Which one?

[tubaguy]

Ok everyone. I some advice. I don't know what mouthpiece to use. I've been struggling with this for some time. For starters I play a kalison Pro 2000 and I have been using either a PT49 or a Dillion M1C. I've been told that those don't work well with my horn to those do work. I don't know what to do. Like I said. I'm just looking for some advice. I have already spoken to my instructor before anyone asks.

Thanks

[Captain Sousie]

What is it that you don't like and what do you want instead? With the answers to these, I might be able to help you as I have played that model of instrument before.

Sousie

[tubaguy]

I guess I'm just looking for a good match on my horn. Everyone says that, well since you play a big horn you need a smaller mp and since it's a piston you need this mp. I know that with the PT49 my upper range suffers a little, but everything else is fine. I thought about trying out a Laskey 30H, but I don't have the money for one now. Any advice will help.
Thanks

[MartyNeilan]

I've been told that those don't work well with my horn to those do work. Thanks

How many people told you that? If you are happy with the sound and response, keep 'em. Everyone makes fun of my mouthpiece, but for many applications it works best for me. Last time I was at Lee Stofer's I A/B'd it against the famous M1C and mine came out on top - play what works for YOU.

[Rick Denney]

I guess I'm just looking for a good match on my horn. Everyone says that, well since you play a big horn you need a smaller mp and since it's a piston you need this mp. I know that with the PT49 my upper range suffers a little, but everything else is fine. I thought about trying out a Laskey 30H, but I don't have the money for one now. Any advice will help.
Thanks

I'm a big fan of the 30H myself, and I think it's similar to a Conn Helleberg with a more comfortable rim and a little more effective shape through the throat. I find that it works quite well on big tubas in particular, but it's a good general-purpose mouthpiece.

The only reason I tried it is because someone I respect sent me a message suggesting that I should try it with my Holton. I didn't want to spend full price when I was already happy with my old mouthpiece, so I waited until a used one came up. I didn't have to wait too long. And I knew that if it didn't work I'd be able to sell it for what I spent (except that I never seem to be able to sell mouthpieces--though that is a different problem).

Of course, that doesn't mean a Laskey is the right mouthpiece for you.

Again, though, you have to describe what you don't like about your current mouthpieces. A mouthpiece that makes it hard to play in the upper register suggests to me that you've gone for size and volume to make a bigger low sound, and paid the price in terms of upper-range flexibility. Were I you, I'd wonder if I was trying to learn how to muscle the upper register on too large a mouthpiece, when I might be better served learning how to make a bigger, more efficient sound in the low register with a slightly smaller mouthpiece. That approach also helps avoid the woofiness in the lower register that is the death of clarity.

When I want a stronger, edgier sound than the Laskey provides, I use a PT-48 on the Holton. It's not smaller, but it is shallower and a bit more cup-shaped. I suspect the 49 and 50 are deeper and have a bigger volume, but that's just a guess.

Rick "who has given up too much in the past worshipping at the altar of loud" Denney