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Thread: Opinions of Karl Hammond Mouthpieces

  1. #1

    Opinions of Karl Hammond Mouthpieces

    I was in the stockroom at my shop yesterday and happened upon a few Hammond trombone mouthpieces with the ML cup. After a tiny bit of research I decided to take the 11ML for a spin, as it seemed like the closest to my current piece. I found it comfortable and responsive, if a little bright and lacking chutzpah in the low register. I feel like the 11L or 11XL might be a great choice for a euphonium mouthpiece.

    I'm curious who here has tried the range of Hammond pieces, and what the opinions are.


    Some specs from the website, for those curious: Trombone Mouthpieces // Karl Hammond Design
    Sean Kissane
    Low Brass Specialist, Paige's Music
    Principal Euphonium, Indianapolis Brass Choir
    Principal Euphonium, Crossroads Brass Band

  2. #2
    I have a 10XL, and it works very well on the euphonium. It’s a little more bowl shaped than many purpose built euphonium mouthpieces.

    I had Karl custom make me a 9XL as well, and it also works well.

    I find that it doesn’t lack anything at all in the low register. It is a little more difficult to get the zing you might get on a Denis Wick piece. Sound profile wise, they compare well to Doug Elliott pieces. (Although obviously not customizable).

    Mike

    Quote Originally Posted by spkissane View Post
    I was in the stockroom at my shop yesterday and happened upon a few Hammond trombone mouthpieces with the ML cup. After a tiny bit of research I decided to take the 11ML for a spin, as it seemed like the closest to my current piece. I found it comfortable and responsive, if a little bright and lacking chutzpah in the low register. I feel like the 11L or 11XL might be a great choice for a euphonium mouthpiece.

    I'm curious who here has tried the range of Hammond pieces, and what the opinions are.


    Some specs from the website, for those curious: Trombone Mouthpieces // Karl Hammond Design
    Mike Taylor

    Illinois Brass Band
    Fox Valley Brass Band

  3. I played a Hammond 10L for many years and preferred it over the Wick 4AL (which was my default mouthpiece at the time).

    The 4AL sounds better down low, but feels really "lumpy" to play (some notes spoke better than others). The HD plays really smooth (consistent) throughout the whole range with a good clean sound, and sounds great up top.

    I also had a 10XL but to me the 10L hit the sweet spot, and the 10XL was just more work for minimal gains. I also must declare that I prefer my sound warm, rather than dark.

    I've since moved to the SM4U and then the SM3XR, for a sound that has more presence in a brass band.
    Ted

    Besson Prestige BE2052-8G-0 Euphonium
    Besson Sovereign 956 Baritone

  4. #4
    Sean, if you’d like, I’d be happy to loan you the set of hammond pieces I have.

    Maybe this is the start of my mouthpiece lending library.

    Mike
    Mike Taylor

    Illinois Brass Band
    Fox Valley Brass Band

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