Start with the player's current mouthpiece and map from there.
Scope: Bb trumpet only. French horn, trombone, and tuba are covered in the low brass companion guide.
10-Second Answer
If a player gives you their playing style, start here:
| Player type | Start here |
|---|---|
| 3C player | B6 |
| 1½C player | B3 / B4 |
| 1¼C player | B2 |
| Lead / commercial player | BL / MF |
| Orchestral / big sound | B1 / B2 |
| Not sure — safe starting point | B6-7 (Unity) |
Recommended Starting Models
If a player doesn't know what they want yet, these are the safest first recommendations:
| Situation | Model | Why |
|---|---|---|
| On a mass-produced trumpet (Yamaha, Bach, Conn) | B6-7 (Unity) | Designed specifically for non-Monette horns. Often the easiest transition. |
| Orchestral / jazz soloist, medium-large rim | B2-7 (Unity) | The professional standard. Wynton Marsalis range. |
| Lead or commercial player | MF VI (Unity) | Updated Maynard Ferguson design. Bigger, more stable than old MF series. |
| Coming from a 1½C, wants all-around feel | B4S | The "Goldilocks" size — most popular in the B4 family. |
| Wants to try Monette with least adjustment | B6 S1 (Classic) | More forgiving than Prana. Still feels closer to conventional gear. |
Unity = best starting point for most players. It was specifically engineered for players on non-Monette instruments.
Bach Size → Monette Family
If a player gives you their Bach size, start here:
| Bach size | Monette family | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bach 1, 1X, 1¼B | B1 | Large diameter, orchestral/classical |
| Bach 1¼C | B2 | Most popular Monette family. Wynton Marsalis range. |
| Bach 1½C, 2C | B3 / B4 | B4S is the most popular in this group. |
| Bach 3C | B6 | Very common. Works across most styles. |
| Bach 5C, 7C | B6 (or B5) | B6 covers the 3C–7C range approximately. |
| Bach 10½C | B8 | Small diameter |
| Lead: Bach 13A4a, 14A4a | BL / MF series | High-compression, small, brilliant |
These are starting points, not exact matches. Always recommend a trial before buying.
How to Read a Monette Model Name
Take B2 S3 as an example:
│ └────── Rim size (lower = larger diameter)
└────────── Key prefix (B = Bb trumpet)
The key number rule: In Monette, lower number = larger rim. This is the opposite of Bach (where a Bach 1 is larger than a Bach 7). Don't let the number fool you.
Cup Depth Codes
The letter after the rim number tells you how deep the cup is:
| Code | Depth | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| D | Deep | Dark, symphonic, classical sound |
| (none) | Standard / medium-deep | All-around orchestral and jazz |
| M | Medium | Jazz solo, small group, flexible use |
| LD | Lead-Deeper | Semi-shallow — commercial but with more body |
| L | Lead / Shallow | Commercial, high register, clarity |
| LS | Lead Shallower | Slightly shallower than L |
| LV | Lead Very Shallow | Maximum compression, high-note specialist |
Spectrum deepest to shallowest: D → standard → M → LD → L → LS → LV
What Do S-Numbers Mean?
S1, S3, S5 = cup contour iterations — not size steps. This is one of the most common sources of mix-up. S-numbers are different cup contour designs, each optimised for a specific feel and response. They are not a linear scale where S5 is “more” of something than S1.
- The “S” stands for “Slap” cup — a design that allows the player to immediately centre the note.
- Each S-number is unique to its rim family — a B2 S3 and a B1 S3 do not share the same cup shape.
- S3 is historically the most popular and widely referenced iteration.
Classic vs Prana vs Unity
The most important choice after rim and cup:
| Classic | Prana | Unity | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Era | 1980s–1990s | 2002+ | 2021+ |
| Internal resistance | Higher | Lower / more open | Balanced |
| Feel | More like conventional mouthpiece | Open, requires neutral technique | Easiest transition |
| If player is tense | Will still function | May feel unstable or flat | Most flexible — best for tense players |
| Best for | Players new to Monette | Experienced Monette players | Players on mass-produced trumpets |
Unity is the right starting point for most players — especially on Yamaha, Bach, or Conn-Selmer instruments.
Common Questions — Quick Answers
What does “B2 S3” mean?
Bb trumpet · size 2 rim (medium-large, ≈ Bach 1¼C) · S3 cup contour iteration. No cup depth letter = standard depth.
How does Monette differ from Bach?
Three reasons: (1) the numbers go the opposite direction — smaller number = bigger rim; (2) the prefixes (B, C, D) mean the instrument key, not a cup shape; (3) the S-numbers are cup iteration codes, not a size scale.
What's Unity?
The latest generation (2021), designed specifically for players on regular (non-Monette) trumpets. Often the most approachable starting point for players entering the Monette system.
Why do Monette mouthpieces cost so much?
Made by hand in Portland, Oregon to tolerances within .001 inch. Weight, length, and contour are individually tuned. The price reflects custom manufacturing, not branding.
Can I use a B2 on my C trumpet?
You can physically do it, though Monette mouthpieces are designed around instrument key for the most natural intonation fit. A C2 will usually align more naturally on a C trumpet than a B2. For regular use, the matching prefix is the better starting point.
All Bach/Schilke comparisons are approximate starting points. Rim diameter alone does not determine feel. Official comparison charts at monette.net/mouthpiece-size-charts. This is an independent reference — BrassFitMouthpieces.com has no commercial relationship with David G. Monette Corporation.