conn 2j playing flat

[MikeMason]

ok,here are the symptoms. i've got this new conn 2j.small 4 piston valve CC.my main horn is a holton 6/4 BBb.my mouthpiece of choice is a pt50+.with all slides in the conn is just barely at or slightly below pitch.the pt50+ is a euro shank and sits out pretty far in the american receiver conn.the pitch is a little better with an american shank,smaller mp,but i don't really like the feel or sound of it.so, should i get an american shank version of the pt50,have the shank turned down on my spare regular pt50,have my tuning slide cut,change mp's entirely,sell the conn, or have some radical plastic surgery on my lips and oral cavity?any ideas? and don't say practice more cuz that's out...

[Gorilla Tuba]

I used to have a 3J. It was flat, too. No mouthpiece changes or alterations fully solved the problem. Finally, I had about 1/2 inch hacked off of the main tuning slides. It worked well! I did have a pro do the cut.

I'd love to get my hands on another 3J or a 2J... but alas, I can't afford another tuba at this time.