Shipping and Taxes
📦 Shipping & Taxes
❤️ A Small, Family-Run Business
We’re a small, family-run company — Dr. Dave and three dedicated team members — not a large multinational retailer like Amazon.
The advantage?
Every order is handled personally by the same person, ensuring consistent, attentive service.
For any shipping questions, please email admin@wedgemouthpiece.com — Eli will be happy to help.
Orders are processed for shipping on most weekdays.
Note: The details below apply to new mouthpiece orders only. Shipping information for Carol Brass trumpets is listed on each trumpet’s product page. For questions about trumpet shipping, please email us.
Shipping & Taxes Within Canada
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Flat rate: $20 CAD
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Carrier: Canada Post (includes tracking and insurance)
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Taxes: Provincial and federal taxes are applied automatically at checkout
You’ll receive a tracking number once your order ships.
Shipping & Taxes to the United States
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Flat rate: $20 CAD
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Carrier: USPS (via Canada Post)
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Includes: Tracking and insurance
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Average delivery time: 1–2 weeks (estimate only)
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Tracking: Canada Post tracking numbers remain active for USPS deliveries
Orders under $1,500 USD do not incur any taxes.
If your order is over $1,500, please email admin@wedgemouthpiece.com for details before completing your purchase.
🌍 International Shipping (EU, UK, AUS, NZ, JAP, KOR, etc.)
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Flat rate: $20 CAD for International Tracked Packet service (eligible countries only)
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Includes: Tracking and insurance
Exception — Italy:
Due to repeated postal losses, the only available option to Italy is Xpresspost International at a cost of $60 CAD.
Estimated delivery times:
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Transit and customs processing can vary widely.
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Some packages clear customs in under a week; others may take 4+ weeks, for a total delivery time of 6–8 weeks.
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Once your parcel reaches your country, it won’t appear in tracking again until it has cleared customs.
💰 Import Taxes, VAT, and Duties
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The EU and UK may apply VAT (Value Added Tax) of up to 20%.
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Import fees and taxes are the customer’s responsibility and are not included in the product price or shipping fee.
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Please contact your local postal or customs authority for specific tax information in your region.
⚠️ We cannot reduce the declared value of shipments for customs purposes.
Doing so would violate Canadian export regulations and could result in fines or penalties.
Isn't the key to improvement more practice, not better equipment?
Better Equipment. Better Results.
🔹 Practice Is Essential — But Equipment Matters
There’s no substitute for practice, but better equipment absolutely makes a difference.
If equipment didn’t matter:
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Every musician would play a $100 trumpet and a cheap mouthpiece.
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Elite athletes wouldn’t invest in state-of-the-art gear.
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Surgeons would still use instruments from a century ago.
👉 The truth is simple: technology improves performance in every field — so why should brass mouthpieces be any different?
🔹 Innovation Over Imitation
Most brass mouthpiece designs haven’t changed in decades.
Are we really to believe they were perfected 40 or 50 years ago?
At Wedge Mouthpieces, we don’t think so.
Since 2007, we’ve been refining, testing, and innovating, developing new versions of the Wedge that push performance forward.
We believe:
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Perfection is an illusion
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Excellence is a journey
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And believing in “perfect” only leads to stagnation
🔹 Better Gear Rewards Practice
The Wedge doesn’t replace practice — it rewards it.
When players experience:
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Greater comfort
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Improved endurance
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Enhanced results
They’re inspired to practice more — and to play better.
🎵 So why settle?
Get a better mouthpiece — and practice more effectively.
Haven't there been oval mouthpieces before?
🔹 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.
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The long axis of those older ovals ran side to side.
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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:
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Its oval is oriented up and down, not sideways.
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The rim curves away from the corners of the mouth, rather than around them.
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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:
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Improved blood flow to the lips
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Greater comfort during long playing sessions
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Reduced swelling
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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.
Is the Wedge a "cheater mouthpiece"?
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
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The Wedge isn’t designed to hide weaknesses or make up for lack of practice.
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It’s engineered to help you play your best through improved comfort, control, and efficiency.
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Available in a full range of diameters and cup depths — suitable for every player and playing style.
🔹 Personalized Support for Every Player
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We provide free fitting advice by email, phone, or in person.
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Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, you get the same expert attention.
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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.
How do I position the Wedge?
🔹 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
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Always play with the sloping shoulders at the sides, never top and bottom.
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This orients the long axis of the oval cup vertically — up and down, not sideways like older oval designs.
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A small dot or indentation on the outer rim helps with orientation.
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The dot should always be top and bottom, not side to side.
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👉 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.
Do I have to change my embouchure?
🔹 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:
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Players who switch fully to the Wedge
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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.
Can the Wedge screw up my chops?
