What is the difference between the Bach 5 and the Bach 5G?

While both share the same rim shape and diameter, the 5G features a deeper cup. This design change, along with the specific throat and backbore, results in a fuller and more resonant sound compared to the standard 5.

What size is the throat on the Bach 5G?

The Bach 5G features a .276-inch throat. This is a relatively large throat size that allows for increased airflow and a broader tonal response.

Which backbore is used in the Bach 5G mouthpiece?

This model utilizes the 429 backbore. This specific backbore is paired with the deep cup to help maintain a professional feel and balanced intonation.

Is the Bach 5G suitable for beginners?

It is generally recommended for advancing musicians and professionals rather than beginners. The deep cup and .276" throat require developed breath support and embouchure control to play effectively.

What finish is applied to this mouthpiece?

The mouthpiece features a silver-plated finish. This gives it a professional appearance and a smooth surface that is comfortable for the player's lips.

Can this mouthpiece be used on a large shank trombone?

No, this specific model is a small shank mouthpiece. It is designed to fit small-bore tenor trombones and baritone horns; it will not fit a large-bore trombone receiver without an adapter.

How does the Bach 5G affect the sound of a trombone?

The 5G produces a darker, warmer, and more symphonic tone. The deep cup design allows for greater resonance and a more substantial sound profile than shallower mouthpieces.

What engraving is found on the mouthpiece?

The mouthpiece features 'Vincent Bach' engraving. This is a hallmark of the brand's classic professional mouthpiece series.

Is this mouthpiece appropriate for jazz or classical music?

Due to its deep cup and warm sound, it is highly favoured for classical and orchestral music. While it can be used for jazz, many jazz players prefer shallower cups for a brighter, more 'cutting' lead sound.

What is the typical price for a Bach Classic 5G mouthpiece?

The typical price range for this silver-plated professional mouthpiece is approximately GBP 82. This reflects its status as a high-quality, professional-grade accessory.

How does the 5G compare to an 11C mouthpiece?

The 5G is significantly larger than an 11C, featuring a deeper cup and larger diameter. The 11C is often a beginner's mouthpiece with a brighter sound, whereas the 5G is a professional upgrade for a darker tone.

Does the silver plating affect the durability of the mouthpiece?

Yes, the silver plating provides a durable layer that protects the underlying brass. With proper cleaning and care, the silver finish can maintain its professional look and feel for many years.

Gear article

Bach Classic Trombone Mouthpiece (Small Shank) 5G Silver Plated

The Bach Classic 5G is a professional-grade trombone mouthpiece designed with a deep cup and a large throat for enhanced resonance. Produced by Vincent Bach, this small shank model features a silver-plated finish and is engineered for advanced musicians and professional players seeking a symphonic sound.

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Background and Design

The Bach 5G represents a cornerstone of the Vincent Bach mouthpiece line, specifically adapted for small shank instruments that require a fuller, more orchestral tonal quality. While it shares the rim shape and diameter of the standard No. 5 model, the 5G variant is distinguished by its significantly deeper cup. Each unit features the 'Vincent Bach' engraving, signifying its place within the brand's classic professional series.

The construction uses a silver-plated finish, which is the industry standard for professional mouthpieces. This plating provides a smooth feel for the player's embouchure and contributes to the overall durability and aesthetic of the component. The 5G is primarily intended for players who find the standard 5-series cup too shallow for their desired projection and depth.

Technical Specifications

The internal dimensions of the 5G are what define its playing characteristics. It features a .276-inch throat and a 429 backbore. These specifications are larger than those found on many entry-level mouthpieces, allowing for greater airflow and a broader sound profile.

Rim Diameter: Equivalent to the Bach No. 5.
Cup Depth: Deep, specifically designed to facilitate a rich, dark tone.
Backbore: 429, which helps balance the deep cup to ensure the pitch remains stable across different registers.

Tone and Performance

The primary characteristic of the Bach 5G is its ability to produce a 'symphonic' sound. The deep cup allows for a wider range of overtones, resulting in a dark, warm, and resonant timbre that is highly sought after in classical and brass band settings.

Because of the larger throat and deep cup, the 5G requires more air support than smaller mouthpieces like the 11C. This makes it particularly effective for advancing students and professionals who have developed the breath control necessary to fill the mouthpiece, providing a significant upgrade in sound quality over standard stock mouthpieces.

Player Suitability

This mouthpiece is specifically categorised for professional players and advancing musicians. It is not generally recommended for absolute beginners, who may find the deep cup and larger throat difficult to control before they have developed sufficient embouchure strength. It is an ideal choice for players using small-bore tenor trombones who want to achieve a bigger, more authoritative sound without switching to a large-bore instrument.

Market Comparison

Within the Bach ecosystem, the 5G sits as a deeper alternative to the standard 5, providing more resonance. Compared to entry-level options like the Coppergate 11C, the Bach 5G offers a much larger cup and throat, leading to a darker sound.

When compared to other professional brands, it competes with models such as the Denis Wick Classic 2AL, though the 2AL is typically used for bass trombone and features a larger diameter. For those using intermediate instruments like the Conn 52H or the Grassi STB850, the Bach 5G serves as a high-quality component upgrade that can significantly alter the instrument's tonal output.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the Bach 5 and the Bach 5G?: While both share the same rim shape and diameter, the 5G features a deeper cup. This design change, along with the specific throat and backbore, results in a fuller and more resonant sound compared to the standard 5.
What size is the throat on the Bach 5G?: The Bach 5G features a .276-inch throat. This is a relatively large throat size that allows for increased airflow and a broader tonal response.
Which backbore is used in the Bach 5G mouthpiece?: This model utilizes the 429 backbore. This specific backbore is paired with the deep cup to help maintain a professional feel and balanced intonation.
Is the Bach 5G suitable for beginners?: It is generally recommended for advancing musicians and professionals rather than beginners. The deep cup and .276" throat require developed breath support and embouchure control to play effectively.
What finish is applied to this mouthpiece?: The mouthpiece features a silver-plated finish. This gives it a professional appearance and a smooth surface that is comfortable for the player's lips.
Can this mouthpiece be used on a large shank trombone?: No, this specific model is a small shank mouthpiece. It is designed to fit small-bore tenor trombones and baritone horns; it will not fit a large-bore trombone receiver without an adapter.
How does the Bach 5G affect the sound of a trombone?: The 5G produces a darker, warmer, and more symphonic tone. The deep cup design allows for greater resonance and a more substantial sound profile than shallower mouthpieces.
What engraving is found on the mouthpiece?: The mouthpiece features 'Vincent Bach' engraving. This is a hallmark of the brand's classic professional mouthpiece series.
Is this mouthpiece appropriate for jazz or classical music?: Due to its deep cup and warm sound, it is highly favoured for classical and orchestral music. While it can be used for jazz, many jazz players prefer shallower cups for a brighter, more 'cutting' lead sound.
What is the typical price for a Bach Classic 5G mouthpiece?: The typical price range for this silver-plated professional mouthpiece is approximately GBP 82. This reflects its status as a high-quality, professional-grade accessory.
How does the 5G compare to an 11C mouthpiece?: The 5G is significantly larger than an 11C, featuring a deeper cup and larger diameter. The 11C is often a beginner's mouthpiece with a brighter sound, whereas the 5G is a professional upgrade for a darker tone.
Does the silver plating affect the durability of the mouthpiece?: Yes, the silver plating provides a durable layer that protects the underlying brass. With proper cleaning and care, the silver finish can maintain its professional look and feel for many years.