We have already taken several orders for the new Mouthpiece Gap Shim Kit, which includes 10 precision machined brass tubes designed to reduce gap. You could dramatically improve the playability of your current setup by doing the following: 1) Measure your current gap 2) Determine your target gap - usually .060 to .100 inches 3) Wide Gap: Insert appropriate gap shim inside the Mouthpiece Receiver of your trumpet 4) Narrow Gap: Reduce length of mouthpiece shank Note: Installation is easier with the new Venturi Measurement Tool (VMT) and measuring gap with the new Gap Measurement Tool (GMT). You may also purchase the entire Gap Solution Set. Example 1 - Monette B4S Goal: Increase flexibility, lessen resistance Original Gap: .138" Gap Shim Size: .040" New Gap: .098" Expected Result: More open air flow, balanced flexibility & slotting Example 2 - GR 64S Goal: Decrease hard slotting, increase flexibility, lessen resistance Original Gap: .167" Gap Shim Size: .080" New Gap: .087" Expected Result: Hard slotting in upper register is replaced with even scale and arpeggio, flexibility when playing wide intervals is greatly improved, air flow is increased Example 3 - Bach 1C Goal: Achieve a gap of zero allowing the maximum flexibility & air flow Original Gap: .020" Gap Shim Size: .020" New Gap: .000" Expected Result: Zero gap is sometimes preferred by players accustomed to open air flow and extreme flexibility. This setting requires a very good ear as intonation on each note is determined more by the player. Examples of Mouthpiece Gap variations by Manufacturer and Model The following gallery shows 31 different mouthpieces inserted into a Harrelson trumpet receiver. This illustrates the corresponding gap variations present among various mouthpiece taper lengths. The Harrelson Receiver taper and length was designed to minimize gap when used with most standard mouthpieces. When ordering a Harrelson Trumpet while using a Monette mouthpiece, the gap is almost always reduced by means of moving the leadpipe closer to the receiver taper to compensate for the extremely short shank length. The opposite is true if a client states they primarily use Schilke or various Bach mouthpieces. Bach mouthpieces typically vary in length by as much as .12 inches and are a major source of gap issues. Yamaha mouthpieces are not shown, but consistently measure slightly shorter than vintage Bach mouthpieces. Bach (Gap: .005 - .02) Bach mouthpieces typically vary in length by as much as .12 inches and are a major source of gap issues. Schilke (Gap: 0 - .08) Schilke mouthpieces commonly have a long shank creating very small gap. Click on photo for gap measurements, make, model information GR (Gap = .056 - .167) GR mouthpieces have the widest gap variance of any modern manufacturer I have measured. Marcinkiewicz (Gap = .08 - .11) Marcinkiewicz mouthpieces are consistently within range of acceptable gap on most trumpets. Reeves/Stomvi (Gap = varies) the Stomvi/Reeves Flex Sleeve 4.5 produces a .100" gap. Interchangeable shanks ensure a perfect fit. Click on photo for gap measurements, make, model information Harrelson (Gap = custom designed to your playing preferences and determined before the trumpet and/or mouthpiece are made) Click on photo for gap measurements, make, model information Monette (Gap = .112 - .143) Monette mouthpieces consistently have shorter shanks and larger gap translating to hard slotting. Click on photo for gap measurements, make, model information Warburton (Gap = .085 - .107) Warburton mouthpieces often produce gap close to the average target of .100". Austin ACB (Gap = .076) Produced by Pickett, the ACB produces less gap increasing flexibility and airflow. Stork (Gap = .109) Stork mouthpieces often produce gap close to the average target of .100". Taylor (Gap = zero) Taylor mouthpieces do not always fit other brand receivers. Callet (Gap = .075) Produced by Kanstul, this Superchops I offers the more desirable slightly smaller gap. Curry (Gap = .048) Curry mouthpiece shank lengths vary by model, I suspect to achieve results related to their purpose. Wick (Gap = .123) I have measured relatively few Wick mouthpieces. In this case, closing the gap with a .020 shim is advised. Greg Black (Gap = .115) I have measured relatively few Black mouthpieces. In this case, closing the gap with a .020 shim is advised. Click on photo for gap measurements, make, model information Remember, the steps to measure and adjust gap:
1) Measure your current gap 2) Determine your target gap - usually .060 to .100 inches 3) Wide Gap: Insert appropriate gap shim inside the Mouthpiece Receiver of your trumpet 4) Narrow Gap: Reduce length of mouthpiece shank Note: Installation is easier with the new Venturi Measurement Tool (VMT) and measuring gap with the new Gap Measurement Tool (GMT). You may also purchase the entire Gap Solution Set.
