GR-CS Signature Mouthpieces / Gold Plated

Who is GR?

GR is Gary Radtke, who revolutionized the design and manufacture process to become one of the world’s leading trumpet mouthpiece makers. While the science behind the art is beyond most people's comprehension, when you play a GR mouthpiece and discover how well it responds, it's reassuring to appreciate the high degree of precision engineering that produced it.

 

What was the design goal for CS mouthpieces?

The partnership between GR and Chase Sanborn dates to the inception of the company more than twenty years ago--CS models were among the very first GR mouthpieces on the market. The goal was to create a matched set of mouthpieces designed to accommodate daily playing requirements ranging from lead trumpet to small combo jazz to the myriad challenges of studio work. Months of prototype testing produced a matched set of three trumpet cups, plus models for flugelhorn, cornet, piccolo trumpet and the unique hybrid FD model.

 

What's the difference between the models?

RIMS

CS mouthpieces are generally stocked in two rim diameters: 66 and 65, which are roughly equivalent to Bach 3 and 7, and plated in gold or silver. Some models are also available in a 67 diameter, similar to a Bach 1.5.

 

The rim diameter of the CS66 is .662" (16.76 mm, 42/64). 

 

The rim diameter of the CS65 is .652: (16.5 mm, 41.5/64)

 

The rim has a medium rounded contour, with a fairly pronounced inner radius (bite) and a softer outer radius. It is a comfortable rim that offers an excellent combination of flexibility, articulation, range and endurance.

 

THROAT & BACKBORE

The throat is a #27. Both throat length and diameter have been designed for optimal slotting and intonation, while providing a comfortable degree of blow resistance. The entrance and exit transitions to the throat are carefully calculated, as are the juncture of all radii throughout the mouthpiece to assure no disturbance of the air (discontinuities).

 

The GR #2 backbore is used on the CS66M and CS65M, while the MS and S models utilize a GG backbore. 

 

CUPS

CS66MS or CS65MS (medium-shallow cup)

The CS66MS is the most popular CS model, and is one of the best-selling GR mouthpieces. The medium-shallow cup facilitates the high register, yet provides plenty of room for most players and produces a big, full sound. Most players who are used to a Bach 3C or 7C feel comfortable right away on the MS cup, but discover that the sound has increased intensity and the high register feels more centered and solid.  The CS66MS / CS65MS has a wide range of tonal possibilities: bear down and it responds with a bark; back off a little and the sound becomes soft and gentle. This is a truly versatile mouthpiece, as hundreds of players will attest.

 

CS66M or CS65M (medium cup)

The medium cup has a greater volume and softer inner rim angle (bite) to provide a darker, warmer sound. The high register is still responsive, but has less burn and sizzle than the MS cup. The cup volume and tonal balance are comparable to a Bach C cup, but the sound is more focused and responsive. This mouthpiece will appeal to a wide cross-section of players, and can truly be considered an improvement on the venerable 3C / 7C designs.

 

CS66S or CS65S (shallow cup)

The S cup has a small volume, and produces an intense sound with lots of burn and a sizzling high register yet maintains a robust, full-bodied sound throughout the entire range of the horn, even in the low register.

 

Not everyone can play a cup this shallow-some people 'bottom out' depending on the degree of lip protrusion. If you have had success with something like a Schilke or Yamaha 14a4A or 13a4A, you may find that the CS66S or CS65S is an invaluable asset. 

 

CS66FL or CS65FL (flugelhorn)

The CS flugelhorn mouthpieces utilize the same rim as the CS trumpet mouthpieces, making it easy to switch back and forth between horns. They produce a deep, rich flugelhorn sound with the accurate pitch and slotting that are hallmarks of GR designs.

 

CS66FD or CS65FD (trumpet/flugel hybrid)

The CSFD mouthpiece produces a soft, gentle sound that I would describe as somewhere between a flugelhorn and a cornet.  The transformation in sound is almost miraculous, dramatically expanding the tonal possibilities of your trumpet.

 

CS66C or CS65C (cornet)

The CS cornet mouthpieces utilize the CS rim matched to a medium-deep cornet cup, and GR's medium cornet backbore. It produces a classic cornet tone with flexibility and easy response in all registers. 

 

CS66P or CS65P (piccolo trumpet)

This model, specifically designed for piccolo trumpet, incorporates the CS rim, a shallow cup volume and GR's custom piccolo trumpet backbore. The CS piccolo mouthpieces are fitted with a cornet shank. For standard trumpet receivers (e.g, Yamaha), adaptors are necessary and available.

