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In the event I decide to seriously work up some solo rep on the Kali-Bat, I will probably want to use a mouthpiece with a little different timbre than the large hellebergish piece I am currently using. For those of you who have played solo lit on piston horns in the vicinity of large 5/4-6/4 size (and I don't mean the 1291/2, 2155, or 2000, as I would really consider them to be "large 4/4") , what mouthpieces may you recommend? I have always been fond of the C4 style and may pickup a Bobo Solo when the Weimar sells, but was looking for other ideas. The Kali does have a Euro (large) shank receiver, but a regular shank piece can still fit (way in.)

P.S. Having played both goldplated brass and stainless steel pieces, I am probably one of the only people out there who definitely prefers the feel of goldplated brass - just my preference.

Mike Finn MF2

I've always been partial to the Miraphone C10/TU27 Rose Solo, cup shallow, cup depth 37,9 mm (1,492 inch), bore 8,2 mm (0,323 inch), cup diameter 33,0 mm (1,299 inch)

tubashaman wrote:I personally find my PT50+ to be a VERY good all around mouthpiece

????
Hmm, can't remember the last time someone played the VW on a 50+

Greg wrote:Good point. I think it was the last time someone performed it on a KaliBat.
Actually, I agree with you. A more shallow mouthpiece would be more effective and have a little more soloistic focus to the sound.

Well, I tried to steal my F back from Wade, but his cats scared me off
I have actually heard the VW on a number of CC's, and some guy playing a horn a little bigger than mine (I think it was his Holton, not the Grand Rapids-made clunkers he owned) actually did a pretty respectable job of it! (Much better then the recording made on an F)
In all seriousness, I will probably stick to other works for the big horn, but it is nice to keep the VW in my back pocket if needed. Sadly, it seems to be the only one "people in the know" ever ask tubists to play. I LOVE the second movement of Kansas City Dances, and someday before I die hope to have the 1st and 3rd movements worked up to performance quality. Although sometimes performed on F, that suite was actually written for a 5/4 CC.

Look, James, you don't need to turn this into a pissing match involving yourself, Greg, myself, and anybody else. I asked a reasonable question about a mouthpiece for specific needs for a specific style of horn. I also got some very good responses otherwise.
A) The PT50+ is not considered a solo mouthpiece by nearly anyone in tubadom, including the gentlemen who developed it.
B) I am glad you like your 1291. However, it is still a very different horn from all the CSO York wannabe 6/4's out there.
C) I actually did own an AB solo mouthpiece and sold it with my F. If you will read the original post (do they teach reading to perfomance majors?) you will observe that I clearly stated my preference for goldplated brass over stainless steel. Why? It just feels better for me. The AB solo piece is an excellent model otherwise.
D) I am sincerely glad you played the VW quite well on your 1291 with your PT50+. When you graduate with your BM in performance, leave your little fishbowl, and enter the real world, you will be in for a very rude awakening. Good luck.

knuxie wrote:Marty,

Have you tried the titanium mouthpieces by G/W? How do you compare the feel to the gold-plate?

Ken F.

Unfortunately, waaay too rich for my blood. I had a stainless AB orch and solo, both 1st gen mouthpieces. I had to cut down the "frisbee" outer rim to get the piece to fit between my nose and chin, and even had Ivan rebuff the pieces to a mirror finish. Very high quality work, and very good mouthpieces. I could just never get used to the feel of stainless, even after the rebuffing. Felt too much like I should be eating dinner with it. I sold the orch when I didn't have a large shank receiver anymore, and sold the solo with my F.