Complete Solutions for Mouthpiece Gap

5/8/2013

Our new Mouthpiece Gap Solutions are debuting on our website this month. Reducing the Gap between the mouthpiece and leadpipe will likely improve the playability of your current setup and setting a similar gap distance on all of your horns will improve consistency!

Venturi Measurements

Venturi Measurement Tool (VMT)

Gap Measurements

Gap Measurement Tool (GMT)

Gap Shim Kits

Understanding Mouthpiece Gap is relatively simple and the adjustment process is easily performed by anyone. Here are several resources to get you started on your journey to improving slotting, flexibility and consistency on any trumpet.

13 Comments

robert

5/10/2013 11:37:59 am

I play on monette mpc's which are constructed shorter. This created a gap of .25 which is gigantic. Jason's gap shim kit has provided a solution which is brilliantly simple & elegant in application and design. The difference in range, tonal clarity / color , and resistance is astounding ! Big Improvement noticed by all !! Thank You Jason !

Bota Horatiu

9/19/2013 05:20:49 am

hi
Please explain how will I remove the gap shims from the receiver?

Jason

9/21/2013 02:45:22 am

Simply insert the gap removal tool (the small end of the venturi measurement tool), gently pull to the side and remove the shim.

Bota Horatiu

9/21/2013 05:39:58 am

Wouldn't the shim move too freely in the receiver if it is a hair too narrow?

Jason

9/26/2013 10:52:36 pm

Yes, this could happen, but it does not have any negative affect and most standard size shims fit most trumpets. If your shim is too narrow in diameter, you can add a tiny sliver of scotch tape to make it fit snug or use rubber cement for a semi-permanent solution.

William Harris

11/6/2013 08:31:06 am

Trombone - - Conn 88HT has three leadpipes in a 525/547 dual bore slide. The idea is to play your big bore mouthpiece normally used in a 547 bore. This gives a clear, brilliant sound. However the leadpipe does not allow for that mouthpiece to go in all the way. Based on what I see here, the gap is way too big. How do I adjust this gap for trombone!?

Jason

12/19/2013 01:53:41 am

We will be introducing a Trombone Gap Solution Kit in 2014. And there are plans for a Harrelson Trombone in 2015. Please contact us at harrelsontrumpets@gmail.com for more information. Thanks, Jason

Kris Hammond link

12/26/2013 05:39:41 am

Hey Jason,

I really love using your gap tools and they have improved my playing. Could you please elaborate on Venturi size (or point me to it) and the typical playing characteristic from large to small Venturi? My Venturi on my C trumpet is the largest setting on your tool and I have a feeling it's making playing in the high register harder than it needs to be. I'm hoping to get an AGR installed to adjust the gap and Venturi. Thanks!

Jason

1/22/2014 11:47:55 pm

Hi Kris, I know we discussed your questions yesterday, but I wanted to reply here for all. In general, large venturi sizes over .346 tend to feel constricted in the upper register. Most trumpet players experience a more open upper register (up to E above the staff) within the range of .341 to .345. For extreme high playing up to or beyond double C, smaller venturi sizes from .340 to .342 are recommended. I'm guessing that your C trumpet plays very open and broad in the low and mid registers, yet feels tight above high A. I recommend trying the AGR or Gap Shims in the size range of .342 to .348 testing each one by playing a wide interval slur from low C up to G above the staff at p or pp. Thanks, Jason

Alan

1/29/2014 03:49:05 am

Hi Jason,

Very interesting stuff! I have been playing a Schilke X3 for 4 months now - love the trumpet But it is incredibly mouthpiece (or indeed gap) sensitive.

Your system would allow me to experiment without cutting mouthpieces. The X3 is a 0.463 bore size - which size of shims should I order?

Alan.

Christine link

1/30/2014 12:23:54 am

Hi Alan -

If you know the venturi of your X3 (the diameter at the beginning of the leadpipe - typically around .345), you can order that shim size. You may be able to find this information from Schilke. Our Venturi Measurement Tool also allows you to find this diameter yourself, while doubling as an insertion tool for the shims.

Thanks!
Christine @ Harrelson

Chris

10/22/2016 07:27:56 am

What's the price and how to order?? Thanks

Gabriel Pugliese

4/1/2018 05:28:27 pm

Do you still sell the shim kit? My King Super-20 Symphony Silver Sonic has an unusually large gap - about 0.566" with my Bach mouthpiece. I would like to try to reduce it to around 0.125". Can your shim kit do this?

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