Abstract: The present invention relates to a shield device configured to fit over the mouthpiece of a wind instrument to block droplets and aerosols released by a performer using the instrument. The shield device receives and blocks germs and pathogens in droplets and aerosols and prevents them from spreading. The shield device does not interfere with the functionality and operation of the instrument and is configured to be positioned in front of the nose and mouth of a performer at a distance of up to a few inches.

Abstract: A mouthpiece for use with brass-wind musical instruments includes a double-elliptical internal contour, and a high-mass design.

Abstract: Accessory weights and kits for brass instruments to reduce sympathetic vibration of a brass instrument having an instrument neck directed towards the instrument at a first end and connected to a mouthpiece at a second end; wherein the connection of the mouthpiece to the neck second end can be by a friction fit of a cork sleeve having a collar fixed to an outer surface of the neck second end; and a weight connected to the neck second end also by a friction fit to cork sleeve, wherein sympathetic vibration of a brass instrument is reduced while in use by between 10 and 50 percent.

Abstract: One embodiment of a brass musical instrument practice device (FIG. 3) consisting of a rimmed, (12) bowl shaped, cup (11) about 6 mm to 35 mm in diameter, and about 6 mm 35 mm deep with a 4 mm diameter hole (13) at the bottom of the cup to allow the player's air to escape. The rimmed cup is fitted into to a mounting (18) and is held against the player's lips by means of strap attachments (17) and two straps (14,15) that go around the player's head. This allows the musician to enjoy the lip muscle development benefits of practicing without having to use his hands and arms to hold either an instrument or a mouthpiece, (FIG. 1) thus freeing his hands for other use.

Abstract: An automated playback system for a wind musical instrument which reproduces the musical performance of the wind instrument with high fidelity. The system comprises a sounding body, a piston, a signal-driven actuation means, a signal playback means and a drive signal. In one or more embodiments, the sounding body has a shape related to a wind musical instrument and has a sleeve opening which houses a piston; an electro-dynamic actuation means motivates a piston using a unique armature structure; a signal playback means provides a drive signal related to a measurement of the internal air column acoustic pressure of a wind instrument while played by a human player. Embodiments of the invention provide a convincing reproduction of a live musical performance and can be used in situations ordinarily requiring a human performer, offering a distinct advantage.

Abstract: Musicians skilled in the specialization of brasswind instruments often desire to work out the facial muscles in preparation for a wide range of tonal registries. Most mouthpieces for particular brasswind instruments come in a very small variation of diameters and cup depths. This limitation creates problems when looking to improve higher tone or lower tone ranges. Presently, the musician must try to modify a mouthpiece from an entirely different instrument to satisfy this need. This invention focuses on keeping the shank standardized to couple with the matching instrument while allowing the user to change the cup portion of the mouthpiece to differing sizes and depths. This design enables the user to work a much wider range of tonal registers with the simplicity of a threaded connection between the shank and the cup.

Abstract: An acoustic musical instrument includes a main body defining a resonance chamber, and a magnetic device mounted to the main body.

Abstract: The present invention is a variable mechanical acoustic resonance component for a musical instrument and a method for producing a variable mechanical acoustic resonance component comprising of at least two segments, each segment having distinct resonance and tone properties dependant on the properties of the segment as specified in a resonance index.

Abstract: A mouthpiece for a musical instrument is provided that includes an upper section. The upper section has a rim that has an end face. A first angled section may extend from the rim to a side surface of the upper section.

Abstract: An attachment is provided, which is to be clipped to the bell of a contemporary wind instrument, hereinafter called a horn, such as a trumpet, trombone, euphonium, etc., permitting musical playing by lip control alone, eliminating the need for valves, or scale slides. An attachment bracket is designed to support one, or more, tubular waveguide reflectors. The waveguide reflectors each have a proximal end near the bell end of the horn and extend relative to the horn's mouthpiece, toward a distal end, at a calculated position, producing a fundamental pitch of one scale tone lower or higher, as may be required, from the fundamental pitch of the horn. A single port may be added to the horn calculated to produce a fundamental pitch, one tone higher than the fundamental pitch of the horn, providing the sharps and flats for a full chromatic scale.

Abstract: A mouthpiece for a musical instrument is provided that includes an upper section. A cup is at least partially defined by the upper section. The upper section has a rim that has an end face. The rim has an outer perimeter that has a major axis and a minor axis. The major axis of the outer perimeter of the rim is greater in length than the minor axis of the outer perimeter of the rim.

Abstract: The present invention is a variable mechanical acoustic resonance component for a musical instrument and a method for producing a variable mechanical acoustic resonance component comprising of at least two segments, each segment having distinct resonance and tone properties dependant on the properties of the segment as specified in a resonance index.

