Monette Low Brass Quick Reference

Start with the player's current mouthpiece and map from there.

Scope: trombone, tuba, and French horn. For Bb trumpet, see the trumpet quick reference guide →

10-Second Answer

Trombone

Tuba

French Horn — check the shank first

How to Read a Monette Low Brass Name

Take TT5 S1 as an example:

Trombone Rim Families

Tuba Cup Styles

Two fundamental cup shapes — different sounds, different uses:

Orchestral piston tuba + darkest sound → Model 94 (Helleberg). Rotary tuba in brass quintet → Model 95 or 97 (Geib).

What V-Numbers Mean (Trombone)

Low brass uses V-numbers (V4, V12, V21) where trumpet uses S-numbers. Same concept, different letter. V-numbers indicate specific cup contour iterations within a rim family — they are not a simple bigger/smaller scale. Each V-number is a different cup geometry optimised for a specific register or style.

• V21 — typically symphonic depth, optimised for a 4G-equivalent dark cup
• V4 — typically shallower for improved upper-register slotting without losing core sound
• S1 on trombone — the Slap cup design, currently the high-performance standard on many 2026 trombone models

French Horn — The Shank Issue

This is the most important practical question for French horn players. The two shanks taper at different rates. If a player puts an American shank into a European receiver, it sits too deep and creates a disruptive step in the air column. European shank in an American receiver = doesn't seat deep enough, leaves a gap = unstable intonation and fuzzy articulation.

A wrong-shank mouthpiece can make a great player sound like they're fighting the instrument — when really it's just a mechanical mismatch. Always confirm shank type before recommending a mouthpiece to a French horn player.

Why Monette Low Brass Is Gold-Plated

All Monette low brass and tuba mouthpieces are finished in brushed 24k gold, not silver. Two commonly cited functional reasons are: (1) Reduced surface friction, which many players describe as helping freedom of movement during flexibility work; and (2) Thermal response, which the brand presents as part of long-session comfort. In Monette's design language, the gold finish is presented as a performance feature, not merely a visual one.

Classic vs Prana vs Unity — Low Brass

Same philosophy as trumpet, with one key difference: most Monette low brass is made in Prana configuration by default. Unity is often the most approachable starting point for players on non-Monette production instruments. Classic is less common in the trombone/tuba catalog. For players adjusting from standard production equipment, Unity can feel easier to settle into than Prana.

Body Weight Options

Common Questions

I play a Bach 6½AL. What Monette is closest?
Start with the TS6 (small-bore tenor) or TT6 (large-bore tenor). The TS6 S1 is the most popular all-around size in the Monette trombone catalog, developed with Wycliffe Gordon.

What's the difference between TS and TT?
Shank size. TS = small shank, for small-bore trombones and most euphoniums/baritones. TT = large shank, for large-bore symphonic tenors. Same rim diameter — different shank.

Why does a player often need to push their tuning slide in after switching to Monette?
Monette mouthpieces have a lower natural pitch centre than conventional equipment. Because the player is no longer compensating with muscle tension, their natural pitch centre drops. Pushing the slide in often brings the setup back into alignment — that adjustment is commonly expected.

Does the trombone use S-numbers or V-numbers?
Both exist. V-numbers (V4, V21) indicate cup contour iterations. S-numbers (S1) indicate Slap cup designs. They are not interchangeable — a V21 and an S1 are different cup geometries.

All conventional equivalents are approximate starting points. Rim diameter, cup contour, throat, backbore, and shank taper all affect how a mouthpiece plays. Official specs at monette.net. This is an independent reference — BrassFitMouthpieces.com has no commercial relationship with David G. Monette Corporation.