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Size of mouth VS size of mouthpiece
Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2008 3:21 pm
by tofu
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Re: Size of mouth VS size of mouthpiece
Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2008 4:48 pm
by iiipopes
My embouchure is very similar. I have tried all the models you name. The Schilke 67 didn't have any guts in the low register for me. For some reason even though I love the new Wick 1 on my Besson, I can't center worth a #@%^ on a Wick 2. The Conn 2 just didn't have any depth of tone for me. I tried wide rimmed mouthpieces, and they only slowed me down even further. I tried larger diameter mouthpieces, and with the mouthpiece rim outside the lateral muscles of my embouchure, I lost focus.
My solution on my 186 was the Curry 128D, with its rather wide rim cut down by Matt and Vladimir to Mt Vernon 18 spec to get a good anchor and not ride up my chin. The slight rounding of the deep funnel gives excellent feedback and definition while still being broad, while the throat and backbore geometry help me manage my breath better. The other mouthpieces I use on other horns are made to fit in a similar manner: Wick 1 is really deep and open, but the inherent resistance of the comp block makes up for it. The 38K works well with the Kelly 18, and also works very well with consistent register indoors with a PT82. And I keep a PT34 for "fun" indoor gigs where I let it hang out a bit, and for such delvings as "Them Basses" and "E Pluribus Unum."
But enough about me.
If you're thinking about going smaller, say to a 1.26, the ubiquitous Conn 120S has a slightly smaller feel that you might try. It's a staple. Not glamourous. Doesn't do everything well. But there is a reason Conn sells more of them than about every other mouthpiece combined year to year: solid and cost effective.
Again, if you like the Schilke 67, just need "more," you might like the Schilke HII, as it is also about the same as the others above, with good response and a good deep funnel.
Going the other way, rim wise, the MF models have a narrow rounded rim that if you use minimal pressure to play can be very flexible. It was just a little too rounded for my feel. but great, responsive mouthpieces.
OK, I've gone this far: stainless steel may or may not be to your liking. I felt stainless, both LOUD & G&W, required a little more work than I wanted to give it, but especially the LOUD had razor-sharp articulation and clarity.
As for overall breath support and control: Phil & Sam & the Breathing Gym.