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:
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Lowering pressure at vulnerable points (around 10 and 2 o’clock)
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Discouraging excessive mouthpiece pressure
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Promoting better circulation and control
The result?
A setup that’s healthier, more comfortable, and more efficient — not harmful.
How long does it take to adjust to the Wedge?
🔹 Immediate Improvements
Many players notice a difference right away — often during their very first practice session.
Typical early results include:
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Richer, more focused sound
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Greater flexibility and control
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Improved endurance
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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.
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For most players, it feels natural within a few days.
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A small number take a bit longer to fully acclimate.
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Interestingly, players who found conventional rims uncomfortable often say the Wedge feels “right” almost immediately — sometimes before finishing their first session.
Is there a honeymoon period?
🔹 Immediate Improvements
Many players notice results right away — often during their first practice session.
Typical early benefits include:
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Richer, more focused sound
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Greater flexibility and control
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Improved endurance
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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:
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It feels natural within a few days
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A few need slightly longer to acclimate
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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.
Can I play a Wedge AND a regular rim?
🔹 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:
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The Wedge feels more natural
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It offers better comfort and control
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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.
Do I need the optional angled rim?
Most Players Don’t
For the majority of players, a standard Wedge rim works perfectly.
Angled rims are intended for musicians with specific anatomical or playing challenges, typically related to an overbite (top teeth in front of lower teeth) or underbite (top teeth behind lower teeth).
When an Angled Rim Can Help
An angled rim may be beneficial if you experience:
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A very low horn angle that makes it difficult to project your sound
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Excessive pressure on your top or bottom lip
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Neck strain from tilting your head forward or back to correct horn position
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TMJ (temporomandibular joint) pain from thrusting your jaw forward
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Difficulty forming an embouchure due to severe dental misalignment
When You Don’t Need One
Many players have a mild overbite or slightly tilted horn angle without any problems.
If you’re comfortable, playing freely, and not experiencing the issues listed above, there’s no need for an angled rim.
Why an Angled Rim Is Better Than a Bent Backbore
If you do require angle correction, an angled rim is a much better solution than a bent backbore.
Bending the backbore can:
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Distort the internal shape of the mouthpiece
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Interfere with airflow
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Negatively affect tone and response
An angled rim achieves the same ergonomic correction without compromising performance or sound quality.
- Angled rims are available as a stock item for Hybrid trumpet, cornet, and flugelhorn.
- The angle can be 5° or 10°.
- The 5° angle is enough for most players.
- If you are uncertain what angle you need, Dr. Dave can give you personalized advice based off of a photograph of you playing, taken from the side.
- Angled rims are also available as a custom order for trombone, euphonium, tenor horn, and tuba.
- The degree of angle possible with low brass mouthpieces is between 3 and 5° in most cases.
Is the Wedge good for players with braces?
“I just wanted to send you an email that I have tried my new Wedge S6A4A plastic mouthpiece and I love it! Even with my braces, at the end of a rehearsal I'm still able to play with my full range like I am at the beginning. I will be looking into buying a metal mouthpiece. It is much more comfortable and I have less cuts in my mouth after playing, even if I'm playing a little bit of a higher part.”
— Chris H.
Why the Wedge Works with Braces
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Contoured rim = less pressure on brackets. The Wedge’s shaped rim fits over braces and reduces direct pressure on the metal.
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More comfort, fewer abrasions. Many players report less irritation and fewer cuts compared with traditional flat, round rims.
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Endurance and tone. Reduced pressure and better fit can support clearer tone and longer playing sessions.
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Less reliance on wax. Some players find they need less protective wax because of the Wedge’s rim contour.
Real-World Results
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Students often feel and hear an immediate difference on first try.
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Improvements in comfort, endurance, and consistency encourage longer, more productive practice.
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Many players keep using the Wedge even after braces come off.
Plastic or Metal?
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Plastic models are popular during orthodontic treatment for their softer feel.
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Metal models are available when you’re ready—many players transition after experiencing the benefits with plastic.
Get Personalized Advice
Have braces and need a recommendation? Dr. Dave will personally assess your needs and suggest the best model and size. Contact Dr Dave
Should I choose plastic or brass?
For a full explanation of the benefits of brass vs. plastic mouthpieces, please visit our Should I Choose Plastic or Brass Page.
Why does the Wedge cost more than some other mouthpieces?
Price vs. Value
The Wedge costs more than some mouthpieces and less than others — but its value comes from what it delivers.
Each mouthpiece involves more complex design and machining than a conventional model.
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The unique rim and cup contours require precise multi-axis cutting and polishing.
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Hybrid models take this even further, with additional steps and specialized tooling.
This extra effort ensures a level of comfort, performance, and consistency you won’t find elsewhere.
