What is the primary difference between a Bach 5G and a 5GL?

The primary difference lies in the cup depth. The 5GL has a slightly smaller and shallower cup compared to the 5G, which is designed to make playing higher notes easier while maintaining a rich tone.

Will the 5GL fit a standard student trombone?

No, the 5GL is a large-bore (large shank) mouthpiece. It is designed for large-bore tenor trombones and will not fit small-bore student instruments like the Grassi STB850 unless an adapter is used.

What finish is used on the Bach 5GL?

The Bach 5GL features a high-quality silver-plated finish. This provides a traditional look and a smooth, comfortable feel for the player's embouchure.

Is the 5GL suitable for orchestral playing?

Yes, it is considered a versatile 'all-round' mouthpiece that is highly popular in orchestral settings due to its full, rich sound in all registers.

How does the price of the 5GL compare to entry-level mouthpieces?

At approximately £83, the Bach 5GL is a mid-range professional mouthpiece. It is more expensive than budget options like the Gear4Music Coppergate 11C but is considered an industry standard investment.

Can the 5GL be used for high-register performance?

Yes, the 5GL is specifically noted for making higher notes easier to play compared to the deeper 4G and 5G models, thanks to its shallower cup design.

What type of trombone is the 5GL intended for?

It is intended for large-bore tenor trombones, such as the Conn 52H Bb/F tenor trombone, which accept a large shank mouthpiece.

Is this mouthpiece suitable for beginners?

While suitable for everyone playing a large-bore instrument, it is often a step-up mouthpiece for students who have developed their embouchure and are moving to a professional-grade instrument.

Does the 5GL provide a thin sound because of the shallower cup?

No, the manufacturer describes the sound as 'full and rich' in all registers. The design balances the ease of the high range with a substantial tonal core.

How does the 5GL compare to the Bach 4G?

The 5GL has a smaller cup size and shallower depth than the 4G. The 4G is a larger mouthpiece that requires more air and is generally used for a broader, heavier sound.

Is the 5GL compatible with an alto trombone?

It depends on the specific instrument. While some modern alto trombones like the Conn 34H take large shank mouthpieces, players often prefer smaller cup sizes for the specific tessitura of the alto trombone.

What is included in the 'Classic' series by Bach?

The Classic series includes a wide range of standard-fit mouthpieces for various brass instruments, including the 12 Silver Plated Tuba mouthpiece and various trombone sizes.

Gear article

Bach Classic Trombone Mouthpiece Large Shank 5GL

The Bach Classic 5GL is a silver-plated large-bore trombone mouthpiece designed for versatility and tonal richness. It features a slightly shallower cup depth than the standard 5G, providing easier access to the upper register while maintaining a full sound across the instrument's range.

See live prices

Overview

The Vincent Bach Classic 5GL is a staple component for large-bore tenor trombone players. As part of the Bach 'Standard' series, it is engineered to provide a balanced response that suits both students and professional orchestral players. The mouthpiece is finished in silver plating, which is a standard industry choice for its durability and comfortable feel against the lips.

Design and Key Features

The 5GL is specifically distinguished by its cup dimensions. While it shares the same rim diameter as the widely used 5G, the 'L' designation indicates a slightly shallower cup. This modification is intended to reduce the physical effort required to play in the higher registers of the trombone.

Key physical features include: * Large Shank: Designed to fit modern large-bore symphonic tenor trombones. * Silver Plated Finish: Provides a traditional aesthetic and a smooth surface for embouchure flexibility. * 5GL Cup Geometry: A shallower depth compared to the 4G and 5G models for improved high-note stability.

Sound and Performance Character

Despite its shallower cup, the 5GL is noted for producing a full, rich sound that remains consistent throughout all registers of the instrument. It offers a middle-ground solution for players who find the deeper 5G too taxing for high-range endurance but do not wish to sacrifice the characteristic 'dark' trombone sound. Its versatility makes it a popular 'all-round' choice for various musical settings, from orchestral performances to brass bands.

User Suitability

The 5GL is marketed as a universal option for anyone playing a large-bore instrument. It is particularly well-suited for: * Intermediate students moving up from a standard 6.5AL or 11C mouthpiece. * Professional players seeking a reliable workhorse for varied repertoire. * Musicians who require additional support in the upper register without losing tonal core.

Comparisons to Alternatives

Within the Bach range, the 5GL sits between the larger 4G and the standard 5G. Compared to these, the 5GL facilitates easier high-range articulation due to its shallower cup.

When looking at other brands and types of brass accessories: * Denis Wick 2AL: This is a bass trombone mouthpiece, offering a much larger diameter and deeper cup for low-frequency emphasis, unlike the tenor-focused 5GL. * Gear4Music Coppergate 11C: A smaller-bore mouthpiece typically used for jazz or student tenor trombones, offering a brighter sound than the 5GL. * Bach 12 (Tuba): While also from the Classic silver-plated series, this is designed for tuba and is not compatible with trombones.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What is the primary difference between a Bach 5G and a 5GL?: The primary difference lies in the cup depth. The 5GL has a slightly smaller and shallower cup compared to the 5G, which is designed to make playing higher notes easier while maintaining a rich tone.
Will the 5GL fit a standard student trombone?: No, the 5GL is a large-bore (large shank) mouthpiece. It is designed for large-bore tenor trombones and will not fit small-bore student instruments like the Grassi STB850 unless an adapter is used.
What finish is used on the Bach 5GL?: The Bach 5GL features a high-quality silver-plated finish. This provides a traditional look and a smooth, comfortable feel for the player's embouchure.
Is the 5GL suitable for orchestral playing?: Yes, it is considered a versatile 'all-round' mouthpiece that is highly popular in orchestral settings due to its full, rich sound in all registers.
How does the price of the 5GL compare to entry-level mouthpieces?: At approximately £83, the Bach 5GL is a mid-range professional mouthpiece. It is more expensive than budget options like the Gear4Music Coppergate 11C but is considered an industry standard investment.
Can the 5GL be used for high-register performance?: Yes, the 5GL is specifically noted for making higher notes easier to play compared to the deeper 4G and 5G models, thanks to its shallower cup design.
What type of trombone is the 5GL intended for?: It is intended for large-bore tenor trombones, such as the Conn 52H Bb/F tenor trombone, which accept a large shank mouthpiece.
Is this mouthpiece suitable for beginners?: While suitable for everyone playing a large-bore instrument, it is often a step-up mouthpiece for students who have developed their embouchure and are moving to a professional-grade instrument.
Does the 5GL provide a thin sound because of the shallower cup?: No, the manufacturer describes the sound as 'full and rich' in all registers. The design balances the ease of the high range with a substantial tonal core.
How does the 5GL compare to the Bach 4G?: The 5GL has a smaller cup size and shallower depth than the 4G. The 4G is a larger mouthpiece that requires more air and is generally used for a broader, heavier sound.
Is the 5GL compatible with an alto trombone?: It depends on the specific instrument. While some modern alto trombones like the Conn 34H take large shank mouthpieces, players often prefer smaller cup sizes for the specific tessitura of the alto trombone.
What is included in the 'Classic' series by Bach?: The Classic series includes a wide range of standard-fit mouthpieces for various brass instruments, including the 12 Silver Plated Tuba mouthpiece and various trombone sizes.