Mouthpiece size

[hup_d_dup]

Hello TubeNetters,

I am a new tuba player (about 8 weeks experience) having switched, at least for the time being, from trumpet, due to some dental issues.

I have a very basic question regarding mouthpieces: Is the size of the mouthpiece more closely related to the key of the tuba, or the size of the tuba? Obviously, in general a Bb tuba will use a larger mouthpiece than an Eb. But how about a monster Eb compared to a 3/4 Bb?

Thanks in advance for your responses.

Hup.

[peter birch]

Hello TubeNetters,

I am a new tuba player (about 8 weeks experience) having switched, at least for the time being, from trumpet, due to some dental issues.

I have a very basic question regarding mouthpieces: Is the size of the mouthpiece more closely related to the key of the tuba, or the size of the tuba? Obviously, in general a Bb tuba will use a larger mouthpiece than an Eb. But how about a monster Eb compared to a 3/4 Bb?

Thanks in advance for your responses.

Hup.

No (but this is a very reasonable question for a new player). Nor is it true to say that a Bb tuba needs a bigger mouthpiece than an Eb. the size of the mouthpiece is more dependent on the size of the mouth of the player than the instrument, but some do work better with particular tubas (look at the blurb and discuss it with your teacher).
the size of the shank of the mouthpiece will vary, a 3/4 tuba may have a smaller receiver than a 4/4 or larger, but the rim and the cup depth will remain the same. many player learn the hard way that bigger mouthpieces are not necessarily better mouthpieces for the tuba (of any size or key)