Mouthpiece choice

[TubaRay]

I have to agree with Doc. What works, works. What doesn't work, doesn't. If you are happy with your results, who cares if the mouthpiece is a "fashionable" one or not?

I play a Miraphone 186-CC w/five valves. For many years I used a Conn Helleberg on it. I had the experience in certain playing ventures where I could sense those who were "looking down their nose" at me, thinking I couldn't be very good if I was using such standard equipment. After those people would hear me play, I don't think they cared what I was using. Most musicians care most about the quality of the playing. It is not particularly important how this is achieved.

Doc is also correct in saying that we must find a good match for ourselves and our instrument. If we do this, it will be easier to achieve our potential.

To be specific about mouthpieces, I am now using a Mike Finn 3H. About a year and a half ago, I began seaching for a mouthpiece that would help maximize the sound of my Miraphone. In other words, I want to be able to produce as much of a BAT sound as my 4/4 horn can. First, I played a PT-48. This worked pretty well, but I like the Helleberg-style rim. The rim on the PT-48 was a little too rounded for me. Switching to the Finn is very comfortable to me. Now, when I want a big sound, I use the Finn. When I am playing in a smaller ensemble, I go with the Helleberg.

As for the 24AW...I played on one for a while in college. It seemed OK then. Now, my opinion is that it is just not a very good mouthpiece. That being said, if I found it would help me achieve my goals, I'd use it in a heartbeat.

So, Matt, good luck in your quest. Listen carefully to the sound you produce. Do a comparison with other mouthpieces, if possible. Have someone else listen to you, too. But, here comes the tricky part. I believe it takes a little while to get used to a mouthpiece before we will develop the sound that the mouthpiece will ultimately produce. In other words, it is often difficult to tell about a mouthpiece by just trying it for a few minutes. It may take several weeks of playing on a mouthpiece to properly assess its value.

[Teubonium]

Thanks Doc,

BTW, slightly off topic, does anyone know whether Selmer have stopped producing the Tuba Megatone models? I can't find any reference to them on their website any more!

Both WW&BW and Giardinelli carry all models of Bach Megatone Tuba mpcs. (Giardinelli is cheaper).

[CJ Krause]

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