68 Comments
Rigoberto
4/1/2013 12:33:00 pm
Question
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JH
4/1/2013 01:39:22 pm
1) The shim is not permanent and it can be removed easily with the Venturi/Gap Tool, which is designed to measure the gap, the venturi and act as an installation and removal tool. The new Venturi/Gap Tool will be available next week.
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Leo
4/2/2013 09:03:58 am
Do you think that there will be a video in the future showing how to install the shims correctly?
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JH
4/2/2013 11:51:53 am
Yes, there will be a video available on the website soon. Every Mouthpiece Gap Shim Kit includes instructions.
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Leo
4/3/2013 12:16:44 pm
Thanks!! One more thing what will he the cost on the Venturi/ gap tool?and when will it be available ?
Jason
4/4/2013 10:12:07 am
The Venturi/Gap tool is available now for $38 or you may purchase it with the Mouthpiece Gap Shim Kit for a discounted price of $50 total plus $5 shipping. We hope to have good photos and description on our website at the end of next week.
Adam
4/2/2013 09:26:00 am
1.) There are only 3 venturi sizes: .340, .345, and .350. What if my horn has a venturi of .343 or .348?
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JH
4/2/2013 12:04:53 pm
Hello Adam,
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Felix
4/3/2013 12:34:09 am
What ventury size correspond to a Bach 25 Leadpipe?
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JH
4/3/2013 03:56:40 am
Most Bach Stradivarius venturi sizes are in the .340-.345 range so you would order the .345 Mouthpiece Gap Shim Kit.
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Jason
4/4/2013 10:13:09 am
Terry, You would most likely need the .345" Shim Kit as most Yamaha trumpets measure .341 to .345.
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Michael
4/7/2013 05:25:09 am
Hi Jason, what venturi size would I need for a Calicchio 1s/7 ML and a Marcinkiewicz Shew 1.25 or a yamaha 14b4? thank you!
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JH
4/15/2013 11:57:23 am
Hi Michael, most trumpet venturi sizes are around .341 to .345 so you would want the .345" set.
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Hi Jason, I get the 'gap' measurement, but don't know the proper way (or tool) to measure venturi size. I have a Romeo Adaci Referenz and an Adams A4 + a small collection of 'different' mouthpiece makes that I use on both, though I imagine it would be best to 'pick 1' mouthpiece per horn and stick with it to maximize the use of a shim (assuming each mouthpiece will have a different gap).
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JH
4/15/2013 12:00:24 pm
Hello Blaine,
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JH
4/15/2013 12:04:22 pm
by the way, I like your web page! -Jason
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Agustin
4/15/2013 11:19:19 am
Hi jason i play a callet jazz with a monette b4s wich rim i will have to use to make a beter gap
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JH
4/15/2013 12:01:33 pm
Hi Agustin,
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Mike Valichio
5/7/2013 06:21:25 pm
I have Selmer concept TT and Selmer 365 piccolo. What would be my venturi size?
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JH
5/10/2013 12:14:39 am
The Concept TT is likely .343" so you would order the .345 shim kit. The Selmer piccolo may be smaller and the .345 kit will work with any smaller sized venturi. Jason
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max
5/13/2013 10:19:57 pm
Great job Jason. It's time for flugelhorn gap?
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JH
6/5/2013 06:11:06 am
Yes, Flugel and Cornet gap kits will be next!
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JT
6/1/2013 09:00:25 am
Hi there Jason,
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JH
6/5/2013 06:13:40 am
Yes, adjusting gap is very noticeable. The Reeves system is the best option available right after the 5MM Modular Mouthpiece and I have recommended it for years. The S32 will work with the .345 shims even though the venturi may be closer to .340. We offer shim kits in .340, .345 and .350. -Jason
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AW
6/6/2013 02:01:32 am
Will you have this product at ITG? I tried my friends and it helped drasticly. Great work!
