Interview with MyPiece Mouthpieces

In the latest blog post from The Brass Musician, we speak to David Lochmatter about his innovative new company ‘MyPiece Mouthpieces’ who are currently using the latest 3D design technology to create custom mouthpieces based upon the individual musicians own facial characteristics. In this interview we chat to David Lochmatter about how he came up with this creative and innovative idea and what the future holds for his company ‘MyPiece Mouthpieces’.

1. Can you tell me a little about how your originally came up with the concept for MyPiece Mouthpieces?

While studying euphonium at the Music Academy in Lucerne, I had to realize that ordinary mouthpieces don’t fit the form of my mouth that this limits my musical possibilities. In 2009 I first experimented with rudimentary tools such as pocketknives and hand grinders on my mouthpieces. Gradually, the desire for a mouthpiece that was perfectly adapted to the shape of the mouth grew.

A 3D scan was needed to measure the shape of the mouth. My brother Thomas Lochmatter (engineer/PhD in robotics) took over the processing of the scan data. He develops software and hardware for the industry and has experience in processing 3D data. Thomas wrote software that allows mouthpieces to be drawn and an adapted mouthpiece rim shape to be calculated using the scan data. After purchasing a simple FDM 3D printer and months of tinkering, I found my ideal mouthpiece rim shape, which opened new musical possibilities that previously seemed unattainable.

2. The MyPiece Mouthpiece is fully adjusted to the individual musician. How did you discover and develop the right 3D technology to enable you to capture an individuals lip shape?

I had to have the first scans made in a 3d studio with expensive equipment. However, it is now possible to do this with a mobile phone with Face ID and a simple app. With this scan data, we can calculate an optimal rim shape and produce our MyPiece professional mouthpieces.

In a second product line, MyPiece basic, we will offer mouthpieces with different standard rim shapes. In this case, the scan is omitted.

3. I was wondering if you could tell me a little about the process that a musician or potential customer will go through when purchasing a MyPiece Mouthpiece?

Using a 3D face scan, we capture prominences and depressions of the area around the mouth and individually adjust the rim of the customers mouthpiece. We then manufacture a couple of resin prototypes for the customer, and if he/her is satisfied, we will produce its/her personal mouthpiece in brass.

The current mouthpiece can be used as a basis for the individual one. Due to the individual production method, we can adopt the mouthpiece’s shape, bore and edge width, and transfer it to our MyPiece mouthpiece. Of course, the costumers name will be engraved on her/his unique MyPiece mouthpiece.

4. What are the benefits of creating a personalised mouthpiece as opposed to buying a standard mouthpiece from a well known store or musician?

Instead of adjusting to your mouthpiece, your MyPiece professional mouthpiece is adjusted to you. This allows you to unleash your full musical potential: The control of the sound, the high register and the endurance can be significantly improved

5. What are your plans for the future of MyPiece Mouthpiece?

At the moment we are still in the development process. A scan and test campaign with over 130 Swiss musicians should help us to find the best parameters for our mouthpieces. We want to enter the market at the end of 2023. Our vision is to help as many other brass players as possible! 

6. I was wonder if you had any plans to explore other mouthpiece concepts such as creating mouthpieces in different materials or adding rifling to a mouthpiece?

We want to focus on our core business first. Our production partner works with large turn-mill centers. Different materials shouldn't be a problem for him.

7. As a potential customer in the near future can you tell me what to expect when placing an order with you?

In a first step you will receive some synthetic resin prototypes with different parameters for testing. As soon as you have found your perfectly fitted mouthpiece, we will have it manufactured by our production partner.

With the fully customized MyPiece professional mouthpiece, we first need two scans, which you can do yourself with a cell phone with depth sensors (Face ID), a simple app and our instructions.

8. How does the shape of the MyPiece Mouthpiece support a musician with their stamina, high range and sound?

With our mouthpieces, the mouthpiece pressure is evenly distributed over the mouth area, allowing the lips to vibrate more freely.

9. MyPiece Mouthpieces is currently a finalist for the 2023 BCVS Creator Prize. I was wondering if you could provide details on how individuals can vote for MyPiece Mouthpieces?

The BCVS Creators Prize is a competition for particularly innovative projects. We are very happy to have made it to the final as the only music project. The winner will be determined by voting. As a small family business, we need the support of the entire music community. Voting is open until Thursday 25th May 5pm BST via our website: www.mypiece.me.

Thank you so much David for taking the time to talk to me. If you want to find out more about ‘MyPiece Mouthpiece’ please visit their website at the following link - www.mypiece.me.