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You need to take the mouthpiece that came with the instrument, stick it in the receiver, and "just play the damn horn".

If you like the bigger, cushier rim, one progression of sizes I rather like in the Yamaha lineup is (from small to larger): 66D4, 67C4, Jim Self Replica. I can always play the 66D4 no matter how tired I am or if I am having a bad day when my brain refuses to work right. The 66D4 is my "security blanket". But I like the sound of the Jim Self.

If you like Helleberg type, a progression from small to large is: Conn 7B, Yamaha Canadian Brass, Conn 120S. I prefer the Yamaha: a little brighter than the 120, but still allows easy low notes; it is among the most low note friendly mouthpieces I've tried.

ed wrote:I need a new mouthpiece, and I'm here for recommendations. I'm playing a Mirafone 186 C ... and all I really do these days is play in a couple of local community bands, the occasional ringer quintet, and in my basement. I also teach quite a bit.

I'm sure you all have suggestions, so bring them on. I don't want to hear "Try some out, pick what you like, and stick with it" - I'd rather hear "You need to play _________ because ..."

You guys are good at this, let's see what you can do.

The general consensus is, that rotary tubas take more shallow and bowl-shaped mouthpieces than piston tubas.

I am not necessarily in agreement with that point of view. My best results with trying out rotary tubas have been with my increasingly large funnel shaped mouthpieces (Conn Helleberg, Denis Wick 1L, PT-50). But then I am a a low pressure, high volume, very open throat player clearly preferring piston instruments.

If you will follow the general consensus, then go for PT-models numbered higher than 50.

I happen to see a problem in your wish to having the same constellation fulfilling all of your purposes.

While teaching (trombone) I took the lightest combination possible not to kill myself over long working days.

5-tet takes the lightest combination still providing enough of foundation.

Band takes the equivalent of a solid 16’ organ stop.

I have not provided you a specific model hint. My preferred model for my larger basses in Eb and BBb is the PT-50 with an opened-up backbore. It gives me the desired organ-stop/string-bass qualities, but it takes extreme attention to make clear articulations in lower dynamics.

Klaus Smedegaard Bjerre

I play a kellyberg because it is comfortable and it doesn't respond to much to temp changes, it is nearly indestructible(great to have around kids), it sounds pretty good, and it looks pretty cool. it is also cheap and that helps.

I also play in a G&W MMVI and I can say that it is the best mouthpiece, for me, that I have found so far. It is comfy, smooth, free and open, and has a great sound on my horn. As a side note, Ivan was a real pleasure to work with.

Sou

I have a G&W Taku...If money is not an object, get a G&W Diablo. I find that at times, with the Taku, the instrument can be overblown at highest dynamics. If not a G&W, for price, try a Conn Helleberg, or something like that, as that those are a fair bit cheaper. I know I've found Conn Hellebergs for something like $40, and they're a VERY common tuba mouthpiece. Along with those, some more expensive Hellebergs are the Schilke Hellebergs I&II. I've been thinking about a Sidey SSH, but I like the G&W's a lot more. But, that's my $5.00 worth.

When I had a Miraphone 186 CC, I tried several different mpc 's and typically ended up coming back to my standard Conn Helleberg mpc -- the 'big' Conn Helleberg (not the 7B). I also own a 7B and a Schilke Helleberg (the 'small' one).

I find the articulation with the sharper rimmed Hellberg to be a bit easier than other mpc choices. The Conn Helleberg isn't too small and isn't too large (for my lips) -- but you should find a mpc that's comfortable for YOUR mouth.

I agree with Klaus' experience. Although conventional wisdom says to use a bowl-shaped mpc with the rotary valved tubas, specifically "the one that Miraphone sells with the horn", I have tried a Schilke 69C4 with several different tubas that might theoretically benefit from being "brightened up" a bit. I keep coming back to the Conn Helleberg. [In this "family" of mpcs, I'm familiar with the Schilke Helleberg II (close to 33mm cup inside diameter), the Conn Helleberg (~32.8mm cup inside diameter) the Wick 1L (32.5mm), the Conn Helleberg 7B (~32mm), the Wick 2L (32mm), the Schilke Helleberg (~31.8mm). The Custom Music website has info on the PT mpc series in their "accessories" link. They have all of the mpc dimensions for those mpcs listed there.

Find a mpc that you can comfortably play, and use that one. If you know the size of the mpc you presently use, hunt for something similar -- either from the PT funnel shaped mpcs (model number <50> 50). Don't go significantly larger or smaller than what you're currently used to -- at first.

[Oh -- I do have a Kellyberg mpc -- plastic version of the Conn Helleberg. I don't really like the feel of the plastic, but it will be benefiicial for those outdoor Christmas concerts coming soon....)


HTH,

I was a die-hard multiple mouthpiece guy for many years. The Sidey SSH (stainless steel Helleberg) cured me faster than a 12 step program. The mp has a flat rim and sharp inner rim that make upper AND lower register notes very predictable. Nice deep cup gives a great resonance, and it's stainless steel, so when you do drop it you don't need to freak out that you are going to have a divot in the rim (and the attendant sore lip.) I've got a bunch of mouthpieces that I no longer use because of this one.
I do have to say, though, that I play my Kellyberg when it gets cold here in Washington state, and it serves well, but then, the music that group plays is not at all technical or challenging.

[/quote]Conn Helleberg[/quote]

I concur. I believe this is made by UMI now.

I have a 186 C and I LOVE my G&W Byamo mouthpiece. It makes the horn resonate and makes a bigger sound then my Kellyberg did and than my Helleberg did. A little expensive, but well worth the investment for a 186 C and larger. It takes some time to grow into the mouthpiece, but once you do, it will sound heavenly. It makes popping the pedal tones really effortless also! But it boils down to what is most comfortable on your lips and makes the best sound. Go to your local music store with your horn and try some out, you will be surprised!

Go to a shop, bring people with reliable sets of ears, and try mouthpieces, thats how you find them. I did this and found a great mouthpiece, which ended up to be a favorite of a famous player.

RyanSchultz wrote:I concur. I believe this is made by UMI now.

UMI doesn't make them because it no longer exists, but Conn-Selmer is still providing UMI literature for the Helleberg mouthpieces. I expect they still say UMI in the stores, therefore. I can't imagine why they don't go back to "Conn", which is the brand they've used for these since the dawn of time.

Rick "who hopes Conn-Selmer's web site isn't their best work" Denney

Rick Denney wrote:

RyanSchultz wrote:I concur. I believe this is made by UMI now.

UMI doesn't make them because it no longer exists, but Conn-Selmer is still providing UMI literature for the Helleberg mouthpieces. I expect they still say UMI in the stores, therefore. I can't imagine why they don't go back to "Conn", which is the brand they've used for these since the dawn of time.

Rick "who hopes Conn-Selmer's web site isn't their best work" Denney

It's the King of web sites.

You mean the Cyborg of websites -- brand names of fine band instruments of yore go into it to be assimilated and never seen again.

I will ditto the recommendation for the SSH helleberg. It is a very "live" mouthpiece, with a bit more overtones than the standard Helleberg and the heavyweight J&S HHII I have. It is a good sized piece with a nice low register.

I there a certain playing characteristic you are looking for? or a specific reason for wanting to change?


As for the standard Hellebergs. I just got a 7B at school today and it came in a C.G.Conn box with a "CKB" designation, which I believe stands for Conn, King Benge mouthpeice line.

ken k