Monette trombone mouthpieces, like our trumpet and tuba mouthpieces, also feature the acoustic innovation we call constant pitch center. This means they require less adjustment in body and slide positions when changing registers or dynamic ranges. In addition to the pitch center improvements our mouthpieces provide, they also have more mass than most conventional mouthpieces. This means more stability of response and improved sound placement and projection. For more detailed information on the unique qualities our mouthpieces offer and for tips on how to acclimate to using them, please refer to the Pitch Center, Body Use, and Resonance section. See below for acclimation tips written specifically for trombone players.
(Summer, 2005) By popular demand, all Monette low-brass mouthpieces are built with our PRANA technology at a new special low price.
Note: We offer two throat sizes on our trombone mouthpieces. If you play with your head forward of your spine, pivot your head when playing, or alter slide positions as you change registers, the larger-throat mouthpieces will probably not work as well for you as the smaller sizes. If you play without these adjustments, the larger-throat models are a distinct advantage for many players. Either our standard throat size or our large throat size will be larger than most players have been used to using in conventional mouthpieces. When large throat sizes are used in our constant-pitch-center designs, many players find that the soft dynamics and upper register actually improve! The only limiting factors most players find when using Monette trombone mouthpieces in the upper register are: 1. the cup depth (if the cup is too deep), and 2. the amount of tension they hold in their bodies as they play. Please see the Trombone Acclimation Tips.
Tenor Trombone Mouthpiece Models
Model TT-6 By popular demand, the TS-6 rim and cup can now be ordered in the large shank tenor trombone style. Available in either the standard weight (pictured to the upper right) or in the new light body (LT) configuration.
Model TT-5 Our original symphonic tenor trombone mouthpiece, designed for players who use a 5G-size mouthpiece. Also available is the TT-5L, which has a larger throat and backbore than the TT-5. The TT-5L is great for players with a truly open and aligned approach to playing who are looking for the greatest projection and the most ease in response. Available in either the standard weight (pictured to the upper right) or in the new light body (LT) configuration.
Model TT-4 Similar to the above, but with a wider inside rim diameter. Also available is our popular TT-4L, which has an extra-large throat size. Available in either the standard weight (pictured to the upper right) or in the new light body (LT) configuration.
Small Shank Tenor Mouthpieces Lighter weight than our large shank models, and one throat size fits all
Model TS-6 Similar in rim and cup size to a conventional 6 1/2 size mouthpiece, with all the projection, ease of response and intonation improvements Monette mouthpieces are known for. Developed for Wycliffe Gordon, trombonist with the Wynton Marsalis Septet and Professor of Trombone at Michigan State University.
Model TS-11 Developed for New York recording artist Jim Pugh, this model is very popular with players who use a smaller size rim and cup for jazz and commercial work. Also used by Reggie Watkins, Lead Trombonist and Music Director with Maynard Ferguson.
Bass Trombone Models
Note: We do not use a tenor trombone mouthpiece blank when making our bass trombone mouthpieces! This means that with the wider inside rim diameter that bass trombone mouthpieces have, we can still provide comfortable, proportionate-feeling rims, rather than the thin, sharp, “cookie-cutter” rims common on conventional bass trombone mouthpieces that have been made on tenor trombone blanks.
Model BT-2 A great size for big band and commercial work, this model has a rich, full sound with great flexibility! Developed for our friend Ken Shirk of Portland, Oregon.
Model BT-1S With the same rim as our BT-1 and BT-1L, this model has a slightly shallower cup, which helps provide a slightly brighter sound and greater ease in the upper register.
Model BT-1 A true orchestral bass trombone mouthpiece, this model has a very comfortable, large rim, an extra large cup, and a monstrous sound! The upper register is surprisingly easy when the player stays open and relaxed! Also available as the BT-1L, with an extra large throat. This first model of Monette orchestral bass trombone mouthpiece was developed for John Englekist, principal bass trombone of the San Francisco Symphony.
Trombone Mouthpiece Size Comparison
Monette Size
Approximate Comparison Size
TS-6 ----- 6 1/2
TS-11
TT-6 ----- 6 1/2
TT-5 ----- 5G
TT-5L ---- TT-5 larger throat
TT-4 ------ 4G
TT-4L --- TT-4 larger throat
BT-2 ----- 1 1/2G
BT-1S --- BT-1 slightly shallow
BT-1 ----- 60
BT-1L --- BT-1 larger throat
Special Acclimation Tips for Trombone Players
Look in a mirror as you play a two octave arpeggio, watching how you adjust your head, neck, jaw, and slide position as you change registers. To successfully use Monette mouthpieces, you will need to stop most of this adjustment, which is currently a part of your muscle memory. Use the mirror, and practice staying relaxed and “neutral,” especially as you play into the register extremes. With our mouthpieces, less work makes more music.
Keep your head over the spine, and also keep your head at an angle that allows your throat to stay open and relaxed in all registers! For most players, this means the head will pivot down slightly compared to the position you are used to, and the back of the neck will extend (throat opens). This is the best alignment for playing in all registers when using Monette equipment.
Remember, the low register will be as much as a quarter tone lower than you are used to, so consciously try to stop adjusting to lower the pitch when it no longer needs any adjustment.
The upper register will be as much as a quarter tone higher than you are accustomed to, so again, try to be aware of what adjustments you are making and stop making them! If you try our mouthpieces and can’t figure this out, just look in a mirror as you play, then practice keeping the shoulders down and broad and the head level. Also, practice keeping the same look and feel in all registers, even when playing fast intervals (this takes some practice!).
For a more detailed discussion of how best to use Monette mouthpieces, please refer to the general Acclimation Tips in this section and Pitch Center, Body Use, and Resonance.
A. Playing tight: Hips closed, chest collapsed, throat closed.
B. Playing open: Hips open, chest open, throat open.