 

What is the difference between gold and silver plating?

Gold feels smoother and softer on the lips. It is also a more hypo-allergenic material and a better choice for anyone who is sensitive to silver. A small minority of people find that gold feels too slippery, but for most players, from an aesthetic and tactile perspective, gold is the preferred finish despite higher cost. 

 

How long will it take for delivery?

In-stock mouthpieces are shipped from Toronto, usually within 2-3 days. You will receive a confirmation email when the order is processed. 

 

What is your trial or return policy?

Once you receive your mouthpiece, you have a one-week trial period. At the end of the one-week trial, if you do not wish to keep the mouthpiece, contact chasesanborn.com for return authorization. The cost of return shipping is the responsibility of the customer.

 

Because a mouthpiece that has been played cannot be resold as new, the maximum refund amount is 80% less the cost of shipping. Mouthpieces that are marked or damaged in any way except for minor shank scratches will not be accepted for refund, or the refund will be reduced, at our discretion. Please be extra careful with the mouthpiece during the trial period! 

 

Returns are uncommon, but when we get one we offer the mouthpiece at a commensurate discount. Feel free to inquire. 

 

I’ve heard that GR is selling the company. Is this accurate?

Gary Radtke is currently searching for someone to take over production of GR mouthpieces so that he can retire. How long this process will take and whether changes will result is anyone’s guess. For now, rest assured that every CS mouthpiece has been hand-made by GR himself. We have most models in stock for immediate shipping, and with the future unknown, ordering sooner rather than later is a prudent option

Sixteen years ago I switched from a Stork 3C to a Monette B4S. I remained happy with the sound and feel of the Monette, but I wanted better projection and more zip while not sacrificing a dark sound. The answer for me turned out to be the CS66M. The rim is comfortable and the sound is as dark as the Monette, but when pushed hard it brightens up, with easy flexibility in the high register. At a recent pop recording session, I was blown away with how consistent and clean the articulation was. The pitch was great too. While the CS66M is in my horn most of the time, I ordered a CS66MS for use in a big band or whenever I need extra punch. The CS models are perfectly matched, which allows a player to switch according to the playing situation. My mouthpiece safari is over!
BY (Belleville, ON)

 

The CS mouthpieces are so balanced--it's amazing! The CS66M works very well with a B & S 3137s. The Olds Mendez with the CS66MS can't be beat. With the addition of the CS66FD, I can do everything I want. These mouthpieces (and Chase Sanborn's books) have made my playing much better.
DC (Westpoint, TN)

 

The CS66MS has allowed me to expand my range and endurance. (I am sure that regular practice has been a big part of that, but having the right equipment has made it a lot more fun.) The mouthpiece is well matched to my Stomvi Mambo and has brought my playing up a few levels.
KM (North Vancover, BC)

 

The CS66MS requires less effort than my Bach and has really opened my sound. It slots great and sizzles in the upper register and. I would never have guessed that a mouthpiece could make such a difference.
FH (Bellevue, WA)

 

The CS65FL has improved my range, intonation, agility and sound. It is a great mouthpiece!!
FP (Dundas, ON)

 

The CS66MS responds down low as well as it does up high, and slots easily. I'm beginning to remember why I took up the trumpet!
DA (Fordingbridge, Hants, England)

I can’t believe the difference between the CS65MS and my Bach 7C. The attack is much cleaner and the sound is alive and full. I’m very impressed!
DC (Toronto, Canada)

 

I’ve tried the CS66MS on my Bach Strad, my LA Benge and my Schilke and they all respond similarly. The tone is bright when played loud but smooth at lower volume levels. This is a 3C with an easier upper register! I’ve used the 66FL flugel mouthpiece on a Yamaha 635, Callet Jazz and a Benge. It has mellowed out and deepened the tone, improved the slotting in the high range and improved the intonation.
DO (Newport Beach, CA)

 

The CS67MS brings my Z horn to life!
JJ (Miami, FL)

 

I have finally found a perfect marriage between horn and mouthpiece: the CS65S and a Yamaha 6310Z. This combination is easy to play and produces a great sound.
JH (Eastham, MA)

 

The CS66 is superior to any mouthpiece I have ever used before. I immediately noticed improvements in sound quality, flexibility and dynamics, and my attacks have a lot more clarity.
OR (Victoria, TX)

 

The CS66MS is superb! I just love it! From the first note it felt much better than my Bach 3C with a more brilliant sound, an easier high register, a full low register and more volume with better projection. WOW!
OU (Tonsberg, Norway)

