Kubokan・This is Nakamura.
Today, I'd like to introduce the recently popular mouthpiece, "Patrick".
Steve Patrick is a super studio musician in the US
. First
,
please listen to his cover of Maynard Ferguson's "Give it One"
. There was also a video with sheet music for another song.
He handles game/movie music, numerous albums, and thousands of recording sessions across all genres, while also performing frequently with classical and orchestral musicians. He is a superman who can do anything with high quality.
The mission of the Patrick mouthpiece is to allow players to easily express their ideas and to ensure that there is no compromise in sound or playability, even when switching between musical genres.
When I read this explanation, it made perfect sense. Patrick's mouthpieces are developed around a two-piece design, precisely to meet the demands of today's diverse music scenes.
That was a long preamble, but now let's get to the product description
. Honestly, the lineup is so extensive that covering everything is quite challenging. I'll focus on introducing the main products.
(Text in color reflects Nakamura's personal impressions.)
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This is Patrick's main model.
Rooted in the old Jet Tone, it offers a slightly resistant feel, excellent endurance, better projection, and stable high notes. Choose from three rim types.(See below)
Both one-piece and two-piece construction are possible, but Patrick recommends the two-piece for the Commercial Series. The back bore pairs well with CM. A slightly more open back bore, like Z or CL, may be preferred in some cases
. For one-piece construction, CM is the standard specification.
The backbore is tight yet not constricting, nor overly open—it provides just the right amount of resistance. It feels like the GR, with a rich resonance, allowing for more efficient playing compared to shallower mouthpieces from other manufacturers.
The cup depth comes in two sizes: M and S.
Even the M size offers a reasonable shallowness, making it the preferred choice for many players.
For those who routinely use shallow mouthpieces or require performance in extreme conditions, the S size is recommended.
Three rim shapes are available.
FR (Flat Rim)
: A flat rim. The high point is positioned toward the center or slightly inward, designed to make it easier for the lips to enter the cup.
Many customers at our store choose the FR rim.
RR (Round Rim)
The widest rim. Similar to the Jet Tone C-rim, it features a cushion-like rounded profile. The high point is positioned slightly inward, making it easier for the lips to settle into the cup
. Players who prefer the EM model tend to favor the RR rim.
CR (Comfort Rim)
A rim narrower than the above two. Offers greater cushioning and support than the Classical Series rim. The high point is positioned toward the inside of the rim, which may make it feel slightly smaller
. Recommended for those familiar with Bach rims who desire a bit more cushioning. We recommend selecting one size larger.
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●Classic Series
Patrick's standard model, refined from vintage Bach designs to prioritize comfortable rims and excellent playability.
All models impress with their rich sound, excellent playability, and clear articulation. It's particularly groundbreaking that even with smaller mouthpieces like the 5C, 7C, and 10-1/2C, the 3C-equivalent cup design prevents the sound from becoming compact, maintaining a rich tone.
The rim offers a slightly softer feel than the Buck, yet its rounded profile makes it comfortable for most players.
Both one-piece and two-piece construction are possible, but Patrick recommends the one-piece for the Classical Series. For the two-piece, the back bore matches CL or CLP.
For the one-piece specification, CL is the standard specification.
●About Back Bores
Commercial (CM): Features a longer straight section, slower opening, and the tightest taper
. Z: Slightly slower opening than Classic (same taper angle)
. Classic (CL): Standard opening backbore.
Classic Plus (CLP): Fastest opening and thickest backbore.
Most customers purchasing the top of the Commercial series choose the CM back bore.
For those seeking a bit more freedom or expansion, choose the Z backbore. For those wanting a shallower cup with expansion suitable for Classic, choose CL or CLP.
Custom backbores for piccolo trumpets are also available.
The above is Patrick's basic lineup.
...Huh, you can't remember it all?
It's a great mouthpiece, so even if you don't know it, please give it a try.
You can try it out in-store, of course, but we're also happy to discuss it over the phone, so feel free to reach out anytime.
Click here for the sales page.
Nakamura