Double nightmare!

[MartyNeilan]

The Bach 1G has a razor sharp rim. Try a Schilke 59 (the 60 just doesn't have a high register for most mortal players), a Griego 1 or .75, or even a Yamaha Doug Yeo (the biggest on this list). Just a few to get you started, I'm sure others will name more. There is always the old standby of the Bach 1 1/2 G, a way smaller mouthpiece than the 1 but still seems to work well for a great many players.

[tubafatness]

The Bach 1G has a razor sharp rim. Try a Schilke 59 (the 60 just doesn't have a high register for most mortal players), a Griego 1 or .75, or even a Yamaha Doug Yeo (the biggest on this list). Just a few to get you started, I'm sure others will name more. There is always the old standby of the Bach 1 1/2 G, a way smaller mouthpiece than the 1 but still seems to work well for a great many players.

I second the 1 1/2 G and Shilke 59, (especially the 59.) The 59 works great when switching between tuba and bass bone often.

[The Jackson]

I am also looking out for a bigger bass bone mouthpiece (not a huge priority, though). The 1-1/2G does not feel too hot with me.

[Ferguson]

For wide rims, the Josef Klier and Ferguson models are popular. Try a Klier 02AK to 01BK, or Ferguson Jeff Reynolds or LS. The others have too skinny a rim for me after playing these. Baltimore Brass, Akright's, and Hickey's may be good places to ask for some of these.

SF

[J.c. Sherman]

I'll third the Ferguson Mouthpieces. I play the Jeff Reynolds, and It's big moutpiece, but with plenty of focus and high end, and a very comfortable wide rim. Best purchase ever!

J.c.S.

[TonyZ]

Funny...I played the "Lion King" with my Pat Sheridan solo MPC in my Dave Taylor Getzen Bass T-Bone. It was a fun sound, and no hassle switching from tuba to bone. Jam that tuba MPC in there and blow!!

[Tom Mason]

The Schilke 59 and those listed of the same basic size is where most tuba players need to go.

I know there are some who want the bigger feel of the 60 (I admit that I played a 60 for a while), but I went to Doug Elliot setup with a 60ish rim, a 59ish cup, and a shank that focused the air more like a 58. You need some focus in making the horn sound the way it should. (Not as wide, and not as tubby).

I don't know how you play, and you may have a good focus concept. This is just a comment aimed at covering the most frequently heard sounds coming from bass trombone/tuba doublers.

Tom Mason

[AndyCat]

Yeo Signature does the job for me! REALLY comfortable, and doesn't play or feel too big.

[djwesp]

I have a couple ideas...

1. SF won't agree but I think that the Roger Bobo TT is a great bass bone doublers mouthpiece. It takes some serious getting used to, but it makes the transition from tuba to bone silky smooth. I'm not a great doubler, but when in jazz bands I use the TT on Bass Bone and the exact same rim (just different bowl) on tuba. It takes away some of the fluffy when moving back and forth with no time to play and adjust between songs.

2. Likewise, Doug Elliot can put together a set up specifically for your embouchure, your situation, and your mouthpiece preferences. Doug is more than helpful on the phone or in person. These custom set ups are NOT as expensive as you think and can be extremely helpful! If you haven't had the pleasure to meet Doug or talk to him you are in for a treat!

3. Griego. Jeez. A man among boys. If you are super serious about bass bone, these mouthpieces are like none other. They DO have a sharp rim. The rim will not be as wide as doubler mouthpieces. Don't be tempted into getting the largest Griego (.25). While it may seem like a good option based on size, this mouthpiece is too large for just about everyone. The .25 is almost too big, too thinly rimmed, too open to be a viable mouthpiece for anyone but the steel lipped. The "New York" style does not play as well as the other two shapes, must be weight? The Griego 1 is bigger than a 1G and has a good rim (minus the edge)

[tubacdk]

I had a Schilke 60, then went to a Bach 1G. Both made me feel like I didn't really belong on bass bone. Then I got a Ferguson L... I finally felt like I had a right to be holding the instrument. Nice focused sound and comfortable on my face.

So yeah, I fourth(?) the Ferguson L suggestion.

[J.c. Sherman]

I have a couple ideas...

1. SF won't agree but I think that the Roger Bobo TT is a great bass bone doublers mouthpiece. It takes some serious getting used to, but it makes the transition from tuba to bone silky smooth. I'm not a great doubler, but when in jazz bands I use the TT on Bass Bone and the exact same rim (just different bowl) on tuba. It takes away some of the fluffy when moving back and forth with no time to play and adjust between songs.

I'll give a contrary opinion here...

Ferguson mentions on his Hornguys dot com website that this is "Not a good bass trombone mouthpiece" and as a player who feels Bass Trombone is his main instrument (equal to tuba), I agree completely. I own one. It simply doesn't play right. The focus is diffuse and uncentered, and while its shape "warms" that diffusion, it makes your bass bone tune and center like a valved instrument, rather than a slide instrument. It has no high range to speak of. It really doesn't produce a characteristic sound... a trombone sound.

The Yamaha/Schilke 59, 1.25H or 1.5G Bach/Benge/UMI or equivalent mouthpieces yield the best results for the "doubler" whose primary instrument is not the bass trombone. The larger Ferguson mouthpieces compensate somewhat... the wide rim lends support for the double wanting a more capacious sound. Full timers will sometimes play 60s or variations on that because that's all they do. But two of the best players I've ever known play on a 2G and a 3G, and even the great George Roberts plays on a 1.5 rim (with an H cup).

Anyway - on point, avoid the Bobo TT.

[TonyZ]

Old thread, but I happened upon it. I have used the Bobo TT mouthpiece on the bass bone for both the Lion King and Mary Poppins (lots of doubling) and it worked just great!

[tbn.al]

I'm a bass trombonist first and have played a 60 for 40 years. I don't have a problem with the high register, I don't know why. I'm not a pro by any stretch. The sound gets a bit hooty up there but the notes pop out. Doing Mahler 1 Saturday and the A's don't seem to be a problem. I do HATE the BoboTT. I can't believe I actually spent money on it. Anybody want to buy mine? My advice would be to try a few and play the one that works for you.