An Examination of Technological Advancements and Innovations of Horn Mouthpieces in the United States from 1950 to 2015

Abstract

Before the invention of numerical control, also known as Computer Numerical Control, or CNC, horn mouthpieces were handmade; this made every horn mouthpiece very unique due to the inconsistencies in the handmade process. Because of the CNC technology, the quality of horn mouthpieces became much more consistent. The horn mouthpiece is a vital part of the horn’s tone production and overall playing characteristics. It is an integral part of the “feel” and the comfort of playing for the performer. This document examines the horn mouthpiece manufactures’ technological advancements and innovations in the United States between 1950 and 2015. The famous horn mouthpiece named and made by a famous horn player in the United States was Philip Farkas, which is where I will start my research, as this is the time in which a distinct amount of advancements occurred. This document includes four chapters: Chapter one will introduce the purpose of this document, and explains the reason why I choose this topic. Chapter two discusses the horn mouthpiece’s anatomy- rim, inner rim diameter, cup, throat, bore and backbore, shank, plating, and materials. In this chapter, I will also give some theoretical advices for horn players. Chapter three provides various horn mouthpiece manufacturers in the United States and briefly introduce their history and their well-known horn mouthpieces. Chapter four is a conclusion of this document and enumerates some implications for future research.