Home > Mouthpiece Components > GR Cups
Z Cup
  • The Z Cup has a small cup volume that features a brilliant fat and powerful sound throughout the horn and an astonishingly easy upper register.
  • While most "conventional commercial" cups tend to shut off vibrations and have a thin tone, the Z Cups have the chop room to allow for free lip vibrations which produce clean articulations, and a full commanding sound from low F# to above Double C!
  • The Z Cup features a higher alpha angle than the S Cup and longer L1 to achieve optimum lip room for vibrating freedom, support for compression and crisp articulation.
  • The Z* rim has a medium bite and the Z** rim has a softer bite, although, the cup parameters are basically the same.
  • This is an excellent choice for commercial playing, big band, lead-work, marching band, drum corps, and recording.
  • This mouthpiece will really Zing from top to bottom! (Get it?)


ES Cup
  • The ES cup has a higher alpha angle than our standard S cup.
  • It has a smaller first cup radius and an increased beta angle to enhance articulation and sizzle in the extreme upper register.
  • This cup has a very small volume and is shallower in depth to maximize compression.
  • The ES cup has a huge sound in the upper register like all other GR Mouthpieces.
  • The throat and backbore were not compromised because the compression is achieved from the cup design.
  • The ES cup is standard in the 64 and 65 diameters.
  • Standard GR Rim and #1 Backbore.


E-5 Cup
  • 64 E - 5 The rim has semi-flat characteristics and the highpoint is further from the bite than most mouthpieces in this diameter.
  • The bite is medium sharp and the alpha angle is medium allowing for more lip freedom in the upper cup.
  • This allows for improved articulations, flexibilities, range, and sound.
  • This cup is shallow with a small cup volume and a unique throat entrance created by the GR Mouthpiece Design Program.
  • The unique throat allows for good compression and articulation in the upper register as well as a big fat sound.
  • This mouthpiece has the GR #1 backbore.
  • The 64 E - 5 mouthpiece works well for upper register players that need more lip room.
  • This rim has similarities to the Wick 5E and Schilke A4a rims.
Recommendations:
Try this mouthpiece if you are playing a GR 64Z* and you bottom out or feel like you shut off. Also, if you play a Wick 5E and want improved articulation, sound, projection, and intonation with a similar feel, look at the 64E-5. If you play a Schilke 10A4a and you bottom out or feel like you shut off, this piece may be an ideal alternative.


SZ Cup
  • The SZ Cups feature the standard GR-Rim and alpha of the Standard GR Compu-Balanced S cup.
  • The SZ cup basically has the rim and alpha of the S cup and the bottom of the Z with the GR #1 Backbore.
  • The GR Mouthpiece Design Program makes a mathematically perfect design that features less volume than the S cup but more than the Z cup, this design allows for the lip room of the S cup with the edge and compression of the Z cup.
  • The SZ has a powerful big sound and a full sound spectrum, good endurance and added compression for a strong upper register with superb articulation.
  • The SZ cup is outstanding for lead work, marching band/drum corps, Latin, jazz, and studio work, great for microphone work and records well.
  • Recommended for players who feel the Z cup impinges the lips, not enough lip room, has an alpha angle that it too high, or the rim is too flat, as well as, a great choice if the S cup doesn’t provide enough compression for range requirements and articulation or enough edge to the sound.
  • SZ Cups are available in the 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, and 67 diameters as a standard order. Other diameters and rims available as a special order.


S Cup
  • This versatile commercial GR S cup can be used in varied musical situations.
  • The sound is big and brilliant. Projection is excellent.
  • The backbore is the GR #1 Backbore with good core to the brilliant sound.
  • The S Cup volume is small, although, it has ample lip room for most players.
  • This is an ideal solution to those who bottom out on "conventional commercial" cups.
  • The alpha angle is not too high and does not impinge the lips, furthermore, it has the ability to lightly grip and keeps the lips held into place for great endurance.
  • This cup is great for lead, show work, studio work, and all-around playing.


MS Cup
  • The MS Cup has a slightly lower alpha angle, greater cup volume, a slight increase in cup depth, as well as, a larger backbore than the S Cup.
  • The MS has the GR #2 backbore as standard. This is a great all around cup with a huge brilliant sound.
  • The Paul Butcher 65.6MS features the #1 Backbore.
  • The added volume and a slightly lower alpha angle than the S Cup gives the player more lip room.
  • An ideal solution for players who find that the GR S cup is a bit tight for them.
  • The sound is big and full with an excellent core.
  • It has less edge than the S Cup and works well in all playing situations.


S-B and M-B Cups
The Ultimate High Compression Mouthpiece For Players Who Can't Play Shallow Cups!
  • In an effort to please players who have a tough time with the standard GR high compression Z cups, and for those who have a tendency to bottom out on the GR S cups, Gary Radtke has developed the S-B Series Trumpet Mouthpieces.

