Question
How do I go about measuring my fixed cheek mouthpiece length and thickness?
Information
There are various measurements to consider when sourcing and assessing the correct size of bit including length, thickness, ring size and design.
We Say
1) Mouthpiece Length: The measurement is taken by placing the bit on a flat surface and pulling the rings apart so the bit is at its maximum length. The measurement is taken along the full length of the mouthpiece from the inside edge of the cheek to the inside edge of the opposite cheek and can be measured in inches or centimetres.
2) Mouthpiece thickness: This measurement is taken at the widest part near to the cheek just before the hole that the ring slides through. Again, if you put the bit on a flat surface, you can slide a tape measure below this point and, if you look from above, you can see the thickness. The most accurate way to measure the thickness is using a set of calipers, which are widely available.
Fixed cheeks include the Baucher, Full Cheek, Eggbutt, Pelham, NS Jumper, Cheltenham Gag and Nelson Gag. The picture, showing the NS Tranz Full Cheek is a good example of the points to measure at for this type of bit. As you can see, the only difference is that the mouthpiece thickness is measured directly adjacent to the cheek.
