David Marlatt

Eighth Note Publications

As a trumpet player playing cornet, I found the switch from a Stork 3C (trumpet mouthpiece) to a Denis Wick an uncomfortable one at best. Although the Denis Wick gave me a true cornet sound, it felt so foreign that endurance, consistency and range all suffered at the expense of achieving a good cornet sound. Ted Sparks introduced me to his then new line of cornet mouthpieces and I was truly excited. The Sparx 3 felt so much better and maintained the sound and even playing through all registers I was after but endurance for me was still an issue. Also, as Principal Cornet of the Whitby Brass Band, I am called upon to play some jazz solos and even play some “lead” playing in the section. I found that difficult on the Sparx 3. When Ted told me about the “soloist” line, I knew it was the balance I needed. It produces a great “leathery” cornet sound but I can also step it up a notch and get some of that brilliance that is often required of modern brass band works. Its sound is smooth and even enough to play Hailstorm but bright enough to play high D’s and Eb’s in jazz numbers. Thanks Ted, you make all trumpeters playing cornet sound as they should! 4 of the 6 front row Cornets in the WBB all play your mouthpieces.

David Marlatt

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