Performance Value
We believe there’s an important difference between price and value.
For most players, investing in a Wedge mouthpiece yields greater improvement than upgrading to a much more expensive horn.
Ask yourself:
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What would it be worth to add 2–3 notes to your range?
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To gain 30% more endurance?
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To enjoy better tone, flexibility, and comfort, with less swelling and faster recovery?
That’s the kind of difference our customers report every day.
A No-Risk Investment
Is the Wedge worth it for you?
Honestly — we can’t say until you try it. About 10% of players find the Wedge isn’t the right fit. If that’s you, we’ll happily refund your purchase.
But if you’re like the majority of our players, you may soon be explaining to your bandmates why you suddenly sound so much better — something we hear from customers all the time.
The only way to know is to try.
Experience the Wedge difference for yourself.
What's the wait time for an out of stock mouthpiece?
Watch a short video of a mouthpiece being made
Standard Production Times
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Plastic mouthpieces and Hybrid: Made to order — typically ship within 1–2 weeks.
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Brass mouthpieces: Take approximately 5–6 weeks from start to finish.
If Your Brass Mouthpiece Is Not in Stock
We send and receive mouthpieces from our silver plating company every other week.
Many of these are produced for inventory, but when you place an order:
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Your order number is assigned to the next available mouthpiece in the production cycle.
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This means your mouthpiece typically ships in 1–3 weeks, depending on where that model is in the cycle.
You’ll receive email updates as your order moves through production:
In Production → Sent for Plating → Shipped
Production Process Overview
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Machining the Blanks
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For most brass mouthpieces we start with brass round stock and turn a blank on our CNC lathe.
- Some low brass blanks are sourced from local machine shops with larger lathes.
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Each blank is engraved with the model number and precisely milled on our CNC machine to form the rim, cup, and (if applicable) angle.
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Polishing and Cleaning
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After machining, mouthpieces are picked up by our professional polisher for polishing and cleaning.
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Plastic mouthpieces are inspected and prepared for shipment at this stage.
- Hybrid mouthpieces inserts are printed in our 3D printer, washed, cured, and adjusted prior to bonding to a brass base and polishing.
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Plating (for Brass Models)
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Machined and polished brass mouthpieces are sent in bulk to a local plating company every other Friday.
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Plating takes approximately 2–3 weeks.
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Once returned, each mouthpiece is unpacked, hand-polished, and inspected before being shipped or added to stock.
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Order Questions
For updates or questions about your order, please email Eli at
📧 admin@wedgemouthpiece.com
How can I separate a stuck trumpet top and backbore?
For detailed instructions, please visit our How Can I Separate A Stuck Top And Backbore? Page.
About Dr Dave
Dr. Dave likes to say "Hey, I'm just some guy making mouthpieces in my garage", but there is a bit more to it than that.
Medical Career
Dr Dave is a medical doctor, recently retired, who specialized in Emergency Medicine and Hyperbaric Medicine. During his medical career he was a Clinical Professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of British Columbia, an attending physician in the Emergency Department of Vancouver General Hospital, Director of the Royal Training Program in Emergency Medicine at UBC, Vice President of the Canadian Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Association, and Head of Hyperbaric Medicine at Vancouver General Hospital.
Trumpet
Dr Dave began playing trumpet in high school band class and has continued to play his entire life in community concert bands, in church, and for nearly 20 years as the principal trumpet of the Richmond Orchestra. He is currently a member of the Gabriola Brass Quintet. He invented the Wedge mouthpiece in 2007 and continues to personally design and machine every mouthpiece produced by Harrison Mouthpieces.
Other Activities
Dr Dave's other activities include martial arts, archery, blacksmithing, knifemaking, and teaching and promoting personal safety through Kidpower International.
Kidpower
Kidpower is the global nonprofit leader in personal safety education for all ages, teaching skills for strong relationships and the prevention of harm. Dr Dave has been involved with Kidpower for almost 20 years as a certified Full Force Instructor, Center Director and Senior Program Leader for Kidpower Vancouver, member of the Instructor Training team, and most recently as a member and medical advisor to the Kidpower Board. Harrison mouthpieces supports Kidpower International financially, and by promoting their activities on this website and through social media.
If you would like to learn more about Kidpower International you can visit their website where you will find loads of information and resources related to personal safety, bullying, preventing child abuse, assault prevention, preventing domestic violence, and empowerment for people of all ages.
You can also learn about Kidpower by contacting Dr. Dave. He would be very happy to answer any questions you might have.
Dr. Dave currently lives on Gabriola Island near Vancouver, BC with his Liz, his very understanding wife of 35 years. He has two wonderful adult daughters, Sarah and Rachel.