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Hi everyone, I have recently acquired a Miraphone 188 and was wondering what mouthpieces yall are finding success with on these great instrument, especially in opening up the low register. I already looked in the archives for this question and couldn't find the answer, so I am coming to all you Miraphone 188 players. What works better also, bowl or funnel for you on the Mira 188? Thank you for your answers in advance.

Keith Sanders

I like a bowl shaped mp.
pt-88: darker, broader sound
pt-64: a little brighter than the 88, really focused sound though
GW Bora(using currently): really similar to the 64 with even better response and clarity

In low register playing: I find that if I try to force the sound, the horn fights it. Whether it be piano or fortissimo, just relax and don't fight the horn. Lot's of air and open up, the horn will like you!

IMHO

Congratulations on your purchase of a 188. IMHO, the Miraphone 188 is one of the all-time great tubas.

I use a PT-50 most of the time on my 188 CC. For me, that mouthpiece/horn combination seems to be a happy marriage and opens up that luscious low range on the 188.

BTW, although the PT-50 is a fairly large mouthpiece, it has a very good high range, as does the 188. YMMV.

I'm using a Doug Elliott TU 132 N Rim with a TU T or TU N cup. I prefer more of a funnel shape, but I've noticed that my 188 and I both like a cup shaped mouthpiece for the whole range fo this horn, but especially the low register. I think either a PT-48 or PT-88 would work nicely, too, but I definitely prefer a larger diameter. Good luck.

Even if you return it the next day, you owe it to yourself to try a Wick 1L. It is a deep funnel, but the throat characteristics and backbore are such it had great breadth as well as core, clean if not the spectacular articulation of a LOUD, and even helps the dreaded 5th partials be more lippable.

There is even an extra heavy version called the 1XL, for all the same reasons if you like heavy mouthpieces.

And if you like just a hair smaller mouthpiece diameter, the 2 1/2 L was designed for the Besson 995 CC tuba and is also a great mouthpiece.

I get a most superlative balance of core, depth, breadth, clarity and superior intonation on my Wick 1L with my 186 than with any other mouthpiece.

It's only drawback is it is so deep you need to approach it with focus or you will crack. But it has a moderate cup diameter and a rim that is a good compromise between comfort and flexibility so it is easy to acclimate to.

Your mileage may vary, but the destination is the same and it's definitely worth a look.

I am pretty familiar with the 188. To "open up the low register", try going smaller instead of going bigger and bigger with no end in sight, unless you are over-blowing your current mouthpiece. Give the Yamaha Roger Bobo symphonic, or Yamaha Jim Self a try (alternatively, Miraphone or Schilke 69C4). The reason is because with these smaller (but not deep into F tuba mp territory) mouthpieces they are not like vacunm cleaners sucking the air out of you and making it hard to sustain phrases, or low range, like some huge mouthpieces would do to you. The rim diameter on the Bobo symphonic model and Jim Self model are big enough (bigger than the Schilke and Miraphone) to ensure richness in tone in the low register. Personally I use Bobo symphonic on my CC with no problem playing low and loud. Some may find the Bobo somewhat bright, edgy. The Self model is warmer overall.

If you want really huge and dark sound in the low range, you'd pretty much have to go with one of these specialty mouthpieces like PT-50, PT-50+, PT-88, Parke Ofenloch. But as you probably already know, you WILL be doing it at the expense of your higher register and overall efficiency. That said, every pro tuba player I know has a least a couple of mouthpieces in their arsenal. It just so happened that I have a great mouthpiece for that purpose, for your 188, for sale: Perantucci PT-88S. The S stands for small(er) shank. But it is really the same as the standard American shank, like that on the standard Conn Helleberg, which will fit the shank on your 188 perfectly. The standard PT shank will sit slightly further out. but it's not a really big deal. I played a 186 with a PT-48 with standard PT shank and noticed no problems. PM me if you are interested, I'm looking to unload them asap so the price is quite good and I'm offering packaged deals as well. I may even send you a few for you to try out if you're interested.

As to bowl or funnel, if you are trying to achieve the good old American sound, which 188 is NOT best known for, at least you could use a funnel-shaped mouthpiece. But the 188 came with a Miraphone C4 for a reason.

I have played many the mouthpieces currently available, and I feel extreme (in either direction) mouthpieces may hinder your development - in this stage, you have no objective need for them. A sensible middle-of-road mouthpiece is the Laskey 30G or 30H (make sure to get American shank, not European shank, for best fit).

Finally, the resistance level of 188 may offset the openness of some huge mouthpieces, and for want of a darker sound, I do feel you. But if you use a mouthpiece that's too big, the overall sound (maybe except low range) will be pinched - thus deter the very purpose of "openness in sound." After saying all that, the end product is the best (and only) indicator. If you sound good, then it's all good!

Sorry for mumbling, I must go to bed now.

I know I dound like a broken record. I used a Mike Finn 3 on my 188. It make the horn far more "velvety" in sound and opened up the bottom register without sacrificing the upper.

There ya go!

I have the opposite problem. I have a mouthpiece (24aw- go ahead, laugh...)but I don't have a 188. Hate that when that happens.