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JH
6/6/2013 03:38:51 am
Yes, I will be at the ITG Conference in Grand Rapids next week along with Jen, Jake and James Knabe. We will have a display in the main exhibit hall and a full service display in our private room (Ruby Room). Please stop in and check out the new 5MM Modular Mouthpiece line and the Gap Solution Kits! -Jason
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Georg Steckler
8/4/2013 08:02:26 am
Very interesting! I play a Schilke B5 and Bobby Shew Lead. Also use Wick 4E and GR 64 SZ.
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JH
12/19/2013 01:56:52 am
Hello Georg. The answer to your question really depends on the shank length of all four mouthpieces. I'm guessing that the Wick is shorter than the Schilke and GR. The Shew model has been produced by two different manufacturers so I cannot say for sure. However, you could trim the shank of the longest mouthpiece and compromise for a more consistent setup using all these mpcs. -Jason
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Curt Peil
11/17/2013 08:32:05 am
I play a Holton 307S with 3.68 bore. Would it need a larger shim then the kit has in them. I also play a Selmer K-modified with a 3.59 bore. Can tou help me select what I need for shim's so I don't by something that won't work.Thanks
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JH
12/19/2013 01:58:43 am
Hi Curt, you may order a large inside diameter shim kit for your Holton 307S and a standard kit for your Selmer. Call us at 651.330.7774 and Christine or I will be happy to help you. -Jason
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Al Moretti
12/16/2013 06:22:24 am
I have a Connstellation 1958 model 38B with a Marcinkiewicz Shew 2.
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JH
12/19/2013 01:59:57 am
Hello Al, the standard shim kit should work fine with your 38B. Thanks! -Jason
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Chuang Yee
1/16/2014 12:07:10 am
Hi I play a Yamaha 8310z. Which shim kit should I get? Thanks
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Leslie
1/21/2014 09:50:04 am
Hi, I have a 1946 Martin Committee that's tight in the upper register.. What shim size do you suggest?
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Jason
1/24/2014 03:43:55 am
Hello Leslie, I recommend trying the .345 shim kit. The Committee was offered in several bore sizes and the most common problem with the ML and L (large) bore versions is stuffiness in the upper register. Thanks, Jason
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Paul
1/25/2014 06:22:43 am
Your measure the gap page is missing. I don't think I'm gonna buy your shims if I don't know hoe to measure the gap!
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Jason
1/27/2014 12:49:43 am
Hello Paul,
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Jason
2/21/2014 12:59:02 am
Need to know what shim kit that would work an Eclipse (removable lead pipe configuration) for both Bb and C, both are .470 bore horns. Can provide more measurements to figure this out. Just let me know what you need. Perhaps we can connect via email as I've tried the phone a few times. Or maybe a scheduled phone conference? Thanks!
Reply
5/22/2015 09:15:27 am
Hello Jason, You can email us at [email protected] or call 651.330.7774. There is always someone answering the phone Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm CST. It is likely that your Eclipse trumpets would require the .345 shim size, but I don't believe I have measured the Eclipse horns I have owned in the past. We offer free exchanges if the outside diameter doesn't fit on the first try.
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Mattias Coudron
4/29/2014 10:01:44 pm
Hi Jason.
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Jason
4/30/2014 01:31:22 am
Hello Mattias,
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Orlando Calzada
5/2/2014 10:45:32 am
My current Trumpet is a Benge (Los Angeles) ML & and a Dennis Wick 4X MPC. Please tell me what kit to buy.
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Christine
5/6/2014 03:55:40 am
Hi Orlando,
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5/12/2014 07:06:04 am
I'm trying to understand the shim - so does it abut the end of the mouthpiece shank, or does it abut the end of the leadpipe inside the receiver? Or does it sit in the middle between the mouthpiece and the leadpipe? (If THAT is true, I don't understand how it would work) If it does touch the end of the mouthpiece shank, How do you get it to stop at the right spot inside the receiver?
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JH
5/12/2014 08:34:39 am
Hi Andy,
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Mark Bouyer
2/17/2015 07:27:43 am
I have been informed by Kanstul Sales that the venturi on my model 1503 Bb trumpet is 0.348 in. diameter. What size shim do you recommend?
