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I have used the PT-50 for my Eb and BBb basses since 1999. I liked the huge sound, but I wanted a sharper inner rim for more clarity in the articulation, so I bought a Mike Finn 3H. It didn’t work for me on my BBb basses, as I lost too much volume in the low range. However it brought a lot of exactness and clarity to my Eb basses (Besson 981, Conn 26K & 28K). Recently I also have started using it on my rotary Jos. Martin CC (circa the size of an Alexander 163).

I am planning to buy the 5H (?) with the same cup diameter and a more shallow cup for my Boosey compensating F.

Klaus

When I was considering getting an eefer, I tried a MF4. Great mouthpiece. Great consistency of tone from top to bottom. Great response. But the eefer thing never really worked out, so I sold it to a guy in Germany who loves it.

The rim is not necessarily any narrower than on other mouthpieces, but the rim profile is more arched or rounded on the MF4 than on a lot of other mouthpieces, so it feels like a narrower rim. If you like that, it can make for a really good seal and facilitate flexibility. If not, it will feel uncomfortable after awhile.

iiipopes wrote:When I was considering getting an eefer, I tried a MF4. Great mouthpiece. Great consistency of tone from top to bottom. Great response.

I use it for my F tubas, where it does everything you state. I find it comfortable for extended playing sessions. It really brings out the character of the instrument with clarity, but without undermining the depth of sound. I greatly prefer it to the PT-64, which is the "standard" mouthpiece for the B&S F tubas.

I also tried at MF-2 (I think that was it), and while I thought it an excellent mouthpiece, I prefer the more cup-shaped PT-48 and the Stofer Geib mouthpieces for the big Bb tuba.

As with all mouthpieces, their suitability for a given situation depends on the instrument and the player more than the mouthpiece.

Rick "who accidentally brought out the coffee cup at Christmas and got in trouble, though" Denney

I play a Willson 3400 Eb tuba. I use a ME-1 most of the time. Once in a great while I get to play a solo and for that I use a MF-4. I think it has a brighter sound than and plays more easily in the high register than the ME-1.

Jack

I'm right there with Rick. MF4H for the EEb and the MF3H is currently my second choice for BBb (it's very nice, but the Stofer works better for me)

I use an MF3 on my big 1290. AWESOME. I've toyed with and tried other mouthpieces, but nothing worked as well with this mouthpiece. It does have a slight impact on the articulation. I have to work a bit harder for a precise attack, however the open great sound, awesome lows it allows and comfort has been well worth it.

I use an MF3H on my Willson 3100 and have enjoyed it very much. It is the first mp that I have had that has helped this horn to really sing. I used a Clements Orchestral (VERY large), an Laskey 30H (too narrow in the cup), a PT-50 and 36 (unfocused) and settled on the MF-3H. I hate changing mp's, so I was glad to find the right one. Mike is also a heck of a guy, dedicated to service after the sale, and total customer satisfaction. That is an UNSOLICITED plug!

Now...if I could get him to build a shallow mp with the EXACT same rim for my Eb.....

shhh...MF5 didn't work for me!

TonyZ wrote:I use an MF3H on my Willson 3100 and have enjoyed it very much. It is the first mp that I have had that has helped this horn to really sing. I used a Clements Orchestral (VERY large), an Laskey 30H (too narrow in the cup), a PT-50 and 36 (unfocused) and settled on the MF-3H. I hate changing mp's, so I was glad to find the right one. Mike is also a heck of a guy, dedicated to service after the sale, and total customer satisfaction. That is an UNSOLICITED plug!

Now...if I could get him to build a shallow mp with the EXACT same rim for my Eb.....

shhh...MF5 didn't work for me!

I've experienced the same with my MF3. I think it really has an advantage with the bigger sorta horns!

Did you not try the MF4?

TonyZ wrote:Mike is also a heck of a guy, dedicated to service after the sale, and total customer satisfaction.

I've gotta agree with you on this. If you go to TUSABTEC, you'll have a chance to verify this truth.

Thanks for the kind words, everybody. I will be at TUSAB-TEC as usual, sharing a booth with Lee Stofer. (The first one on the right, just inside the door.) Hope to see all my old TubeNet friends, and make some new ones too.
MF

Hey Mike,

I sent you an email (and PM) re the MF4H - did you get it?

Thanks,

Cam

I'm looking forward to seeing Mike, Lee, and many others at TUSABTEC. If any TubeNet folks are at the conference, and I know you are, come up and introduce yourself to me. Please. I intend to wear a nametag identifying myself. I think it would be cool for all of us to ID ourselves as being involved with TubeNet.

For those who will be attending for the first time. It is a great conference. You will hear unbelievable playing, and have the chance to meet a lot of people. The "Elephant Room" is something to be experienced. And Mike and Lee are some of the most knowledgeable guys around. They are also really fine people to meet. I learn things from them every year, as well, whether I buy something from them or not.