Frequently Asked Questions

🔹 Yes — But Not Like the Wedge

Oval mouthpieces aren’t new.
In earlier designs, the rim followed the natural curve of the lips, which actually increased contact with the mouthpiece rather than reducing it.

• The long axis of those older ovals ran side to side.

• The rim wrapped around the embouchure, pressing on the corners of the mouth.

That’s the exact opposite of what the Wedge does.

🔹 How the Wedge Is Different

The Wedge reverses the traditional concept:

• Its oval is oriented up and down, not sideways.

• The rim curves away from the corners of the mouth, rather than around them.

• This design reduces pressure and surface contact at the corners, allowing for freer movement and better comfort.

🔹 Why That Matters

Less pressure and contact mean:

• Improved blood flow to the lips

• Greater comfort during long playing sessions

• Reduced swelling

• Better control of the central aperture and overall embouchure

Players experience enhanced endurance and flexibility without sacrificing tone.

🔹 A Completely New Approach

Yes — oval mouthpieces existed before.
But there has never been one like the Wedge.

It’s not a variation on an old idea — it’s a complete rethinking of what an oval mouthpiece can do.

No, the Wedge Isn’t a “Cheater” Mouthpiece

🔹 What People Mean by a “Cheater” Mouthpiece

Some players think of a “cheater mouthpiece” as a shortcut to better range or endurance — one that sacrifices sound, flexibility, or low register.
These are usually small, shallow mouthpieces that can work for specific playing styles but fall short if used as a substitute for practice.

👉 The truth? There are no “cheater” mouthpieces — only poor mouthpiece choices.

🔹 The Wedge Philosophy

• The Wedge isn’t designed to hide weaknesses or make up for lack of practice.

• It’s engineered to help you play your best through improved comfort, control, and efficiency.

• Available in a full range of diameters and cup depths — suitable for every player and playing style.

🔹 Personalized Support for Every Player

• We provide free fitting advice by email, phone, or in person.

• Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, you get the same expert attention.

• Our goal: to make sure you get the mouthpiece that fits you best.

🔹 Smart, Not Cheating

Yes — many players gain an advantage when switching to the Wedge.
But that’s not cheating.
That’s smart.

🔹 Why It Looks Different

Some players are unsure how to position the Wedge when they first see it — and that’s completely normal.
It’s unlike any mouthpiece you’ve used before, and that difference is exactly what makes it work.

🔹 Position It Like This

• Always play with the sloping shoulders at the sides, never top and bottom.

• This orients the long axis of the oval cup vertically — up and down, not sideways like older oval designs.

• A small dot or indentation on the outer rim helps with orientation.

  • The dot should always be top and bottom, not side to side.

👉 Tip: About 10% of players already have a natural “wedge” in their teeth that mimics the rim’s effect. A few of them prefer the Wedge turned sideways, which effectively makes it feel like a conventional rim.

🔹 Getting Used to the Wedge

Most players adapt right away — no special technique required.
If it feels different at first, focus on a more centered, compact embouchure:

💡 Think “pucker” and “grip the sides.”

This helps you lock in the Wedge’s unique benefit — a more focused, efficient setup that enhances control and comfort.

🔹 What You Might Feel First

You may notice that the corners of your mouth feel less supported, or even a small air leak there.
That’s completely normal — it means you were relying on the mouthpiece for corner pressure.

Within a few days, that sensation disappears as your chops naturally adapt.
The result: better comfort, improved endurance, and more efficient vertical compression.

🎵 You’ll feel — and hear — the difference.

🔹 No Major Changes Required

You don’t need to intentionally change your embouchure to play the Wedge.
However, many players discover that it naturally helps fine-tune and improve their setup — often without them even trying.

🔹 Immediate Feedback and Improvement

A surprising number of players report noticeable improvement after just one practice session.
They play and sound better not only on the Wedge, but even when they go back to their regular mouthpiece.

