[About the AR RESONANCE Mouthpiece]
You’ve probably been hearing a lot about it lately, but what kind of mouthpiece is it, exactly? I’ve heard you can choose the cup and backbore, but I don’t really understand the technical details... I’m sure many of you feel this way.
Don’t worry. If you read this article, you’re sure to become an AR RESONANCE expert starting today.
First, let’s give a brief overview of its general features.
・Suitable for all genres, including wind ensemble, jazz, and pop
・Produces a fuller sound in the high register and makes articulation easier
・A bright, projective sound
“Easier high notes”… it sounds almost too good to be true, but it’s one of the comments we frequently hear from customers who’ve switched to this mouthpiece from standard models at our store.
[Let’s go ahead and choose a top model right away]
☆Key Points
・The rim shape is consistent across all cups. You won’t feel any discomfort even when changing the cup depth.
・The rim shape offers a slightly softer feel on the lips than Bach mouthpieces. Bach users should have no trouble adjusting to it.
・Options include a wide rim and a flat rim. The wide rim is similar to Bob Reeves or Jardinelli models—wide and slightly rounded—while the flat rim has a crisp, flat shape like a Silky. Since most players prefer the standard rim, we recommend trying the standard type first.
●Narrow Down by Size
VL (equivalent to Bach No. 1)
L (equivalent to Bach No. 1-1/4)
ML (equivalent to Bach No. 1-1/2)
M (equivalent to Bach No. 3)
MS (equivalent to Bach No. 7)
S (equivalent to Bach No. 10-1/2)
VS (equivalent to Bach No. 15)
XS (equivalent to Bach No. 18)
Hmm... You don’t usually use Bach? In that case, please take a look at this chart.
While the “M” size is often preferred by those using the equivalent of No. 5, it is also possible to order a custom “M-MS” rim size, which is an intermediate size.
● Choosing the Depth
The cups get shallower in the order: A, B, C, D, E, Lead, and Lead Plus.
C is the most standard cup, and most people who usually use a moderate-depth cup try this one first.
In contrast, the B cup produces a soft sound but offers excellent high-frequency response despite its deeper profile. Conversely, the slightly shallower D cup produces a brighter sound, though it is by no means unsuitable for use in wind ensembles. If you need an all-around cup that handles the mid to high registers well, this cup will undoubtedly support your performance.
Additionally, depths ranging from E to Lead Plus are popular among big band lead players.For those accustomed to shallower cups, many seem to find that “the E cup offers excellent high-range response while still providing ample depth.”
As for other common depth comparisons we receive inquiries about, the D cup is slightly deeper than Bob Reeves’ M cup, and the Lead Plus cup is equivalent to the ES cup.
When combined with the cup sizes mentioned earlier, this results in designations such as “MSC,” “M Lead,” and “MLB.”
At this point, your choice is practically set.
●There are also material options...
There are seven types: brass, bronze, buffalo, titanium, stainless steel, damask steel, and nickel.
If you’re unsure, brass is a safe choice; bronze is preferred if you’re looking for a tight, full-bodied sound.
[Brass] The most commonly used material in modern mouthpieces and a familiar choice. It offers a light, responsive feel and a flexible tone.
[Bronze] Made of phosphor bronze, this model is just as popular as brass. It is a lively, quick-responding material that “projects well.” The sound is rich and full-bodied, offering greater stability.
[Buffalo Horn] Made from water buffalo horn, this material is very light and offers a quick response. When played gently, it produces a warm, wood-like sound; when played with more force, it produces a bright, crisp sound.
[Titanium] Compared to brass, it offers a wider dynamic range and a more defined sound projection. It is also a good choice for those with metal allergies.
[Stainless Steel] Characterized by a slow response and a muffled articulation. Its “dead” sound is well-suited for acoustic settings like jazz combos and has a distinctive character.
[Damascus Steel] The sound is similar to that of stainless steel described above. Its distinctive pattern results from combining two materials of different hardness. Although it is expensive, it is undoubtedly a material you won’t find anywhere else.
[Nickel] Offers good response and a highly directional sound. Since it tends to produce clearly defined tonal contours, it pairs well with shallower cups.
[The Next Crucial Step... Choosing the Backbore]
Since the introduction of AR RESONANCE, many of you have likely realized the importance of the backbore.
It plays a crucial role in significantly controlling the playing feel and sound, including sound projection and airflow. The biggest advantage of the two-piece design is that it makes it easy to choose the one that suits you best.
Some of you might be wondering, “The backbores look the same on the outside—what’s the difference?”
While all mouthpieces gradually widen from the entrance to the exit, the angle at which they do so varies. The tighter the angle, the more direct the sound becomes, and the greater the resistance.The more open the backbore, the easier it is to get air through, which brings a sense of spaciousness and brightness to the sound.
Generally, a tight backbore is often paired with a shallower cup, while an open backbore is paired with a medium to deeper cup; however, depending on the desired sound and preferred playing feel, some players actually prefer the exact opposite setup.
● Types of Backbores
AR offers five types of backbores, ranging from tight to open: LEAD, XS, S, M, and L.
At our store, the S and M backbores are the most popular. The M backbore is a model that allows you to experience a well-balanced combination of the AR mouthpiece’s excellent pitch, sound, and control. The S backbore offers a slightly more compact playing feel, but it’s popular because it feels natural for players transitioning from standard mouthpieces.
In addition, there are two other backbore types: Classical M and Classical L. While they are by no means exclusively for classical music, subtle modifications to their internal shape produce a clear articulation and a dense sound, making them very popular among concert band and orchestra players.
Although there is a difference in resistance compared to standard models, players who prefer the S backbore tend to choose the Classical M, while those who prefer the M backbore tend to choose the Classical L.
●Material
The backbore is available in a single brass type. This is actually good news for those who are already tired of trying to decide.
[Just a little more to go!]
●Throat Size
You can choose between #21 (4.0 mm) and #19 (4.2 mm) throats. In AR terminology, we use the millimeter values and refer to them as “40 throat” and “42 throat.” Most models sold in Japan are 40 throat, so it’s best to try this size first. You can select the throat size for both the tip and the backbore, and generally, you’ll use the same size for both.
● Weights
There are four types: Standard, Medium, Bullet, and Heavy. For the Bullet and Heavy options, the top weight is also set to Heavy to maintain balance. If you’re used to playing an instrument with standard weights, starting with the Standard option will allow you to fully appreciate the outstanding qualities of the AR mouthpiece. Since options other than Standard are generally custom-made, please feel free to contact us for assistance.
●Plating
We offer Silver, Gold, and Rose Gold. You can choose different colors for the top and back bore, or go with a unified rose gold look for a very cute appearance. If you delve deeper, the plating finish itself can actually affect the playing feel and tone—but we’ll save that for another time...
That’s all for now. Thank you for reading.
If you’ve read this far, you’re already an AR RESONANCE master!!
The world of two-piece mouthpieces may seem complicated at first glance, but it’s also an excellent tool for analyzing which specifications suit you best.
We always keep over 50 tops and every type of backbore in stock. If you tell us which mouthpiece you’re currently using, we’ll recommend specifications similar to it, so please feel free to contact us.
If you’d like to order online, please click here.
https://www.tcgakki.com/search/?cp=11&co=48
Be sure to give the much-talked-about AR RESONANCE a try.