Abstract: Tunable mouthpiece of a brass instrument having a rim, a cup body, a throat tube insert, and a shanked backbore, wherein the throat tube insert is adjustably inserted into a backbore of the shanked backbore which forms a narrowest portion of the backbore.

Abstract: A device for mouthpiece exercises for learning to play a woodwind instrument includes a mouthpiece of a woodwind instrument and a damper which can be placed onto the mouthpiece. The damper has a tubular section at its end facing the mouthpiece and can be inserted in a sealing manner into the mouthpiece opening. The damper is configured for sound absorption in the interior.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing parts for woodwind and brass musical instruments using briarwood, either from the root or branch thereof, said wood being kept moist from the moment it is cut until it is boiled in water for 16 hours, dried in anaerobic conditions and cured under cover for at least six months and for up to two or more years. The following parts can be thus produced: mouthpiece, tongue, clarinet barrel, flute head or bell. The aforementioned parts, which are not affected by humidity, better produce and carry the sound. In addition, a wide range of sounds is possible, such as jazz, classical, soloist, orchestra and band.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to brass-wind mouthpieces (20), and in particular brass-wind mouthpieces (20) configured for improved performance and endurance. One aspect of the invention provides that the lateral shoulders (38) of the mouthpiece (20) rim (24), which respectively would face the corners of the musician's lips when the mouthpiece (20) is in use, slope outwardly away from the proximate end of the mouthpiece (20) cup (22).

Abstract: A mouthpiece of a brass instrument that can cause lips to vibrate efficiently while having a throat of the size allowing to produce a loud sound so that a brass instrument is made easier to blow, durability is improved, and excellent sound quality can be generated with improved sound production in high tone and low tone areas is provided. A player who blows the mouthpiece for the first time feels blowing resistance stronger than before and a reason for this feeling is that a breath more than necessary has been blown to obtain moderate blowing resistance for the player, that is, reflected pressure (pressure inside a cup) to help natural vibration of lips from the mouthpiece that has been used and, with such inefficient blowing, durability of the mouthpiece is reduced and the range of tones cannot be expanded.

Abstract: A reed mouthpiece for single reed woodwind musical instrument comprises a mouthpiece body defining an air passageway. A reed placement surface is defined on the mouthpiece body adjacent the air passageway. A reed retaining body is formed on the mouthpiece body for removably securing a reed to the mouthpiece includes first and second upstanding walls and a transverse portion extending therebetween. The reed retaining body and reed placement surface define an axially extending channel for receiving a heel end of the reed. The transverse portion includes a tapped opening rotatably receiving a threaded fastener. The threaded fastener may be selectively advanced toward the reed placement surface by rotating in one direction and retracted away from the reed placement surface by rotating in the opposite direction to allow selective engagement and disengagement of the reed.

Abstract: A training device for use by a player with a brass instrument having a tubular mouthpiece receiver with an opening in one end and a mouthpiece having an elongated shank at one end for insertion through the opening into the receiver. The device has a substantially planar shield having an upper side and an underside and an aperture formed therethrough and at least two elongate, flexible and resilient prongs extending generally perpendicularly from the periphery of the aperture along the underside of the shield. The training device is inserted prongs first into the receiver until a gap is defined between the underside of the shield and the one end of the receiver. The mouthpiece shank is then inserted through the aperture for concentric positioning within the receiver with the prongs spacing the shank from the inner walls of the receiver.

Abstract: A brass-wind musical instrument mouthpiece comprises: a cup comprising a rim and an inner rounded surface in communication with a bore in communication with a counter bore in communication with a backbore. An alternate embodiment comprises: a first portion comprising a cup in communication with a bore in communication with a counter bore and a first coupling portion; a second portion comprising a backbore and a second coupling portion; wherein the coupling portions are coupled together. A brass-wind musical instrument mouthpiece kit comprises: a plurality of first portions comprising first portions, in a variety of shapes and sizes, comprising a cup in communication with a bore in communication with a counter bore and a first coupling portion; a plurality of second portions, in a variety of shapes and sizes, comprising a backbore and a second coupling portion; and wherein any first portion may be coupled to any second portion.

Abstract: A training device for use by a player with a brass instrument having a tubular mouthpiece receiver with an opening in one end and a mouthpiece having an elongated shank at one end for insertion through the opening into the receiver. The device has a substantially planar shield having an upper side and an underside and an aperture formed therethrough and at least two elongate, flexible and resilient prongs extending generally perpendicularly from the periphery of the aperture along the underside of the shield. The training device is inserted prongs first into the receiver until a gap is defined between the underside of the shield and the one end of the receiver. The mouthpiece shank is then inserted through the aperture for concentric positioning within the receiver with the prongs spacing the shank from the inner walls of the receiver.

