Mouthpieces and Modifying a 188

[jon112780]

I would try something more funnel shaped, like a Conn Helleburg. Since I live in Michigan, I would scoot down to CMC a couple times a year. Whenever I played on their 4/4 Hirsbrunner CC's (2, 2P, 20 and 21), the low BBb, AA, and/or AAb were quite difficult to center the note, somewhat like the problem your describing. I finnaly came to the conclusion that I needed to change mouthpieces. I grabbed a Wick 2, and those problem notes slotted almost perfectly. Unfortunately, I don't like how the Wick felt on my face, and am still searching for something with a rim more like of a Conn Helleburg.

Hope this helps.

[iiipopes]

jon112780 - Have you tried a Mike Finn 3H?

[Chuck(G)]

Since you seem to like the M1, you might want to see if a Tilz M0 might do the trick for you.

[iiipopes]

Is there a resource anywhere that compares the different makes and sizes of mouthpieces? It would be quite handy to have some sort of reference to go by.

http://www.ibowtie.com/xcart/pages.php?pageid=12
http://www.dougelliottmouthpieces.com/s ... chart.html
http://www.brass-forum.co.uk/Resources/ ... s/Tuba.htm
acattanach.users.btopenworld.com/ ac/TubaMouthpieceComparisons2.xls

[Tubaryan12]

Is there a resource anywhere that compares the different makes and sizes of mouthpieces? It would be quite handy to have some sort of reference to go by.

Dont forget this one:

http://www.andycattanach.co.uk/

[Tubadork]

Hi,
Mike finns help out miraphone, they make them sound more like an alex. The 3H is a safe bet and Mike is an awesome guy who wants people to be happy with his products. Send him an email.
Bill
DISCLAIMER:
I have never like the sound or feel of almost any miraphone tuba, with the exception of the firebird 6 valve and I played a 184 at Dillon once that was lots of fun and the 191 (?) BBb tuba was cool. Other than that I have not been impressed. (Sorry)

[Tigertuba]

I've had my 188 for two years and have gone from a Helleberg, to a PT-64, to a GW Bora. I know you stated you liked the funnel mp, but I really liked the sound and control that the bowl-shaped mp gave me. And the bora, wow! If you haven't given these mp's a look you should check them out.

About your low notes, I've found that you really have to relax while playing in the lower register, especially in loud dynamics. Just really try letting the sound happen and not forcing it.
Good luck with mp hunting

188 5-U
GW Bora

[MaryAnn]

I've had my 188 for two years and have gone from a Helleberg, to a PT-64, to a GW Bora.

When I play tested a 188 at WWBW I used my PT 64 and the low register on that tuba was fine. I couldn't tell any substantial difference on my F tuba between the PT 64 and the Bora, so I didn't buy the Bora, but I didn't try it on a 188. Neither of these is a low range mouthpiece, so I wonder maybe if you just need to relax some in the low register. Can other people play these notes on *your* tuba without problem? That is the comparison I'd go for, to see if it's you, your mouthpiece, or your tuba.

MA, who got her eyes opened a few years ago when an F tuba that simply refused to make mroe than pffing noises on low C didn't seem to have a problem when someone else played it.

[Matt G]

Try a Bach 7.

Worked great for mine.

Other suggestion is a Geib 3 from Dillon's.