Throat length, back bore taper length, and cup depth are COMPLETELY INDEPENDANT with the Van Cleave modular system. This critical acoustic integrity of these independent aspects of mouthpiece design is maintained throughout all Van Cleave combinations.
With most other mouthpieces, the outer length is the same no matter what the other dimensions are. Thus, shallow mouthpieces will require either a longer throat length or a longer back bore taper length in order to maintain a constant outer length. Likewise, a deeper cup will require a shorter throat length or a shorter back bore taper length in order to maintain the outer length. Both of these scenarios compromise the acoustic internal design and balance in order maintain the outer length. Basically, the manufacturers of these types of mouthpieces are more concerned with the outside of the mouthpiece (because it is much easier and cheaper to manufacture or they are just ignorant of this very important critical balance) than they are the critical dimensional balance within the mouthpiece that actually make it PLAY.
This acoustic balance is IMMEDIATELY noticeable with an amazingly quick response and clarity of attack. Slotting is also much improved. There is no insecurity about losing a note. Once you hit a note, there is much more of a sense or feeling that the note is not going anywhere.
With many modular mouthpieces that choose to have a constant outer length no matter what acoustic aspects are compromised, it is necessary to have many different back bore designs in order to match one with a cup to find an acoustically balanced combination. In order to maintain the outer mouthpiece length, you may have to try several back bores in order to find one that actually responds and plays well while maintaining the outer length.
Our cup depths are built from the bottom - up. Our deeper cups are actually thicker/taller than our shallower ones. This keeps the throat length and back bore taper length exactly the same and independent with every combination. This maintains the critical acoustic balance in ALL of the Van Cleave combinations.
Van Cleave back bores tighten to the INTERNAL dimension, where many other models tighten to an OUTER dimension which leaves as much as a 0.01" gap between the back bore and throat. This is unacceptable and produces turbulence which degrades the sonic integrity of the mouthpiece. When our mouthpieces are assembled, the INTERNAL dimensions come into DIRECT contact and provide a truly gap-less assembly.
The Van Cleave adjustable throat design allows the player to make subtle adjustments to the throat length that can adjust both the resistance and tonal color of the mouthpiece. This can match the mouthpiece to the player or to the horn for an optimized balance.
The Van Cleave trumpet mouthpieces are entirely manufactured in the Elkhart, IN USA area utilizing the highest quality CNC machines and experienced operators anywhere in the world. Our plating is also the very best in the industry. Standard plating is in SILVER, with GOLD plating available upon request.
Van Cleave modular mouthpieces are compatible with high quality Warburton tops and back bores.
