5MM Rims

More options = better range, endurance and dynamics
By fine tuning your mouthpiece configuration, you will essentially design and build your own mouthpiece that fits you better than any mass produced size available.

You are in control of all parameters including:

• Rim shape/size - comfort on lips and teeth
• Cup shape/depth - determined by lip thickness
• Throat shape/diameter - controls air flow, tone, intonation
• Backbore - a continuation of the Throat
• Body size/style - determine weight and visual design
• Nut - transitions 5MM seamlessly into your receiver

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I don't need to change mouthpieces...
You're right, you probably do not need to change mouthpieces or try a 5MM. I personally have played on the same mouthpiece for 15 years so I understand your perspective. Why change when it already works, right? I'll save my long version of making a case for getting into the 5MM for another time.

For today, here are just a few advantages to consider...

• Feels the same on your lips - we duplicate your current rim
• Experience added efficiency - increased stability, dynamic range and consistency
• Tonal options - changing throat and backbore components offers an incredible range of tonal colors
• Future growth - almost all players must change mouthpiece sizes over time due to changes related to aging

5MM Cups

Simplicity meets Efficiency
In the case of the 5MM, efficiency refers not only to energy gains, but also the ease in which you may interchange components. The average time to replace a backbore is under 20 seconds and you may assemble a full kit in under 30 seconds!

There is no chance of having parts stick together over time thanks to my proprietary tooling system complete with a mini-spanner wrench. Those of you currently using a removable top/bottom mouthpiece system know that the parts eventually get stuck together. The 5MM was designed from scratch to prevent sticking even after many years without use or grease. The Rim, Cup, Backbore and Nut were specially designed to be removable by hand or with the custom 5MM Spanner Wrench. 

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Say goodbye to solid mouthpiece design
It may seem far-fetched to think that the 5MM could eventually replace traditional mouthpiece design until you consider a few important factors.

1. The first factor is always price and considering the massive time, energy and brain power I have put into this system, the price reflects the quality and technology you are receiving. But fast forward five years and consider that after I purchase a second or third CNC Mill/Turn center to produce the 5MM System, the price of standard sizes will be reduced. I foresee the day (maybe 2019) when you may purchase the basic 9-piece kit in anodized aluminum for $95.
2. The second consideration is demand. Brass players usually only purchase things they believe they need to succeed. By arming students and professionals of all ages with real world information regarding the working embouchure and mouthpiece components, having the ability to design and assemble custom mouthpieces will be essential to success. I estimate that over 90% of all brass players are using a mouthpiece ill-suited for their specific physiology, embouchure type and playing preferences. 
3. And what makes any new idea successful? People sharing their personal experiences! With today's social media reality, our clients share with each other constantly. Check our Facebook pages (Harrelson Trumpets and Jason Harrelson) or simply search Google and see for yourself how excited our clients are about their new Trumpets, SWE Trim Kits, 5MM Modular Mouthpieces and so on. YOU are the key ingredient to making the 5MM succeed. Together, we can break the mold and discover so many new options that have yet to be imagined!

I will be adding video and photos next week of the 5MM in action. I'm currently playing on a 5MM version of my old Monette B4 and have to admit that I get excited every time I unscrew the rim and cup to replace the throat. The solid feel of the threads almost defines the quality even with my eyes closed. And even though I invented this system last year and have managed to develop it in almost complete secrecy, I cannot believe how simple, versatile and fun it is to change components and immediately create new tonal colors!