Another @#$% Mouthpiece Thread

chipster55 · Post by **chipster55** » Thu Aug 24, 2006 3:46 pm

Can anyone tell me how the Bach mega-tone mpc's compare to the standard? I use a Bach now & am considering changing. Thanks.

TexTuba · Post by **TexTuba** » Thu Aug 24, 2006 3:48 pm

They're heavier.

Ralph

iiipopes · Post by **iiipopes** » Thu Aug 24, 2006 4:53 pm

According to the Bach mouthpiece manual, which you can download pdf from the Bach website, the Megatones have the same cup and rim as their conventional counterparts, with the heavier body down to the throat, and the throat one size larger than Bach standard.

TubaRay · Post by **TubaRay** » Thu Aug 24, 2006 5:00 pm

iiipopes wrote:According to the Bach mouthpiece manual, which you can download pdf from the Bach website, the Megatones have the same cup and rim as their conventional counterparts, with the heavier body down to the throat, and the throat one size larger than Bach standard.

That pretty much sums it up. Were you asking how their response differs?

Lew · Post by **Lew** » Thu Aug 24, 2006 6:28 pm

Why do you want to change? What are you looking for, a darker sound, more volume, better response? I don't think that buying the same size mouthpiece as you have in the megatone version will provide much value. If you could provide a little more information about what you want you might get more useful advice.

On the other hand, anybody else's advice will be regarding what works well for them, which may have nothing to do with what works for you. The best thing you could do is to take your horn somewhere where you could try out a variety of mouthpieces and find the one that gives you the playing characteristics that you are looking for.

I don't know where you could do this in Texas. TMEA maybe?

pulseczar · Post by **pulseczar** » Thu Aug 24, 2006 7:43 pm

If you're deciding to switch from a regular bach to a megatone, there would be very little difference. The megatone would feel alot heavier than the regular and will sound a bit more focused. "loud" notes will also be easier to play.

IMO play around with other mouthpieces before deciding which one's best for you.

chipster55 · Post by **chipster55** » Thu Aug 24, 2006 7:44 pm

Actually, I'm more curious about the response. If I change, it will probably be to a different brand. I have 3 Bachs - 12, 18 & 24AW. The 12 & 24AW were left over from high school days and I use the 18 on a 3/4 .640 bore Amati.

Chuck(G) · Post by **Chuck(G)** » Thu Aug 24, 2006 8:48 pm

The big difference is that it's easier to crack walnuts with the Megatone.

Out of curiosity, whatever happened to the "skeletonized" mouthpieces that used to be "the thing" years ago?

iiipopes · Post by **iiipopes** » Fri Aug 25, 2006 1:31 pm

The megatones are just that: designed to help you get a "bigger" tone out of your horn with more air and more mass to damp extraneous vibrations. My take on the matter:

1) Bach throats are so small on most of their mouthpieces, especially trumpet mouthpieces, the standard ought to be 26 instead of 27 on the 3C and larger anyway, The tuba 18 excepted, as it already has a large throat, and

2) Increased mass damps vibration and changes characteristic. It may or may not work for you. If you're not sure, start by wrapping a piece of golfer's lead tape around where the bowl meets the shank to see if it solidifies any intonation issues you have. If so, then you can decide if you just want to keep it that way, or go the whole hog for the mouthpiece. On my Wick 1, and my Kelly 18, I just left the tape on, as you can't get a 1XL with the small shank except on special order, and if you play a souzy outside, you might get notes that crack at the loudest dynamic levels on the Kelly, as I did.