TubeNet

I have an older B&S 5-valve F-tuba (model "Symphonie"), that I would like to play more than I have done in the past. See picture:

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a233/ ... IM0455.jpg

The problem is, that this tuba has a wery small leadpipe. And the only mouthpiece that I have for it, is an old one that came with the tuba. And I am wery unhappy with that piece.
Every time this small-shank topic comes up, you all say that the solution is a Denis Wick mouthpiece(or have a new leadpipe made). I have (for now) chosen the mouthpiece solution. And that is now the problem. What size should I order?
I have another mouthpiece I use on my BBb tubas, that have a rim-diameter like that of a Denis Wick nr.2. My original plan was to buy one of the nr.2, because of the similar size.
But I was then told that it is a rather large mouthpiece, and that I should buy a numer 3 insted.
I know that my upper range will benefit from the smaller mouthpiece, but the low range might suffer.
I play jazztuba at a semiprofesional level (thanks to a well known childrens amusementpark here in denmark ) but would like to play more clasical music.
I have no teacher at the moment to give me any advice, so any input is appreciated.

Smuk tuba, Søren! (We are both Danes).

My section mate, Ove, had a similar one with the larger leadpipe. It never sounded better, than when he played it through a Denis Wick 1L.

However my fear would be, that you would overload your smallish leadpipe with a DW1 or a DW2 (both non-L’s).

That leaves you with the DW’s ## 3, 4, and 5.

But there are other options. All of the Perantucci PT series is made with 4 different shank sizes. I don’t remember the names, but you should contact Mr. Tucci either on the phone or via mail. I have done this a few times, and he is a very forthcoming and helpful person:

http://www.hornboerse.de/lshop,shopstart,,d,,,,,,.htm

Where I lean towards largish mouthpieces on bass tubas, Mr. Tucci leans towards smallish and medium mouthpieces on that size of tubas. The decision will be yours.

You don’t have to have a new larger leadpipe made to order. I am fairly sure that a stock large bore PT-15 leadpipe will fit your tuba. Mr. Tucci also will be able to give you precise advices on that point.

If you get the larger leadpipe mounted, you will be able to pick a mouthpiece from a much wider selection.

Klaus

A PT-15 leadpipe would not fit as a Symphonie has a 5 different sized rotors and the 5th rotor is MUCH SMALLER than the 5th rotor on a PT-10/PT-15.

I would either consider having the receiver changed or buying a mouthpiece that fits. My B&S Symphonie has a typical "American" sized receiver.

--Christian

I'd try a 2SL first since you like the rim already.
It's a 'soloist' model of the 2 - shallower and smaller backbore etc.

Best.

Søren wrote:My original plan was to buy one of the nr.2, because of the similar size.
But I was then told that it is a rather large mouthpiece, and that I should buy a numer 3 insted.
I know that my upper range will benefit from the smaller mouthpiece, but the low range might suffer.

It sounds like you are actually a somewhat experienced player, and I think you can trust your own judgement on this. I use my DW 2L on an F helicon of rather modest dimensions, and for me it's perfect for that tuba. I may some day get the 2SL as someone else suggested, but I expect I would use the 2L the majority of the time anyway for its depth of tone.

As I read Søren’s original posting, he cannot use mouthpieces with large shanks on his specific tuba.

The suggestions about using DW2SL and DW2L may be well meant. I am less convinced that they are productive.

I will see if I later in the day can find some of my domentation on B&S tubas.

Klaus

Thanks for all the suggestions.
I am sorry that I might not have stated this clearly enough in my original post. But the problem is that the leadpipe is so small that a "normal" tubamouthpiece shank will not fit. That means that the DW2SL and DW2L are to large to fit(I think). But would the PT-65S fit the tuba? If I understand it the right way, this is the mouthpiece that is made for this model?
And the other thing I seem to understand from the postings, is that I should not be worried of playing a mouthpiece with a smaller rim-diameter. Is that right?

Matt Higgins wrote:I have nothing of substance to add to this conversation except to say that your instument is beautiful.

Which actually was the content of my opening statement in Danish in my first posting.

So we don’t disagree on that one!

Klaus

Søren wrote:That means that the DW2SL and DW2L are to large to fit(I think).

Yes, of course, you would rather want a plain 2. (You might find the recent "Besson Imperial ..." thread interesting.) I guess there is some question as to whether the 2 bore may be smaller than the 2L bore, as it would seem it must be, but as long as it's a good fit with your receiver it should work fine.

Don't know about the Perantucci line. If they make them in the old small European size, it's the first I've heard, but no one ever tells me anything. Incidentally, for more on shank sizes, see viewtopic.php?t=10390

I hope you like Perantucci mouthpieces. Check this link:

http://www.custommusiccorp.com/Accessor ... bampc.html

Check the very bottom of the page.

Looks like you would need a shank marked with XS or maybe even an AM shank (I'd try XS). Best way is to call Custom Music and find out.

Dispite the shank situation I still say try a 2SL (is a 2S available??) since you like the rim.

Buy one and try it - it should just fit in the end of your receiver for trial purposes.

If you like it, get the shank turned-down to fit. If not, sell it on. What's the big problem?? Much easier & cheaper to do than butchering your lovely horn. Also much easier (& potentially cheaper) than trying a bunch of other mouthpieces with different rims in the hope of finding one suitable.

(imo)