Description
The Legendary Heim 2. The history of this piece is convoluted and sometimes vague. There was once a trumpet mouthpiece used by the legendary Gustav Heim (Principal Trumpet for The New York Philharmonic, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Boston Symphony Orchestra, and many others in the early 1900’s). Later, this mouthpiece was used by, and also recommended to students by, the legendary Joseph Gustat (Principal Trumpet with the Saint Louis Philharmonic Orchestra 1920-1936). Among Gustat’s students was the legendary Miles Davis, who used this piece, or something similar, for most of his career. Heim mouthpieces have been sold, copied, and re-sold over the years by several companies. All of the legends and vague references converge on some points, though. These mouthpieces were designed for the consummate jazz player, with even and smooth response in any register. The sound produced has a very lyrical quality. The rim shape is flat and very thin, but comfortable. The cup is V shaped, sometimes described as similar to a flugel cup.
The Legends Heim 2 is a modern creation that preserves the original qualities of the Heim 2 rim and cup. An open throat (#25) and open backbore (Legends Chicago) have been added to really make this piece work for a versatile, improv jazz sound. In addition, the Legends Big Daddy blank adds mass to further darken the sound and broaden the core. This is a mouthpiece which preserves the sought-after vintage elements of rim and cup, but adds modern throat, backbore, and blank to maximize playability and sound for the modern jazz trumpeter.
Legends Brass is in no way affiliated with Miles Davis or the estate of Miles Davis. All web links and videos found on this site are for educational and entertainment purposes only. No relationship between the two parties is implied. Legends Brass uses this information solely to honor the accomplishments and legacy of this great performing artist.