S-B Cup
  • For those of you who can not tolerate a shallower cup and higher alpha angle, these are the ultimate lead and commercial mouthpieces.
  • The GR S-B Series Trumpet Mouthpieces are designed using the GR design program so each model will feature that fat GR sound.
  • Crisp articulations, full low register, amazingly easy upper register are some of the benefits of the S-B design.
  • The S-B Series is specifically designed for players who require the additional chop room to prevent "bottoming out."

S-B Model Features:
  • GR Standard rim, #1 Backbore, GR Classic Blank.
  • Standard GR Cup Diameters - 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67
  • Medium alpha angle for added chop room. "High Compression" throat entrance.
  • Balanced throat length and diameter.


M-B Cup
  • Makes a perfect "matched set" to the S-B cup.
  • The M-B was designed for those who want an all around mouthpiece with more chop room than the GR M cup, plus a slightly brighter sound and faster response than the M.
  • M-B has more upper cup volume than the M but it is tighter in the bottom of the cup and throat entrance.
  • Even though the M-B and M cups have virtually the same volume, the M-B is not as deep as the M cup.
  • #2 Backbore is standard.


M Cup
  • The M Cup has the same backbore as the MS Cup, the GR #2 backbore.
  • The M Cup has a slightly lower alpha angle, more volume and more depth than the MS Cup, although, the playing characteristics are similar.
  • The alpha angle is slightly lower and this is an option when more lip room is needed.
  • Works very well in a variety of playing situations from commercial to concert work.
  • An ideal all around mouthpiece with a compact core, vibrant feel, and full of overtones. This is the most popular GR Cup.


M2 Cup
  • The M2 Cup has a slightly lower alpha angle (same as the MX Cup), slightly more volume, although, the depth and throat entrance are the same as the M Cup.
Playing characteristics are similar to the M Cup.
  • The alpha angle is slightly lower than the M Cup and this is an option when more lip room is needed.
  • Works very well in a variety of playing situations from commercial to concert work.
  • The M2 Cup is often used by players that play larger volume cups for most of their work but occasionally require more compression and sizzle without sacrificing lip room.
  • Think of this as an M cup with more chop room.
  • M2 features the GR #2 backbore.


MX Cup
  • The MX Cup has many of the same characteristics as the MS, M, and M2 Cups.
  • It has more volume and more cup depth, lower alpha angle than the M Cup, and the larger GR #3 Backbore.
  • This mouthpiece is excellent on Bb and C trumpet.
  • MX is one of the more popular mouthpieces of choice for C trumpet.
  • It is particularly well suited to students, part time C trumpet players, and top studio musicians that want an efficient C trumpet mouthpiece.
  • The MX cup offers more blow resistance than the VC or CX cups.
  • This cup is popular for larger less resistant horns and also for lighter chamber work.
  • The MX Cup projects well throughout the Concert Hall.
  • The tone is brilliant and very even throughout all registers.
  • The upper register speaks very easily with precise intonation.
  • Light articulation is also very easy with the MX Cup.
  • If you are looking for a cup that is fat, precise, and brilliant, the MX cup is an ideal choice.


L Cup
  • The L Cup has a lower alpha angle, increased depth, slightly more volume than the MX Cup, and a #3 Backbore.
  • Although this mouthpiece is excellent on the C trumpet, many players prefer the vibrant feel of it on the Bb trumpet.
  • The sound presence is around you where the MX cup projects with a sound that is more direct.
  • This cup plays very evenly throughout the registers and the sound is rich with resonant overtones.
  • Preferred for Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, Brass Quintet, Chamber Work, Orchestral Work, Solo Work, and Jazz.


LX Cup
  • The LX Cup has a very large cup volume, increased depth, an alpha angle much lower than the L Cup, and a #3 Backbore.
  • This allows for a lot of lip engagement into the mouthpiece.
  • A strong embouchure is required to control this mouthpiece and maintain endurance, but the pay off is a huge sound, a full spectrum of overtones, and an evenness and brilliance throughout the horn unmatched with "conventional" mouthpieces of a similar volume.
  • Projection is excellent. Works well on the C and Bb trumpet.
  • An outstanding orchestral and solo mouthpiece, used by top orchestral players the world over.


VC Cup
  • This is a special mouthpiece designed specifically for use on the C trumpet.
  • The rim is a standard GR with the same alpha angle as the L cup.
  • The upper cup has a little larger radius as does the lower cup and a lower beta angle.
  • This formula makes more of a V shaped cup but articulation and brilliance are outstanding.
  • The VC Cup was designed to project in the orchestra.
  • The throat entrance is a shape that is excellent on the C trumpet.
  • The sound is big and projects in a rich brilliant manner, furthermore, it is very easy to shade and color.
  • The upper register is efficient and strong while the lower is warm and rich.
  • The throat entrance, throat, and bore are a little more open than the standard MX, L, and LX.
  • This mouthpiece can be played on Bb with good results, although, requires a very strong player.
  • Many players use the 66L or 67L on Bb trumpet and the 66VC or 67VC on C trumpet.
  • This is an excellent choice for symphonic applications and use in other large ensembles.
  • It offers the serious C trumpet player a huge symphonic sound that really projects.


