Kubo Tube, Nakamura!
The third generation of Lotus Mouthpiece was released in Japan on August 5, 2023 (Saturday).
The official website isClick here
They say 3rd generation, 3rd generation, but what's changed...? It's not just a price increase...
No, no, no, that's not true!
Let's take a closer look at the secret.
If you want to buy faster than you know the secret...click here
Evolution (1)
The gold-colored exterior is the most distinguishable point. In fact, it is not just gold plating, but "PVD coating" is used. This is a word unfamiliar to wind instruments, but it is a coating method used for jewelry, molds, etc. It is not special in any way, and is treated in the same way as general plating. It is not something special, and can be handled in the same way as ordinary plating. PVD coating is a "thin and hard" finish. It is scratch resistant, maintains its beauty, and reflects the characteristics of the mouthpiece more directly to the player.
Evolution (2)
The throat size and rim shape have been reviewed. The HC series (high compression, throat reduction model) introduced in 2022 was discontinued, and the throat size that best fits each model was carefully selected.
XL: No change
XL2: Throat slightly tighter.
L: Throat is now tighter. (Equivalent to previous HC series)
L2: Throat is slightly tighter.
M: No change
M2: Throat is now slightly tighter. Also, a new rim shape has been adopted.
S: Throat is tighter (same as previous HC series). Also, a new rim shape has been adopted.
XS: A new rim shape has been adopted.
XS2: Added, new model
FL: No change
FLs: no change
The standard rim shape is a slightly wider "Marathon rim" with a shallower cup than the M2. It has excellent endurance and provides a comfortable playing experience.
Evolution (3)
The lineup of small cups has been enhanced. The 9 and 11 rims (equivalent to Bach 10-1/2 to 12), which are smaller than the 1, 2, 3, and 7 rim sizes, have been officially released, and some L and M cups are now also manufactured.
Please refer to the image below for a list of available sizes.
Staff Nakamura's impression
Based on the characteristics of the above official announcement, we feel that the overall sound is slightly more focused and has a clearer sound profile than the 2nd generation.
One of the features of the Lotus is that it is shorter than most mouthpieces, but I have the impression that the benefits it provides (pitch, good sound extraction, sound spread, etc.) have been retained, while the blowing feel has been made to be less uncomfortable.
The PVD coating seems to be particularly resistant to shank scratches and discoloration. The color is slightly darker than general plating.
The blowing feel has also changed, even with the "no specification change" description. *Personally, I feel less discomfort when changing handles, and I feel it has become much easier to blow! I was surprised at the "automatic" feeling of jumping from a middle note to a high note, without having to consciously switch between the two.
Depending on the model number, the inner bite of the rim may be a concern for some.
Compared to the second generation, the entire surface is now satin-finished. A slight satin finish is intentionally left on the rim area as well. It is not so rough to the touch, but this may be a matter of preference.
Future information
We are currently producing a model number XL3 with a slightly larger throat size than XL2.
Several players, including Adam Rapa and Brandon Ridenour, are using XL3 cups.
We are also working on a new series of top half wood cups called "Turbo Wood".
The quality of the mouthpieces is different from the conventional resin mouthpieces, which are softer and louder when blown in the open air as well as in harsh environments. Only some of the models are scheduled to arrive in Japan, but the timing is undecided at this stage.
We are currently producing a model for short cornet and piccolo trumpet (cornet shank).
Proper pitch and access to the upper register even with a deeper cup for British brass. The cups for cornet shank piccolos, such as Silky, will provide a good balance between mid and high notes with a good release. All of them will be of excellent quality. We are planning to ship them to the domestic market around this winter.
Lotus trumpet is evolving more and more. We will be keeping an eye on their future movements.
Please check our Twitter (link) for the latest information and arrival of new products as soon as possible.
For those who want to feel the secret、You can purchase it here!
We also have a lot of interesting videos related to Lotus in the past. Please check them out as well.
In the fall of 2022, Adam Rapa himself visited Japan to give a demonstration. The performance was held at Miki Gakki in Osaka.
In the summer of 2023, Mr. Brandon Ridenour visited our store by chance and played a short video. Mr. Ridenour played a SOLO model of Lotus trumpet with his 2XL3 MR (Marathon rim = slightly wider rim shape).
The other day, Brandon (BRANDON RIDENOUR) played the Lotus SOLO model in the store. The mouthpiece he used is the 3rd generation of Lotus, which he brought with him.
- JR Shin-Okubo station, 0 min. walk👣😉Kubokan" wind instrument specialty store (@okubokangakki) August 5, 2023
The music was Debussy's "The Maiden with the Flaxen Hair.
You can feel the warm tone of the SOLO model. pic.twitter.com/PYJfLjkMcU
You can find more information about Lotus on our Youtube page.
Nakamura