'Standard' Euph mouthpieces.

[Radar]

6.5 AL is a pretty common size for Euphonium players in early and intermediate stages. Big enough to get good tone, but not too big that it's hard to play. Shilke 50 is equivalent in size, both the Bach and Shilke sizes are available in both shank sizes.

When you say "both shank sizes", be aware that the two sizes under discussion are *not* tenor and bass 'bone, but European euphonium and bass 'bone.

I took a quick look online earlier -- didn't see Bach medium shank advertised. Small (tenor) and large (bass), yes, but not the European euphonium (medium) shank. Schilke does make their line in medium shank, but they're a *lot* more expensive: Mouthpiece Express lists the small and large shank Schilkes at $64, and the medium shank (which they consider a "special order" item) at $106.

You are correct I was referring to Tenor and Base bone shank I didn't realize that one of these instruments was the European Medium shank variety, they are much more expensive but can be ordered on-line. I would still recommend the 6.5AL or Shilke 50 Rim and Cup dimensions for the players discribed in this thread.

[bbocaner]

First, I apologize, I skimmed the thread and did not realize this was for beginners. Second, I stand by my assertion that the Bach mouthpieces are not good choices. There may be some outlying players for which they work, but this is rare. True that the 51d and 5g have a very close rim diameter, but the depth, cup shape, backbore, and throat are very different. They are intended as trombone mouthpieces and for most players are too bright. To wit, on a 5g my thumb will go in to about the first line after my nail. On a 51d it goes in almost completely past my knuckle. Huge difference. Also, the Willson TA1 is a straight 51d copy.

So, yes.... 4al/4am are completely out. 51d might work a little better. Might I suggest the deg bb2 or bb3 which are intended for modern euphoniums specifically for beginning players?

[bbocaner]

Well - if this is so, one of the most outstanding euphonium players in the world uses a mp that is way too small - 6 1/2 AL

Who's that?

[PMeuph]

And obviously at least one of the most outstanding mainstream players.

I'm also curious to find out who that is...

[PMeuph]

Also, the Willson TA1 is a straight 51d copy.

I guess I need to measure my stuff again, my TA1 has always felt and looked like my 5G. The rim shape and size are nearly identical. I'll measure cup depth sometime...

[bbocaner]

You can obviously have a very popular mainstream player who is a household name but uses a very unusual embouchure or has an unusual physiology which means they can get a good result with something vastly different than what most everyone else needs to get that same result.

And why would you give a beginner something that even most experienced players would have a hard time getting a characteristic sound out of?

I wonder if you are talking about Earle Louder? Not only does he hail from an earlier era where equipment was different all around and standards of tone were different, but he may be one of those unusual cases. I'd be curious what his students use...

Also, you kind of misquoted me. I didn't mean all Bach mouthpieces, but just the 5g and 6.5al we were discussing. 4g actually works pretty well where the 5g doesn't.

[Bombardonier]

iiipopes...are you referring to the good reverend (hyphenated last name)? If so, he is taking this semester off--let him know we miss him. Yes, he sounds good with the smaller mouthpiece; he is a French horn transplant after all. I still plot to get him on a 51D one day.(Peter J.)

[iiipopes]

iiipopes...are you referring to the good reverend (hyphenated last name)? If so, he is taking this semester off--let him know we miss him. Yes, he sounds good with the smaller mouthpiece; he is a French horn transplant after all. I still plot to get him on a 51D one day.(Peter J.)

Indeed. And I'm the one who gave him mine after I gave up trombone a few years ago (I used to have a King 3B in the closet I got out occasionally when necessary that was a late '60's, which I got in the early '80's for another community band, played it a couple of years, then it sat in the closet until I sold it a few years ago and stuck with tuba -- but I digress....).

But I found out about the Schilke 50 some years ago when one of the Boy Scouts in my son's prior troop was playing the local Christmas parade in the local high school band, then brought his horn back around to finish the parade with the Scouts to play Christmas carols on a standard American-hybrid baritone, and getting the best tone I had ever heard out of such a combination, so I asked him what his mouthpiece was, and could I have a blow. It was a great combination: clear intonation low, lyrical "horn" tone in the midrange, and security in the upper register, all without using too much air, and still have the big, round, but not dark like a euph, inimitable tone of a true American hybrid baritone-horn.