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5/22/2015 09:18:51 am
Hello Mark,
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agustin
4/25/2015 02:31:32 am
I use the shims for my callet jazz trumpet with monetteb4s2prana and works great
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5/16/2015 02:58:56 pm
Which shim kit would you recommend for a Kanstul 1500 Bb trumpet?
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5/22/2015 09:25:04 am
Chuck,
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John
5/22/2015 08:38:33 am
What is the proper size shims for the Kanstul 991?
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5/22/2015 09:28:05 am
John,
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David VAldez
6/23/2015 06:15:34 am
Hello,
Reply
1/28/2018 08:59:46 am
Hi Jason, I'm wondering if the concepts with the receiver gap might also apply to the gaps created with the tuning slide? Would response, openness and slotting be improved with those gaps being eliminated as well?
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Jonathan Lipsky
4/9/2018 05:07:34 pm
Do you still sell the shim kits? Also, I saw a customer who used your .345" kit on his Callet Jazz to good effect. However, I thought my Callet Jazz has a wider Venturi .352 or .353 in part because Callet prefers less gap.
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Brian Rowley
2/19/2020 01:01:57 am
Any thoughts on venturi size for 1964 Schilke E-flat (with unused slides for D)?
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Brian Rowley
8/10/2020 09:50:03 am
Update on my previous comment: I'm embarrassed to say I mismeasured mouthpiece gaps of Bach 1C vs short-shanked Schilke F2 trumpet/flugel hybrid mouthpieces; both exactly 0.090375" (3/32 inch) for my 1964 eflat/ d schilke. So short shank not indicative of mouthpiece gap.
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Brian Rowley
8/10/2020 09:57:06 am
btw I even more love (for smooth buttery sound) the Reeves a2j mouthpiece. Far superior for me (sound and precision), so I'm not looking back.
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Larry Moses
8/9/2020 10:15:09 am
Hi Jason; I usually play a Bach 43* with a Warburton 5sv..However I also enjoy playing on an Olds Super for certain gigs,but doing a rough gap measurment, seems like there is a large gap on that setup...I want to order the shimms, but what would you recommend? I think the bach/warb gap is ok..Thanks; Larry
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Mike padula
9/17/2020 12:44:19 pm
Hi Jason I use an al cass x7 mock the shallower they make. What would I use for gap on a stomvi elite 330 trumpet
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3/12/2021 03:33:45 pm
Hi Jason,
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William Pogue
9/12/2021 12:15:51 pm
I just ordered the mouthpiece gap solution kit and I plan to try it out first on a Bach Strad. However, a Benge, very late LA 6X, that (using the depth gage portion of a caliper) has no perceptible "ledge" where the leadpipe meets the mouthpiece receiver. Can the shims be used in this case where the gap is extremely long ?
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Jason
5/17/2022 02:32:13 pm
Yes, you can still use the gap shims with a leadpipe and receiver that produces little to no ledge. This is sometimes beneficial to create some resistance.
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Mário Manuel Martins bonito
5/17/2022 10:05:33 am
good afternoon jason. I have a getzen eternal ll and I would like to buy the mouthpiece gap solution kit, but I don't know the exact size. can help?
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Brock
1/28/2023 12:27:46 pm
I have a Bach Commercial and a Shilke B1. These are my go to horns. What would be the venturi sizes of these horns? I have an assortment of mouthpieces that I like for jazz but occasionally need that punch of upper register articulation. I have been playing for 60 years and I am amazed how different mouthpieces perform in different trumpets. Finally it sounds as if you figured out the mystery of finding the perfect combination. Should I start by trying to outfit my Bach? I am a little concerned about venturi sizes as I will most likely switch between these two horns. Thank you so much.
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Christine
2/3/2023 08:58:50 am
This is Christine in the Harrelson office. Most trumpet venturi sizes are around .341 to .345 so you would want the .345" set. Thanks and feel free to call if you have questions! 651-330-7774
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Jason Harrelson
Inventor, Musician, Educator and Founder of Harrelson Trumpets, Trumpet Momentum and Harrelson Momentum. Archives
August 2024
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