How to Choose a French Horn Mouthpiece

The French horn is a beautiful instrument that is part of the brass family and creates the second highest sound in this category. It is made up of twelve feet of brass tubing coiled in a circular shape and ending in a bell shaped opening that emits the sound. Horns have been used in all types of musical settings, from orchestras to marching bands. If you are one of the lucky people learning to play the French horn you are undoubtedly interested in learning more about the French horn mouthpiece.

Learning to create the sound with a French horn, from the type of mouthpiece itself to the use of the amount of lip tension used, is the key. As an example: The more tension you apply with the lips and the faster you blow into it, the higher sound you will produce. If you want to achieve lower notes, you'll have to ease off the lip tension and slow the air. The type of sound is affected by the French horn mouthpiece itself, and there are several to choose from.

To reach the ideal sound when you play the French horn music you must develop a perfect embouchure which is the position and use of the lips, tongue and teeth when you play. Usually it take years of practice to achieve the sound that you desired in each situation. An important role in this is also played by the French horn mouthpiece as well.

French horn players use different mouthpieces to achieve different tones and timbres. To produce a lower sound, you need a larger mouthpiece. This increases the resonance optimizing the results. This depends a bit upon the embouchure of the individual horn player as well. Certain types of French horn mouthpieces work better for some people than others, depending on style of play of the individual.

French horn mouthpieces are available in both metal and plastic. The plastic mouthpieces were created specifically for use in cold weather to prevent lips from sticking to the instrument, a very unpleasant experience! The do alter the sound a bit, so unless you will be playing your French horn music in the cold, you are better off using a metal mouthpiece.

Another option is the Kelly Mouthpiece which has a very nice feel and creates a stronger sound. Many players find them a very good feeling option. This type of French horn mouthpiece is made of Lexan polycarbonate which is the exact same stuff used to make bulletproof glass. As a result, there's little you can do to damage it. They won't dent or become scratched and they are not affected by cold temperatures as a metal mouth piece is. A Kelly Mouthpiece is a good option if you play in a marching band.

A Garedelini mouthpiece is the best option if your play requires high notes. It has a larger rim and a wide up and is the perfect French horn mouthpiece for playing as high as C.
As you see, the mouthpiece you select for your French horn will have an impact on the sound you are able to create, the ease of your play and your ability to develop the perfect embouchure. The wrong French horn mouthpiece will make the learning process more difficult. Be sure an experiment with different types and brands until you find what works best for you in each situation.
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About the Author
Freno DeLavera is an expert in the industry, creating and testing French Horn Mouthpieces. Visit the author's blog French Horn