 

When I play the CS66MS mouthpiece I can relax and concentrate on the music.
KS (Woodstock, IL)

 

The CS66FL flugelhorn mouthpiece responds well, the tuning is excellent, and I like the sound very much.
LV (Maarssen, Nederland)

 

I have been playing on a Warburton 4M and Curry 1 1/2 C for the past several years. Those pieces have served me well, but the CS66MS has great slotting and sound, plus it is really comfortable. The more I play it, the more I like it!
ML (Hoopeston, IL)

 

The CS66MS produces a full dark sound in the lower register, yet responds with ease and precision in the high register.
BH (Berlin, Germany)

 

The CS66MS works very well with my Caliccio 1S/2. The sound is clear, defined, and rich.
JT (San Diego, CA)

The CS66MS/66M combination is unbeatable!
KR (Albany, NY)

The CS66MS is the best overall piece that I have ever used, & I have tried almost everything out there. (I was playing on a Stork 3D for legit, and a Stork XM6 for big band work.) Great sound, slotting, power and control, with a very even feel from low to high.
JM (Danville, VT)

 

The sound of the CS66MS is similar to my Schilke 14B, but it plays easier. I play three different Bb trumpets: Schilke B6, Yamaha heavy wall, and a 1970 Burbank Benge. The CS66 works well with all of them!
BM (Bedford, MA)

 

I LOVE both mouthpieces (66MS/66FL)! Everyone that’s heard me has commented positively on the change in sound and power in the upper register. The flugelhorn mouthpiece makes my horn respond better than I ever imagined it would.
MM (Waidua, HI)

 

I previously played a Bach 3C and more recently a Schilke 14a4A. On the CS66MS, I particularly appreciate the smooth response while slurring, the even tone in all registers and the comfortable and secure feeling of the rim.
DW (Connellsville, PA)

 

I’d only been playing my new CS mouthpiece for a couple of minutes when the phone rang. I played the opening licks from an Earth, Wind and Fire medley and was offered triple the bread I was getting before! Seriously, though, I’m enjoying the mouthpieces very much. They are more lively and consistent in response throughout my range.
TA (San Francisco, CA)

 

The CS65MS/65FL have really made a big difference in my range, intonation and response. They help me to focus more on the music than on the physical aspects of playing.
HM (Antibes, France)

 

The CS66MS mouthpiece has improved my tone and my high register is easier and more powerful than with my Bach 3C.
PC (Hoover, AL)

 

The CS66MS is the best mouthpiece that I have ever played. My mouthpiece safari is over, thank you!
ME (Croatia)

 

With the CS66MS everything comes out clearer and I don’t have to work as hard to be heard in loud passages.
RU (Portland, OR)

 

The instant I played my new CS65MS mouthpiece I could hear a HUGE difference. The sound is much fuller and clearer.
CL (Hong Kong)

 

I have never played anything like the CS66MS!
LG (Bedford, TX)

 

The CS66MS mouthpiece is fantastic!
RW (Moncton, NB)

 

I love the CS66MS! It has taken almost no time at all to get back to my usual mediocre level of playing!
RC (Kingston, ON)

 

The CS66MS is very versatile; it produces an extremely wide range of sounds, from lead to jazz to classical.
LS (Fresh Meadows, NY}

 

When I first tried the CS66MS, I played a full, clear high F! I’ve almost NEVER been able to hit that note clearly before!
GD (Toronto, ON)

 

With the CS matched set of mouthpieces for my trumpet, flugel and cornet, I am experiencing for the first time a very comfortable transition from one horn to the next. I am very pleased!
CH (Lake Forest, CA

The CS66MS is capable of everything from a warm whisper to a sizzling scream. I have greater control over timbre, dynamics, range, in short, everything!
WH (Staten Island, NY)

The CS66MS truly is a thing of beauty. Even my wife noticed I was sounding better. You have a real winner here!
LS (Crofton, MD)

I’ve played for 37 years and I’ve tried a lot of mouthpieces trying to find one that has it all. I’ve finally found it with my CS65S. Solid core to the sound and a great response.
JV (Bartlett, TN)

I just bought my fourth CS mouthpiece! That’s as much as I spent on my first horn, but they are worth every penny! I use the CS66MS in my two trumpets, and the CS66FL in my flugelhorn. My newest purchase is the CS66FD ‘flumpet’ mouthpiece, which adds a nice tone to my horn. All my other mouthpieces now sit gathering dust.
RH (Blind River, ON)