Just checking if there is a "standard" mouthpiece that works well with a 642. I am a tuba player, who is expecting a 642 in the mail, any moment now (I hope it fits through the mail slot ).
Anyway, if there is no standard, can you give me an idea of what mouthpieces to look at? What works well for you? (Anybody have experience with the 642 & a Dennis Wick 4AY?)
BTW - I am not interested in a "tuba player's euphonium mouthpiece". I figure, if I am playing a euphonium, I want it to sound as much as possible, like a euphonium.
I play a SM3.5 on my Weril (similar to a YEP 321) and love it. I played the ol' euph standby, the Schilke 51D, on a 642 in college but wouldn't consider it better than the SMs. The SM3 is a big enough mpc that it might feel more comfortable for a tuba player. The 3.5 is a little smaller than the SM3, which I think makes the upper register a little easier w/out sacrificing the lower octaves as well. But a tuba player may find the SM3 pretty comfortable.
You should try Doug Elliot Mouthpieces, If you are a big air mover go for J-K cups, 103-105 rim, narrow rim is good, with tuba face you'd probably like wide rimmed. Something sharper on the rim and similiar in shape are the Bach 2Gs. If you aren't a big air mover the BB1 or the Shilcke 51D are good choices, pretty standard. Tons of people use the Steven Mead mouthpieces, go with the SM3 if you plan on using one. The sizes vary quite radically in that line.
SLOW production... I had an order in for almost a year (around summer 02-March 03), and gave up on it and went with a Greg Black.
Maybe you'll get lucky and he will have what you need in stock. If not, expect a long waiting time. Note that I have not attempted business with him lately--perhaps it improved in speed!
On my 642, I've used a Denis Wick 4, a Steven Mead 4, and a Brian Bowman 1. When I switched to the BB1, I heard a huge improvement in my sound, and I've heard the same from other BB1/642 players. The Wick and the SM4 are more appropriate for British-style euphonium playing, but lots of Americans use them and get good results.
Yes it's so sad about the Doug Elliott mouthpieces. I have been waiting nearly a year for a Lexan screw rim, and one of my students is still waiting on a shallower cup that I know will improve her playing, but we need the screw rim & shanks for various models. The trouble is, it's such a good mouthpiece with a fantastic sound. It does what I want, so I have litle choice but to wait.
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