Abstract: A playing device includes a hollow blowing body in which a vibration is applied to an internal air in the hollow blowing body in response to a vibration of lips of a player, a detecting portion which generates a detecting signal in response to the vibration in the blowing body, and a vibration applying portion which applies a vibration corresponding to the detecting signal to an air in the blowing body.

Abstract: A musical instrument training device, system, and method are provided for teaching a plurality of wind instrument embouchures. The instrument includes an elongate body having first end and a second end opposite the first end and defining an internal bore extending longitudinally between the first and second ends. A single-reed instrument mouthpiece is coupled to the first end and a brass instrument mouthpiece is coupled to the second end. In a preferred, more limited aspect, a lateral flute embouchure tone hole is formed in the wall of the elongate body.

Abstract: A musical instrument playing actuator, includes an elastic diaphragm which has a through hole, wherein an annular projection portion is provided on the elastic diaphragm so as to project toward the diaphragm member, a diaphragm member which is arranged to oppose to the elastic diaphragm and is formed movably toward the elastic diaphragm, a wall structure body which forms an enclosed space together with the elastic diaphragm, the diaphragm member, and the projection portion when the diaphragm member is moved toward the elastic diaphragm to contact the projection portion, and an air inlet which communicates the enclosed space with an outside.

Abstract: A mouthpiece assembly includes a tubular member with two longitudinal portions, and a ligature for attaching a reed to the tubular member. The ligature and the mouthpiece are structured to define several discrete positions that can be selected by a musician.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to conceive a mouthpiece of a trumpet or similar musical instrument, which would be on the one hand permanently placed onto the musical instrument, and should on the other hand enable alternatively playing either the instrument as such or—when desired—also practicing by means of the so-called buzzing the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece (2) is an axially symmetric tubular part having a connecting end portion (21) adapted for inserting into a connecting portion (10) of a trumpet (1) or similar instrument, as well as a widened and thickened opposite playing end portion (22). A blocking means (3) equipped with a ventilation opening (30) is foreseen on the outward circumferential surface of the said wall (25) of the mouthpiece (2).

Abstract: A mouthpiece for a brass wind musical instrument is composed solely of a colored polymer material. Its size and shape may be determined by computer coordinate measurements from a conventional metal mouthpiece. The color is chosen to suit the particular purpose of the musician playing the instrument, such as to match the uniforms of a marching band. The mouthpiece is fabricated by injection molding to substantially the desired size and shape. A secondary machining process removes imperfections such as flashings and gate blushes. Alternately, a blank may be injected molded, and the blank machined in a primary machining operation to the desired size, shape, and surface texture. The mouthpiece may also be manufactured by machining a bar of polymer material. The mouthpiece functions in the identical manner as prior metal mouthpieces, but it is much more comfortable to play in cold and hot environments, and it is less costly and more rugged than metal mouthpieces.

Abstract: Mouthpieces for brass wind musical instruments are shaped so the physical length of a mouthpiece body (40, 50, 60, 70, & 80) is inversely-proportional to the volumetric size of a corresponding cup-chamber (42, 52, 62, 72, & 82). Methods for constructing separate sets of such mouthpieces for each kind of brass wind instrument are disclosed. Other embodiments include variations like multi-section components and alternative backbore shapes.

Abstract: A protective cover for the mouthpiece of brass instruments is formed by three portions. The first cover portion is in the form of a molded tube or cylinder. The tube is sized to snugly fit over the cup of the mouthpiece and a part of the instrument shaft adjacent the cup of the mouthpiece. The second cover portion is a cup formed from a second tube or cylinder having one closed end. The cup is sized to be snugly mounted over the rim of the mouthpiece and an adjacent part of the first cover portion covering the cup of the mouthpiece. The first and second portions are molded from an elastomeric thermal insulating foam material and covered with a stretchable nylon shell. The third portion is in the form of an elastic band connected at one end to the first portion and at a second end to the second portion. The elastic band acts as a tether for the second portion when the second portion is removed for playing the brass instrument.

Abstract: A new and improved sound reflector and a mouthpiece mount. The mouthpiece mount is secured to the sound reflector to position a mouthpiece adjacent to and generally perpendicular of the reflector.

