ACB TA1 Mouthpiece Demo - My First Mouthpiece Design, Based on Clark Terry's Trumpet Mouthpiece!

[Links in description] The mouthpiece that started it all, the ACB TA1. Or at least the first mouthpiece I ever drew in my CAD program. This is a very special design that's deeply meaningful to me and an incredibly popular choice in my ACB mouthpiece line!
I can't believe I hadn't done a video on this mouthpiece yet! One of our customers requested it recently after not finding it on our detailed mouthpiece overview playlist: • ACB Papa Bear Mouthpie... Please let me know if there's a mouthpiece you want to hear that I haven't covered yet!
My mentor Clark Terry gave me a bunch of great vintage mouthpieces, and there were a lot of elements of those pieces that I really loved. But for modern players they were maybe a little too small, the rim too flat, etc. so I thought there were some aspects that could be improved. I started out with a direct copy of Clark's own mouthpiece, then made a few modifications to make it a bit more comfortable while keeping the great aspects of the sound.
I really liked the efficiency of the V cup and how dark it can get if you want it to [I also use a V cup based on Miles' Gustat mouthpiece in my ACB V Series]. You can see from the rendering how the bottom of the V is a little more efficient as it blends into the throat.
From Clark's mouthpiece, I widened the diameter to about a 6 for my TA1, and made the rim less flat with a high point towards the outside of the rim and a more rounded inner edge. I also made the throat a little larger and a little longer.
I've been playing my MV3C a lot these days but it's so fun to go back to the TA1 and play with the variety of colors I can get with this design.
You can order the TA1 here on our web store: www.austincust...
It is also available on our Standard Series listing, along with most of my other designs: www.austincust...
My V Series lets you have a V cup with the ACB rim of your choice: www.austincust...
We also have a TON of other mouthpiece choices available, like custom acrylic rims or acrylic tops, 10+ backbore options, different outer blank designs and plating options, our ultra-deep FX mouthpieces, our ultra-shallow "El Gato" (copy of Cat Anderson's mouthpiece), flugel mouthpieces, cornet mouthpieces, even trombone and tuba mouthpieces! Check them all out here: www.austincust...
Any questions about which of our mouthpieces may be best for your particular needs? Call our Mouthpiece Hotline at [phone] or email [e-mail] and we'll be happy to assist you!
Do you play on the ACB TA1? Let us know in the comments!
We always have lots of goodies available on our web store: www.austincust...
Austin Custom Brass is one of the world's premier brass pro shops. We routinely have hundreds of instruments in stock. If you are looking for something in particular please let us know via email at [e-mail] or call 781-944-6247 today!
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[@gtromble]

I like my TA-1. I'd been playing Warburton 6 pieces. The TA-1 rim is different, and feels bigger even though both are aimed at .640. As I've played it more it has become comfortable. Biggest surprise was how bright it plays for me, because the cup looks huge compared to Warburton 6S, but plays brighter for me.

[@jacksonharpemusic]

Diggin mine, the acrylic rim takes getting used to but the feel of the piece is great.

[@pebblebeach8517]

I am diggin’ my TA1 as well. I’ve got a collection of 20 MP’s nothing generates the sound I like more than my TA1. Some are more open but this MP gives me the sound and confidence as I move through the horn. Thx Trent.🎺

[@richtraube2241]

Got a TA1 for my 63rd birthday a few days ago. Been playing Bach 7c, 5c, then 3c since 3rd grade. I also got a Giardinelli 6 with a wide screw rim back in the 70s. That rim is way too flat. I am extremely happy with the TA1. The first vee cup I've tried. The rim is _very_ comfortable. The Bachs all have a much sharper bite and the TA1 hasn't caused me any pain so far, with 3 days of playing. I am so hoping that holds. I can feel the whole width of the aperture vibrating, the whole maxilaris, I guess. Couldn't with the Bachs. I can hit an open valve pedal C with the TA1. Couldn't with the Bachs. When rested I can arpeggio up to g,a above high c with very little pressure. Had to really mash the Bachs. The TA1 is very easy for me to play soft in all registers. So... What can I say?! The TA1 is working extremely well for me so far. Kicking myself for not trying it sooner. Now I'm very eager to put in time with the horn and have Trent's TA1 to thank.
2024 update: working on modified k tonguing and aperture controlled embouchure during warmups. My flexibility and endurance have improved noticeably. Getting a 4 octave gliss on a good day. I'm feeling so much more comfortable on the horn and can take a more musical approach to playing. The TA-1 has been with me all the way.

[@brzimme13]

It's a great mouthpiece and one that I am glad to own!

[@GordonHudson]

Been experimenting with the acrylic TA1. It feels bigger than it actually is. Tried various backbores (MO and O mainly) but not sure which you would recommend.