VB Cup
  • The VB cup has the same parameters as the VC for the rim and upper cup.
  • The throat entrance and bore are tighter and this mouthpiece doesn't require as much work.
  • This works well on the Bb for concert band to jazz work. It is also good the C trumpet.
  • This mouthpiece was designed for players that find the VC too open
.


C Series Cups

C* Cups
  • Feature the GR Classic Blank, GR Standard Rim, and GR #3 Backbore.
  • The C* was designed for all-around Bb use featuring a higher alpha angle (similar to M cup) and a larger cup volume.
  • This design allows for added lip support and efficient playing characteristics throughout the range of the trumpet.
  • The C* has an improved throat entrance over older "conventional" C cup designs which allows improved articulation, accuracy, and efficiency, along with a pure core of sound not found on most traditional mouthpieces.
  • The C* has a beautiful full sound with excellent projection, as well as, the ability to blend in any situation.
  • The C* will be a great choice for the student, amateur, and professional.
  • The C* has been use successfully on the D/Eb trumpet as well as the C trumpet.
  • If you play a very open set up and require more resistance an excellent option is the C* cup with the GR #2 Backbore.

All the C Series (C*, C**, and C) have the same rim, alpha angle, L1, and 1st cup radius (R1) to provide easy accommodation when switching between Bb, C, and D/Eb, as well as, accommodating other playing requirements.
C** Cups
  • Feature the GR Symphonic Blank, GR Standard Rims, and GR #3 Backbore.
  • The C** was designed to have a similar blow and feel to older traditional C cup designs, although, improving intonation, slotting, articulation and efficiency.
  • It is an excellent choice for the Bb and C trumpet featuring a higher alpha angle (similar to M cup) and a larger cup volume.
  • The design allows for added lip support and efficient playing characteristics throughout the range of the trumpet.
  • The C** has a more open throat entrance than the C* requiring more strength.
  • The C** is a powerful mouthpiece that has a great volume of sound, good articulation, and excellent projection.
  • The C** will be a good choice for the orchestra, concert band, solo work, or quintet.
C Cups
  • Feature the GR Symphonic Blank, GR Standard Rims, and GR #3 Backbore.
  • The C has a more open throat entrance than the C* and C**, furthermore, it requires a strong player.
  • The C design features a higher alpha angle (similar to M cup), a larger cup volume, very open throat entrance, and huge orchestral sound.
  • The design allows for added lip support and efficient playing characteristics.
  • The C is a very powerful mouthpiece that has a great volume of sound, good articulation, and excellent projection.
  • The C is the preferred choice for the orchestra, as well as, for very powerful players requiring a more efficient alpha angle.


CX Cup
  • The CX Cup has a very large cup volume, increased throat entrance, and an alpha angle that is the same as the LX Cup.
  • This allows for a lot of lip engagement into the mouthpiece.
  • A strong embouchure is required to control this mouthpiece and maintain endurance.
  • Sound is large with a full spectrum of overtones, even, and brilliant throughout the horn.
  • The larger throat entrance and throat bore is a good match for the C trumpet and it has a #3 Backbore.
  • Projection is good, although, it has a strong presence of sound near and around the player.
  • Designed for C trumpet players who use the LX Cup on the Bb trumpet.
  • An outstanding orchestral and solo mouthpiece.


BX Cup
  • The BX cup is similar to a traditional "B" style cup.
  • It has a very open design and requires a strong player like the VC cup, and has a #3 Backbore.
  • This mouthpiece is excellent on the C trumpet and has a brilliant tone that really projects across the orchestra hall.
  • Not recommended for players that use a lot of lip engagement.


C-T, B-T, CT-Z Cups

C-T Cup
  • This rim has characteristics of an old 1C, although certain rim parameters have been changed to make this mouthpiece more efficient.
  • The 67C-T mouthpiece was designed for the C trumpet, but it is also a good match for certain Bb trumpets.
  • The alpha angle is raised slightly to enhance articulation for a player that must work very hard to play a 1C style mouthpiece.
  • The 1st cup radius or R1 has been slightly increased over older 1C designs to increase efficiency and provide a fat vibrant sound.
  • The throat bore is larger than the standard #27. The Backbore is a #3 and a GR Classic Blank is standard.
  • There is an option to have the 67C-T made with the GR Symphonic Blank that is slightly shorter and has a more open blow.
  • The 67C-T produces an incredible Orchestral Sound.

B-T Cup
  • 67B-T Has all the same characteristic as the 67C-T, although, the throat entrance has been adapted to accommodate the Bb trumpet.

CT-Z Cup
  • While retaining a similar feel as the B-T and C-T cups, the CT-Z is a high compression cup designed for players who are used to a wider diameter mouthpiece.
  • This versatile cup is ideal for pops or commercial work but is designed with a lot of lip room for players who use chop engagement.
  • Scream all night without bottoming out!