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Hey everyone...
I played baritone in a DCA corps last year and will be moving to a BBb contra this year. Any suggestions on a mouthpiece? The only one that I have is a basic Bach 18 that I use in my high school concert band. The corps is about 70 horns, with 8 contras. Thanks!

justinbarleben wrote:Hey everyone...
I played baritone in a DCA corps last year and will be moving to a BBb contra this year. Any suggestions on a mouthpiece? The only one that I have is a basic Bach 18 that I use in my high school concert band. The corps is about 70 horns, with 8 contras. Thanks!

If you are used to the 18 that should work well for you. No reason to switch really. It is a good sized mouthpiece for that size horn and it has a comfortable rim for marching. If you think you would want a wider rim to cushion the shock of the horn moving around slightly try a 24AW. It has a smaller inner diameter but a very wide and round rim. It also has a huge bowl shaped cup.

You really do not need a special mouthpiece for the marching tuba. I know the Loud brand of mouthpieces are made for the marching arena, but they are pretty expensive. I am not familiar with their size comparisons so I can not speak on them. They are stainless steel mouthpeices. If you find a size you think you might like to try, check out the "for sale" thread here on tubenet. There are often mouthpieces there for sale.

ken k

If you like the 18 and sound good on it, keep it. Be aware, though, that some groups either require you to have a certain mouthpiece or require that you not have a certain mouthpiece. 24AW's and 18's usually fall under that axe blade. A Helleberg-style piece is the generally accepted and preferred mouthpiece. The best thing you can do to find out about that is to talk to the people in charge in the corps.

I agree, if you like the 18 and play well on it, then there is no need to switch mouthpieces. But... (because there is always a butt), depending on which corps you are trying out for, they tend to use different mouthpieces. Most will use something based around a Helleburg style mouthpiece.

What corps are we talking about here anyway?

KevinMadden wrote:What corps are we talking about here anyway?

The Rochester Crusaders. All age corps from Rochester, NY. i really don't think there are restrictions on our mouthpieces (at least there weren't when I was in the baritone line) but I'll ask. Thanks!

rodchester always puts our a good corps, i marched for hurricanes. if you're willing to spend the money, the LM-10 works GREAT with the GG contras. plus the stainless steel is great for a looooooong practice day like you'll be doing. if you'd like to go economical i'd suggest the R&S helleberg or just a regular old helleberg, but IMO the LM-10 is the way you're gonna want to go.

keep in mind these are what i find work for me. you'r lips are different and might not respond the same.

things your going to want to look for

-confort: will i be able to play 7 hours on this

-projection: will i be heard 100 ft away

-tone: what sound color am i getting

STAY AWAY FROM

-"inbetween" mouthpieces: just get a tuba mouthpiece, not a big bari mouthpiece

-Gold plating: it will be gone by the end of one season (which is why i like the stainless mouthpieces which will never wear)

and remember it what works for YOU not anybody else. some people swear by the mike finn, i can hardly make a sound on one. i swear by the bear piece, doesn't work for alot of people


Happy Hunting

Back in the day, I used a PT-36 inside of a converted Yamaha YBB201 altered into the key of G.

Aside from the valve problems (the cheap monels now moving horizontally in an abusive environment on tour), the Perantucci worked well.

Bush 1989,1991
Crossmen 1990-1993
Cadets 1994

vanguard now requires a PT-50 apparently. Looked over their audition packet a few days ago. I think your 18 is probably good as well. I played an 18 megatone on the field for a few years with good results. since marching parts dont generally go very high i had the backbore drilled out a little larger. Not necessarily suggesting it, just what i found success with.

i used an LM-4 this past summer well while i was still marching, and it did very well.