Abstract: A protective cover for the mouthpiece of brass instruments is formed by three portions. The first cover portion is in the form of a molded tube or cylinder. The tube is sized to snugly fit over the cup of the mouthpiece and a part of the instrument shaft adjacent the cup of the mouthpiece. The second cover portion is a cup formed from a second tube or cylinder having one closed end. The cup is sized to be snugly mounted over the rim of the mouthpiece and an adjacent part of the first cover portion covering the cup of the mouthpiece. The first and second portions are molded from an elastomeric thermal insulating foam material and covered with a stretchable nylon shell. The third portion is in the form of an elastic band connected at one end to the first portion and at a second end to the second portion. The elastic band acts as a tether for the second portion when the second portion is removed for playing the brass instrument.

Abstract: A mouthpiece 10 is provided for a musical instrument such as a trumpet, cornet, trombone, or other horn. The mouthpiece 10 includes a cup 20 surrounded by a rim 21. The rim 21 is formed of a resilient flexible material. A coil 30 formed of an inelastic elongate filament defines one form of a means to restrict radial expansion of the rim 21. Hence, the rim 21 can be compressed axially but resists radial expansion. The flexible resilient rim 21 assists a player in forming and maintaining proper embouchure when utilizing the mouthpiece 10. The specific hardness of the rim 21 can be selected to match a player's preference and would tend to have a Shore A rating of less than 90, with Shore A rating in the range from 10-60 being considered optimal.

Abstract: This invention consists of a wind instrument mouthpiece primarily intended for trumpet or cornet, although it could be utilized for other wind instruments as well without departing from the concept of the invention. It features an angled shank as the preferred embodiment of the invention. The mouthpiece could also be constructed with a curved shank or with an angle at the juncture of the shank and the cup of the mouthpiece as alternative embodiments. The upswept angle of the mouthpiece allows the player to maintain a horizontal bell position while tilting their head downward. This mouthpiece configuration elevates the bell of the horn while in use which benefits the student musician both acoustically and aesthetically. The professional musician would benefit from using this mouthpiece during high register play during which time the demand on the players embouchure is shifted more to the upper lip resulting in a descending bell playing position.

Abstract: A ligature (3) of flexible material and an interchangeable locking element (10) configured to releasably retain a reed (2) onto the mouthpiece (1) of a wind instrument. The ligature (3) includes two parts (5a, 5b) in spaced relation with their respective edges opposite and more or less parallel to the longitudinal axis of the mouthpiece. The circumference (and the radial clamping force) of the ligature may be varied by manipulating a transversely oriented clamping screw (9) which engages cylindrical elements (6a, 6b) which are rotatingly retained within the parts (5a, 5b). As the ligature is tightened, the radial force acts upon the interchangeable locking element (10) to tightly clamp a reed (2) between the mouthpiece (1) and the locking element (10). The interchangeable locking element (10) is provided with an outwardly extending protruding part (11) with a constricted slit (12) which is configured to releasably engage a central part (9c) on the clamping screw (9).

Abstract: An adjustable receiver is provided for use on brass musical instruments. The adjustable receiver includes a barrel which is coupled to the end of the instrument leadpipe, and a receiving member which is telescopingly received within the barrel. Receiving member is configured to receive the instrument leadpipe. Receiving member is longitudinally movable relative to the barrel, such as through use of a threaded coupling.

Abstract: A brass-wind musical instrument mouthpiece. A plurality of nodal enhancers is provided externally about the portion of the mouthpiece between its rim and shank. In an exemplary embodiment for a trumpet, a total of six rings and seven interspersed grooves in the outer wall of the cup barrel region of the mouthpiece are integrally provided. Better intonation is also achieved with the present invention.

Abstract: The mouthpiece assembly includes an internal thread which engages an external thread of a leadpipe of a brass musical instrument. The internal thread can be placed on the stem of the mouthpiece or on an extension to the leadpipe into which the stem frictionally engages. In either case, the radial gap between the mouthpiece and the leadpipe is substantially eliminated. Additionally, the diameter of the air passageway can be configured to be substantially free of discontinuities. The various pieces of the mouthpiece assembly can be interchanged to vary some characteristics of the mouthpiece while keeping other characteristics constant.

Abstract: A brass wind instrument which changes pitch by varying the tube lengths thereof which includes a slide portion which is substantially half the physical length of a conventional slide. The slide assembly comprises two substantially U-shaped tubes which slidably engage corresponding tubes on a fixed portion of the trombone. The fixed portion of the trombone accommodates a conventional bell and a conventional mouthpiece. The slide assembly includes first and second substantially U-shaped slide tube members each having a pair of adjacent legs that slidably engage the fixed portion of the trombone. The slide assembly is configured such that customary pitch positions are obtainable.

