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Depends on the Eb tuba. (I think you'll find a lot of discussion on this by using the "Search" feature, btw.)

With my previous Besson 983, I found the compensating low register responded more immediately when using a PT-72 (a more "bowl-shaped" mouthpiece) than anything else I tried. I think I read back then that Mr. Sheridan used this mpc before developing his signature mpcs.

With my YEB-381, I alternate between a standard Helleberg for a bit fuller sound, and a Schilke Helleberg or 7B Helleberg for a lighter sound.

The Bach 24AW is a favorite among many Brass Band players in Great Britain. The Besson tubas used to be shipped with a Wick 3 or 3L mouthpiece -- something similar, I believe, to the Bach 24AW.

If you have a smaller Eb, you might consider a Wick 4 (4L) or Wick 5 (5L). [the "L" is used for larger sized receivers -- no "L" for small shank receivers].

I don't like the 24AW because the rim is fairly wide. The Schilke Helleberg has a cup a bit wider than the 24AW, but a nicer rim, for me.

There are a few ideas -- good luck,

As long as we're on the subject...
howzabout suggestions (or even thoughts) on a mpc for one of the little Conn Eb's. Mine is a front action 3 valve, upright bell from sometime before 1916, I gather. I haven't played it yet (it's being put back in playing condition after many years of non-use), and it is so different from anything else I've played I'm not sure where to start.

Steve Inman wrote:Depends on the Eb tuba.

[snip]

If you have a smaller Eb, you might consider a Wick 4 (4L) or Wick 5 (5L). [the "L" is used for larger sized receivers -- no "L" for small shank receivers].

I don't think a Bach 18 would be too large, nor a 7B Helleberg, Schilke Helleberg. Not sure about a 24AW or Wick 3, however. I'm thinking you may want to avoid a really deep mpc or a really big throat (i.e. Wick 3 ...).

Cheers,

A lot of British players have used the 24AW. I find that it works pretty well on my antique Eb horns, too.

And don't forget the point of reference from which everything is a departure: a Wick 3 or 3L (depending on the receiver size, smaller British & "Old American," or newer "American Standard," respectively.

Mike Finn's MF4 is also a good mouthpiece, if you like really rounded rims that are not wide.

If it's a smaller Eb, like my Yamaha 321, I will use either a Dillion Music Pat Sheridan mpc or a Schilke 66/67

I have never been keen on a VB 24AW or the megatone version , I have used a Perantucci 36 on Eb and Bb , comfy brilliant at all dynamics and a really open Mp , not too big either.
New new Denis Wick Mp's look good , I wasnt a fan of the old 3L ( found it too small and restrictive) really liked my old 2L

Besson983 wrote:I use a Sheridan S3 Gold in my Besson 983. Works pretty well.

Here is a second. One of my favorite mouthpieces

NickJones wrote:I have never been keen on a VB 24AW or the megatone version , I have used a Perantucci 36 on Eb and Bb , comfy brilliant at all dynamics and a really open Mp , not too big either.
New new Denis Wick Mp's look good , I wasnt a fan of the old 3L ( found it too small and restrictive) really liked my old 2L

Ah, vivre la difference! The Wick 2 & 2L are also good mouthpieces. I can't get a good centered tone on one for some reason, and on Eb my upper range suffers. But my son, even though he's only 9, can get a better tone with his one or two notes on my tubas with a Wick 2 or 2L than I can with my Wick 1 or 1L!

ed wrote:What is the ideal mouthpiece for an e-flat tuba?

Most mouthpiece lines include one or more mouthpieces of small or medium size. As a very general rule, these are intended among other things for smaller tuba. Or for players whose mouths fit a smaller mouthpiece, or for a sound more suited to a certain style of playing or repertoire, etc.

Beyond that, you can be fairly sure that each mouthpiece offered by some reputable retailer like Dillon Music will be "ideal" for someone. One of those someones happens to be myself, but objectively I can't think of any reason you'd care whether it's my ideal mouthpiece on my 1928 Pan American Eb Giant Bass vs. Ed Smelley of Crabgrass, Wisconsin's favorite on his Yamaha 321. Pick one, rest assured that someone loves it, and give it a try. The worst won't be all that bad, the best won't help all that much, and the cost is trivial compared to most tubas.

Having stuck to Wicks for years (2l and 3) I now use a Mike Finn 4 which is a revelation. Although relatively small, it does have the ringing tone needed for EEb and F tubas - give it a go.

I went from a Schilke66 to a 24AW to a G&W Diablo.