TubeNet

So, as you may know, last month I got Neptune's Cerveny Kaiser. I love this tuba to no end (it looks good, and plays even better). The one thing that I think could be improved is the mouthpiece. I've been doing a little mouthpiece switching with what I have around, and it has a great sound (but hard to control) with a Diablo Lite (euro). With a 24AWI, it is really easy to slur, but down low, it doesn't feel as solid. With a King 26 that my friend gave me, it has amazing articulation in the mid range (clearest Tchaik 4 I've ever played), but the slurring and low range aren't really as good.
For all of you who play/ed Kaiser tubas (including, but not limited to Cerveny 601/701, Miraphone 190, Rudy 5/4 or 6/4), what mouthpieces do you use, and what would you recommend to get the best sound, volume, and articulation out of your horn? (what I'm going for most is a really good loud mouthpiece, especially down low)
Thanks!

The A in your 24AW indicates a deep cup, which is not the obvious choice for any rotary tuba out of the Czech/German tradition.

The blokepieces aren’t exactly the cheapest ones, but my version #1 sample works well with my German Martin CC circa the size of an Alexander 163. If you could come by the chance to try the blokepiece version #2 for your Kaiser you might find the wider backbore a good match for your hugaphone.

The Cerveny ovals I have met came with 12C cups, and the cup of the blokepieces, identical on both versions, are very similar to the 12C profile. Only the blokepieces start with a cylindrical portion, so that your lips won’t buzz against the bottom of the cup.

Please be aware that the blokepieces come in two parts, so that you have the option of a narrow flat or a narrow rounded rim. Sold through their maker, Houser Mouthpieces.

Klaus

Something with a rounded cup is definitely in order. A PT82 might work well. I'd call Jeff Rideout and ask him for a recommendation in the PT "German" lineup in your preferred cup diameter.

And it's not just cup geometry: too large a throat and backbore, and you'll feel like you need a third lung. Too small, and you won't be able to take full advantage of what the horn has to offer.

I think my Diablo might have too little resistance. The cup feels fairly nice, but I agree, it does feel like I need a 3rd lung (or maybe 4th).
Thanks for the suggestions so far. I'll look into the Blokepiece, and call/email about the PT's

I've used the Mike Finn MF3B on my BBb Rudy 5/4. I've also had success with the Joseph Klier Exclusive mpcs. I like the 1AA but you might prefer the 2A or 3A which aren't as large. These also work well in my Conn 20J - another larger horn.

pauvog1 wrote:I don't play a kaiser, but I've had good results with my GW Bayamo.Huge diameter; Really deep. Big DARK sound nice low register. Takes some ajustment period (especially for top end of horn). Really nice rim. Also had nice bach 7. I think it makes a little better solo mouthpiece compaired to the bayamo. Big diameter and medium deep bowl cup. I've found a get more sound & better sound out of the larger mp's. The only thing is the bigger you go the better the lower register, but the more difficult it is to control (flexiblity, endurance, more air needed to fill up) but my experience is that the extra work will pay off.

Paul

Agreed on the Bach 7 -- bought one several years ago, and it works well (good all around, but especially down low). Definitely worth trying. (My horn's a Sear-Cerveny -- 4/4-ish bugle (17-3/4" bell), but same bore as the 601.)

http://www.dillonmusic.com/HeleoCart/Pr ... 7corp.aspx
Is this the piece?

Tuba Guy wrote:http://www.dillonmusic.com/HeleoCart/Pr ... 7corp.aspx
Is this the piece?

Looks like it to me!

Yay saving money, then!
Ideas are still welcome...I think I can afford this one and still do some looking if it doesn't work out.

My PT48 in the 187 allows some decent crank-age, though I'm still not happy with the low range (more inclined to think it is NOT the mp, and also NOT me.... hey, why not! ).

You could try a Stofer Gieb mouthpiece. Earlier this year a friend visited me with one to try. It did not work for me in my Neptune (for which I was interested), but seemed to work well in the Cerveny Kaiser.

BTW I always used a PT-48 playing the Kaiser

Adam, I really like the pt-48 with the kali, if you would like, you can try it next week when you move in.

I'll do that, Garret, thanks. And you can definitely try out the fleet (in my half of the room, i'll have my getzen, Cerveny, york, Martin, and a couple bones. think i could bum a few square feet in your triple?)

imperialbari wrote:The A in your 24AW indicates a deep cup, which is not the obvious choice for any rotary tuba out of the Czech/German tradition.

Klaus

The Bruno Tilz Walter Hilgers WH model mouthpieces are specifically designed for playing kaiser tubas and have a 'deep' (Tief in the catalogue) cup.
I'm not telling that this will be the good mouthpiece for everyone, but worth the try definitely..

Wim

I use a PT88 Mega. The big Cerveny horns get a huge but light sound. The heavy mouthpiece makes it big AND dark like a tuba is supposed to sound. You can always put something smaller in for lighter applications. They are wonderful big tubas. Ed

I'll do that, Garret, thanks. And you can definitely try out the fleet (in my half of the room, i'll have my getzen, Cerveny, york, Martin, and a couple bones. think i could bum a few square feet in your triple?)

ok, if i have enough room your more than welcome to store some of your horns in my room, I'm just bringing the kali, and possibly my t-bone, so i think there should be room

I play a Rudy 5/4 CC. I've performed on a Bach 12, 7, Tilz 10., and after trying many mouthpieces at Mike Moore's house( rotunda studio), I/we decided that I sounded best on a Stofer Geib mouthpiece.
I really liked the PT88 but the Stofer Geib is just a little smaller and works well for me. It took me alittle while to get used to the mouthpiece, about a week, but it works great in my Rudy 5/4. It really depends upon the shape and size of your oral cavity. You may have to experiment for awhile with someone with a good ear and also has professional experience. Joe Duchi and Allen Ostrander did not play on huge mouthpieces on bass trombone compared to a some who play on Griego .25, Schilke 60 or Bach 1G, but they had wonderful presence in the orchestras they played in. As far as I can remember, I think Joe was using a Bach 1 1/4 GM in Columbus Symphony (Ohio) in the late 1970's and Ostrander was using a Simone Mantia on his Reynolds bass in NY Phil.

I'll definitely be doing tetsting with my teacher, probably a conductor, anmd some friends in the concert hall (btw Garrett, I will be asking you to play him in Faye with the different pieces so I can get an idea of what he sounds like in the theater)

Tuba Guy wrote:I'll definitely be doing tetsting with my teacher, probably a conductor, anmd some friends in the concert hall (btw Garrett, I will be asking you to play him in Faye with the different pieces so I can get an idea of what he sounds like in the theater)

ok sounds good

I'm also planning a little trick to play on the dorm...one night when everyone comes back...intoxicated...we just take out the biggest horns we can find and rip sosme Dies Irae...you in? We can get your euph roommate in on it too