Abstract: A reed instrument mouthpiece with an adhesive backed tab to be placed on the upper surface of the mouthpiece. The elongated tab has an indented line, groove or slot on the breadth of its surface. The line, groove or slot provides the player with the proper distance to place the mouthpiece in his or her mouth by placing the teeth on the indented line, groove or slot. The lines, grooves or slots may be placed at different intervals and the tab would be fitted flush with the blowing end or tip of the mouthpiece. An indented line or groove may also be placed on the mouthpiece proper. A raised line or ridge may also be used on a tab or mouthpiece. As mouthpieces vary in size the tab may have to be trimmed which is easily done. The tab would cover the upper surface of the mouthpiece and taper slightly outward from the tip.

Abstract: A mouthpiece for brass-wind musical instruments has at one end a shank (22) that is inserted into the brass-wind instrument, and at the opposite end an enlarged head containing a cavity called the cup, this cup having a rim surface (34) that is adapted to be pressed against the lips of the user. The shank (22) contains an air passageway (24) which extends to the cup for the purpose of conducting air and lip vibrations into the instrument. Incorporated into the cup, rim surface (34) or both is a lip restrictor (28) for limiting the amount that, the users bottom lip enters the mouthpiece. This lip restrictor (28) extends upper register and eases playing effort without affecting tone.

Abstract: A brass instrument mouthpiece is described as incorporating an adjustable cup depth to enhance performance in the upper register of the instrument, without sacrificing tonal quality in the lower register. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, an interchangeable mouthpiece rim and sleeve are correspondingly threaded to flushingly fit together, and to receive a threaded mouthpiece shank and cup to an adjustable depth. A threaded lock is secured to the shank when the cup is located at the depth desired with respect to the rim, to then set the mouthpiece ready for use.

Abstract: The present apparatus in the preferred and illustrated embodiment comprises first and second rings which are respectively affixed to the mouthpiece and mouth pipe. As force is increased by the musician in holding the mouthpiece against his lips, such force is measured by cooperative measuring means fixed to said first and second means. In the preferred embodiment, the force measuring means includes an aligned pin on one of said means positioned relative to a transducer coil to thereby provide an indication of force. The signal indicative of force is delivered to a time based recorder and is recorded as a function of time along with additional data including sound intensity levels and frequency of the music to provide correlation between force, intensity and frequency as a function of time. A method is also taught including the recording of such data to teach the musician to reduce the force applied against his lips.

Abstract: A heating attachment for the mouthpiece of a musical wind instrument for heating the mouthpiece during outdoor playing of the instrument in cold weather. The attachment includes a sleeve which is adapted to be mounted on the mouthpiece and which includes an electrical heating element. The attachment also includes a source of electrical power and a switch for selectively connecting the heating element to the source of electrical power.

Abstract: A training mouthpiece for brass instruments in which the walls of the mouthpiece are made of transparent material and the walls of the mouthpiece are of constant thickness to minimize or avoid distoration of view through the walls. The undistorted visual capacity enables a student or teacher of a brass instrument to clearly and undistortedly view the portion of the lips within the mouthpiece thereby providing additional information about the student.

Abstract: A practice device for brass and woodwind musical instruments projects into one end of the instrument mouthpiece affording resistance like that of the instrument. Resilient gripping members hold the device at a position selected by the player so that a reaction surface on the device is spaced at a desired distance from the mouthpiece end.

Abstract: A mouthpiece practice holder has a base which approximates the envelope of that portion of a brass instrument normally held by the left hand and supports a mouthpiece from a brass instrument for practice playing or buzzing. A mouthpiece rod is adjustably supported from the base by a guide and tightener assembly and a mouthpiece receiver attached to the end of the mouthpiece rod has a taper to slidably receive and retain the mouthpiece. Practice valves may be provided in the base so that the right hand may "finger" the note being played or buzzed as the left hand holds the base. A rimpiece holder supports only a rim from a mouthpiece and may be inserted into the mouthpiece receiver as a substitute for the mouthpiece to permit closer observation of the lips, etc. in relation to the mouthpiece rim as the rim is "buzzed". The guide and tightener assembly may be slightly modified and used to control the tuning of an instrument which is tuned from the mouthpipe or bell.

Abstract: A Bb brass horn is provided with a bell which is threaded on to the remainder of the instrument. This provides a thickening of the metal at the position of attachment and hence a relatively rigid ring circumferentially about the bell, enhancing the tonality of the instrument. The bell is detachable for storage and carrying in a relatively flat case resembling an attache case, the axis of the bell being perpendicular to the plane of the body of the instrument. The piston valves are positioned centrally of the circle or ring of the instrument for improved balance.