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Curry TF Mouthpiece
Technical Data
TF (Trumpet/flugelhorn) Cup The entire Curry Precision Mouthpiece Line has been produced using state-of-the-art CAD/CAM technology and CNC machines. The benefits of this technology are: Accuracy of parts: These machines are capable of tolerances of .0001" or smaller. This accuracy and high surface finish insure that there is only a minimum of hand-finishing. Hand-finishing with emery and sandpaper is what causes inconsistency in most mass-produced mouthpieces made today. Repeatability: The mouthpiece you buy from me today will be just like the replacement you order 10 years from now. There's no special tools or cutters to wear out, just easily replaced off-the-shelf tooling that follows a predetermined digital toolpath. Flexibility of design: Almost anything is possible. No longer are we bound by the limitations of the form tool. If you've ever wondered what a 1C would feel and sound like if it was 2% smaller overall, it can now be done! Click here for a sizing chart. Opinions The TF cup line of mouthpieces by Curry provide a good, viable alternative to the traditional mellophone mouthpiece choices. Unlike the rather bowl-shaped cups in mellophone mouthpieces like the venerable Benge (UMI) Mello 6 and the Yamaha 14F4, the TF cup is roughly 1/3 concave (read: like a trumpet cup) and 2/3 convex (more funnel-shaped, like a flugel mouthpiece). In general, the TF cup produces a slightly (very slightly) brighter tone than the more bowl-shaped mouthpieces; however, this is more than offset by often increased clarity of tone and the flexibility the mouthpiece provides. The inner rim on the TFs is slightly raised and medium sharp. This allows for greater clarity of attacks (even in the extreme ranges of the horn) than the more rounded inner rims on the more traditional mellophone mouthpieces. One caveat, however: those used to a rounded inner rim will need an adjustment period with the TFs. Those using a fair amount of pressure or marching with this mouthpiece could experience increased fatigue in the first few weeks. This could be exacerbated by the seemingly increased weight of the mouthpiece. The extra weight is located primarily outside the throat of the mouthpiece (it is not machined in the way that, say, the old Bach or present Yamaha mouthpieces are), and, in the opinion of this reviewer, provides greater slot-lock than lighter mouthpieces. However, the extra mass could be difficult for younger or inexperienced players to handle.
One main advantage to the TFs is that, as one goes down the line, the only difference in the different TF sizes is the inner diameter of the rim. The rim shape and width, as well as the throat size (.153”, or 3.89mm) remain the same. So picking a mouthpiece from this line will be simple for experienced players; just choose the rim diameter with which you are most comfortable. Another warning here, though: the larger TF rim diameters (e.g., the 1HTF, 1TF, 1.25TF, and 1.5TF) are not for the faint of heart. These rim diameters, coupled with the extra weight and large throat, can give players all the workout they would want.
Overall, the TF line, while not necessarily recommended for younger or inexperienced players, provides an excellent alternative for those looking for a mellophone mouthpiece that produces a rich tone that can still cut in the louder dynamic ranges. The TFs are especially recommended for those who have difficulty producing good sound in the lower range of the horn (say, below low C); the increased weight and large throat allow a flexibility over the range of the instrument not found in most mellophone mouthpiece offerings. -Jeff Freelin (email)
Where to Buy
Click here for a list of distributors.
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