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About Hybrid Mouthpieces

Overview

The Wedge Hybrid mouthpiece was originally designed for players who could not use a metal mouthpiece, or who preferred plastic despite its limitations.
It quickly became our most popular option, thanks to its exceptional comfort, warmth, and sound quality.

We’ve been so impressed with the Hybrid material that we now offer a limited selection of Hybrid trumpet mouthpieces with conventional (non-Wedge) rims — ideal for players who love the Hybrid material but prefer a traditional rim profile.

What Our Customers Say...
 
"This is an incredible mouthpiece top. After some 50 years of playing the trumpet as a professional musician, I finally realized that much of the swelling to my chops was the result of an allergic reaction from the silver plating on my mouthpiece rim.
 
The older all plastic cup/rim mouthpiece I purchased from Dr. Dave, while solving the allergic reaction issue, created other issues ie. sound, slotting and tonal response.
 
The 63 Lead V Hybrid Top is a total game changer. Much less swelling, shorter warm ups, more accuracy, greater tonal response and an incredibly centered sound. Thank you Dr. Dave. You have added additional 10 to 15 years due to your innovative designs to my playing life!"
 
 

"I recently tried a hybrid version of my brass Wedge RT cup, and a new MDV hybrid one-piece Wedge, the latter intended to provide an option that is slightly shallower than the RT and easier in the high range. Bottom line - the hybrids are more comfortable than brass and stay in place on the chops with less pressure. The hybrids performs so similarly to brass that I can’t see a reason to use brass any longer. The hybrid may be a shade darker, but a sonic meter shows I’m actually producing overtones slightly better with the hybrids. Great development!!"

Why Choose a Hybrid

A Wedge Hybrid is an excellent choice if you want:

  • A warmer, rounder sound with richer overtones than comparable brass models

  • A rim that feels softer and warmer than metal

  • A metal-free option for players with allergies

  • A slightly increased grip for improved endurance

  • A plastic option that eliminates the usual trade-offs of plastic mouthpieces

The Pros and Cons of Plastic Mouthpieces

Advantages:
Plastic mouthpieces can feel softer, warmer, and often provide increased grip for better endurance — especially in colder environments.
Dr. Dave personally played an acrylic top with a brass backbore for several years for these reasons.

Disadvantages:

  • Acrylic is fragile and can crack if dropped.

  • Slotting is less defined than brass.

  • The sound may lack density and clarity.

  • There’s less tactile connection between player and instrument — a feeling of slight separation.

 

The Wedge Hybrid Design

The Hybrid solves these issues by combining the best characteristics of both materials.

  • A resin rim and cup insert are permanently bonded to a brass base.

  • The resin is a medical-grade photopolymer (used in dental crowns) — biocompatible, non-irritating, and non-allergenic.

  • It is 65% nano-ceramic, essentially a synthetic bone/tooth material.

  • Each insert is 3D-printed with high precision, then hand-polished and fitted for a perfect seal.

  • The insert is more impact-resistant than acrylic due to its hardness and solid bonding — Dr. Dave personally drop-tested a Hybrid trumpet top 20 times from 7 feet with no damage.

  • After eight months of production, only two mouthpieces (one trumpet, one trombone) have required repair for breakage.

 

Performance

The Hybrid blends the comfort of plastic with the response of brass:

  • Comfort and warmth similar to acrylic

  • Grip between acrylic and brass

  • Fast, clear note articulation

  • Centered, resonant sound with darker overtones and excellent projection

  • Excellent slotting and feedback, close to that of all-brass designs (slightly lighter feel due to reduced mass)

For players seeking maximum slot stability, try the Hybrid with and without the optional sound booster:

  • Some prefer the added focus with the booster.

  • Others prefer the lighter, more flexible response without it.
    Dr. Dave personally uses the booster for most playing but removes it for repertoire requiring extra agility.