This is true for both:

• Players who switch fully to the Wedge

• And those who continue using their traditional mouthpiece most of the time

🔹 Why It Works

The Wedge’s unique design encourages a more forward, aperture-controlled embouchure, which leads to greater efficiency, control, and consistency.
Because of this, the Wedge can even serve as a valuable teaching tool — helping players develop a stronger, more centered setup that benefits all aspects of their playing.

🔹 Switching Back Is Easy

Going back to a conventional round rim is never a problem.
After extended use of the Wedge, it may take a few days for your chops to fully readjust to a flat rim — but that transition is smooth and temporary.

No — The Wedge Cannot “Screw Up” Your Chops

🔹 Real Chop Problems Come from Other Causes

Players who spend years fighting an unsuitable mouthpiece, or who constantly switch mouthpieces in search of a “magic fix,” are far more likely to develop embouchure issues.
That’s not the mouthpiece’s fault — it’s the result of inconsistent setup and adaptation.

🔹 Trying a New Mouthpiece Is Safe

Testing a new mouthpiece for a few days will not harm your chops, any more than trying a new pair of running shoes will cause a lifelong injury.
A brief adjustment period is normal, but there’s no lasting risk from experimenting.

🔹 No Scientific Basis for the Myth

There is no credible evidence that playing on a rim that isn’t round and flat will damage your embouchure.
Think about it — are we somehow genetically programmed to play only on flat, circular rims?
Of course not.
Embouchure health depends on technique and balance, not rim shape.

🔹 Proven Safe — and Potentially Protective

Thousands of players have used the Wedge for many years with excellent results and no adverse effects.
In fact, the Wedge design may actually reduce the risk of embouchure injury by:

• Lowering pressure at vulnerable points (around 10 and 2 o’clock)

• Discouraging excessive mouthpiece pressure

• Promoting better circulation and control

The result?
A setup that’s healthier, more comfortable, and more efficient — not harmful.

🔹 Immediate Improvements

Many players notice a difference right away — often during their very first practice session.
Typical early results include:

• Richer, more focused sound

• Greater flexibility and control

• Improved endurance

• A modest boost in range that grows steadily with time

Players frequently report that these improvements continue developing over several weeks, and in some cases, even months, as their embouchure adapts naturally.

🔹 Getting Used to the Feel

The Wedge rim may feel a little different at first — that’s normal.

• For most players, it feels natural within a few days.

• A small number take a bit longer to fully acclimate.

• Interestingly, players who found conventional rims uncomfortable often say the Wedge feels “right” almost immediately — sometimes before finishing their first session.

🔹 Immediate Improvements

Many players notice results right away — often during their first practice session.

Typical early benefits include:

• Richer, more focused sound

• Greater flexibility and control

• Improved endurance

• A modest range boost that continues to grow over time

Players often report that these improvements keep developing for several weeks, and sometimes even months, as their embouchure naturally adapts to the Wedge’s design.

🔹 Getting Used to the Feel

It’s completely normal for the Wedge rim to feel a bit different at first.

Most players find:

• It feels natural within a few days

• A few need slightly longer to acclimate

• Those who found conventional rims uncomfortable often say the Wedge feels “right” almost immediately — sometimes before the end of their first session

🎵 The takeaway:
The more you play it, the better it feels — and the better you play. Very few players report that it stops working after an initial improvement, unlike what is often reported when sitching between conventional mouthpieces.

🔹 Yes — Many Players Do

Some players successfully mix the Wedge rim with conventional mouthpieces and move between them without difficulty.
This works best when you spend consistent time on both so your embouchure stays comfortable with each.

🔹 Why Many Players Fully Switch

Over time, most players who start with the Wedge choose to convert all their mouthpieces.
While they can still play on traditional rims, they often find that:

• The Wedge feels more natural

• It offers better comfort and control

• And it simply works better for them overall

🎵 In short:
You can go back and forth — but once you get used to the Wedge, you may not want to.

For detailed instructions, please visit our How Can I Separate A Stuck Top And Backbore? Page.