TubeNet

Are there any mouthpieces with a rim very similar to a Bach 18, but noticeably shallower? I really like my 18 on Eb tubas, but would like something different for a contrast. I have tried the MF4, and while a very nice mouthpiece isn't quite what I am looking for.


Thanks!

Bach 22. Great mouthpiece for Eb

The Wick 3SL is a shallow mouthpiece specifically designed for Eb. If you don't like the MF4, another slightly shallower mouthpiece is the PT34. Finally, Alliance makes a 3a which is moderate. The Blessing version of the 18 is really, really good, and slightly shallower than newer Bachs. The Conn 7B is a shallower funnel as well.

I respectfully disagree with the 22 for anybody but a young beginner: too small diameter cup and too tight a backbore.

Agree with the Wick. I use a 2SL on my 983, myself. Both have a very Bach-like rim.

PS: If you choose to try a Wick mouthpiece, be sure that (whether a 2 or 3 or whatever), you try the "SL" model (shallow-cup), since that is what you're looking for.

With respect to the Curry, I play a D cup on my 186. Great tone, intonation and flexibility. But for me, as great as it is on the 186, it is a little stuffy on everything else I've tried it on.

iiipopes wrote:The Wick 3SL is a shallow mouthpiece specifically designed for Eb. ....
I respectfully disagree with the 22 for anybody but a young beginner: too small diameter cup and too tight a backbore.

How can the Bach 22 have too small of an inside diameter when the mouthpiece you suggested (Wick 3SL) has an even smaller inside diameter? (not to mention, the Bach 22 also has a bigger throat bore)

What's too small and tight for one may be just right for another.

With that being said, I don't think that the Bach 22 is much shallower than the Bach 18 if at all.

Here is a short list of mouthpieces that have a similar Inside diameter as a Bach 18, but have shallow cups (37.00 mm or less):

Marcinkiewicz ST3, Marcinkiewicz ST4
Miraphone TU03, Miraphone TU13, Miraphone TU11
Dillon DILPSS1, Dillon DILPSS3, Dillon DILPSS5, Dillon DILPSS2, Dillon DILPSS4

I'm sure there are a lot more, but Andy Catt's list doesn't list the cup depths for every mouthpiece.

Thanks guys! I think I have something to go on now.

I think I have something to go on now.

Unlike the police station whose toilet was stolen.

On a constructive note, I should add that Yamaha's answer to the 18 would probably be their 67 which they make in different depths, the 67B4 being about as shallow as shallow gets. The 68B, a little wider interior, is of medium depth.

If you can find an old Giardinelli Bragunier model it may be what you are looking for. Dave Bragunier told me that this mouthpiece is a Bach 18 rim on an Alexander mouthpiece cup (it also has an Alexander throat and backbore). I have seen some that fit Alexanders, some that fit typical American tubas and the one that I have that seems to be strangely between the two and fits no tuba known tuba to me.

good luck,
Mark

The Wick 3L is made on the full width blank same as the 1L and 2L, so it does feel larger, even if the absolute cup size may be different.

Also, Bach are notorious for making all of their mouthpieces, not just trumpet mouthpieces, larger than "spec," and you may have a 22 that has been really hollowed out diameter wise compared to others, just like the old 3C trumpet mouthpiece I have is as large as a current 1 1/2 C, and much larger than a "new" 3C. Finally, a Bach 18 has a spec of @ 1.26 diameter, and one I had about two years ago was at least 1.29, with a single semi-flat contour to the rim, surprisingly like a Wick, and not the slope-shouldered rim profile of some Mt Vernon era Bach 18's.