TubeNet

I use a gold Conn-Helleberg and a Kellyberg on the same horn. I prefer the Conn-Helleberg because it seems like it projects better than the plastic one. In my case, it is because the plastic MP feels much sliperyer to me. Maybe if I played the plastic MP all the time I would become more accustomed to it. I've tried several plastic MP's and have one of the old DEG AstroCup MP's. I think they are great for giving your chops a break and for cold outdoor gigs but I'll stick with metal MP's for most of my playing.

I keep a Helleberg model in my car for those times when light traffic allows me to get some buzzing in. Always the right temperature, and won't get damaged if I drop it out the door at a gas station.

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viewtopic.php?t=41&highlight=kellyberg

And read the first post in this thread:
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Which brings me to my latest bit of news -- that they ARE producing copies of other mouthpieces, and right now only for tuba. I'm told that Deanna Swoboda now has a Kelly version of a PT-68. You'll need to contact them directly. The person I talked to this weekend said that they'll work on getting the method for tuba copies correct before they go into other voices.

Having a copy of my PT-50 would make for a definitely clear comparison between lexan & brass.

I've also heard rumors that another company is working on plastic-shelled mouthpieces that have a metal core in an effort to retain metal's higher-sound-output capability. I have heard another rumor -- on TubeNet, probably the old site -- that yet another person has been working on a polyethylene-based plastic compound that would have nearly the same surface friction as silverplated or goldplated mouthpieces.

Just played my second concert last week with a Kellyberg, and (despite a comment from the next chair, "Are you still using that plastic thing?") it seemed to extend my in-tune high range somewhat. I do not have an exact metal equivalent so I can't tell if it is the plastic or the shape, but it's well worth keeping, and not just for outdoor gigs. It does require a bit more care in attacking the notes than my Bach 18, though.

A friend of mine got one of the clear ones for marching band. It was pretty gross to see the inside while he was playing but he liked it and sounded pretty good with it. I used a plastic mouthpiece for high school football games. It was nice to pick up your horn and not have to warm up the mouthpiece before playing.

Funny story:

My uncle got his trumpet mouthpiece frozen to his lip back when he was in marching band in high school in the 70s. He laughs now but I imagine it wasn't to funny at that time.