TubeNet

Ok, so, I normally play CC tuba. I have to prep a solo that is pretty high. So I am bumming this Eb tuba that my school has for this one piece. No mouth piece for said horn though. I don't know the exact modle of the horn off the top of my head, I bring this topic up because while visiting my parents my mother (about 10 min ago actually) offered to buy me a Eb tuba mouthpiece. It's a 3 valve piston with a 4th compinsating, that's about all I can tell y'all. Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Benjamin Garlic
Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia
Xi Theta Chapter

The standard mouthpiece for such, as designed for Besson-style 3+1 eefer comps in a solo context, is the Wick 3SL. Alliance also makes a version, but I don't recall its exact designation. Does this horn you're borrowing have a now-standard "American" receiver, or the older, smaller British receiver? In other words, does your mouthpiece go in as far into the receiver on the eefer as it does on your main tuba? if so, then that is a mouthpiece to consider. Others include a Mike Finn 4, and some others the rest of the TNFJ will be quick to post once they've seen my post.

Your description leaves two options:

Either your tuba is a modern (post-1982) British, Japanese, Swiss, or German tuba taking whatever mouthpiece with a modern American or European stem.

Or your tuba is a pre-1982 British tuba which takes a narrow stem sized like a bass trombone stem. There the options are fewer. An obvious choice easy to find on the market is the Denis Wick non-L line of tuba mouthpieces.

As I don’t know anything about your playing style, I will not make specific recommendations.

Klaus

I am pretty sure from what I've read from y'all it is pre 1982. I did put a Conn Helleberg in it one time and it barely went in. I will be able to get the model of the horn tomorrow and can do research then.

Thanks everyone
Benjamin Garlic
Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia
Xi Theta Chapter

Just started back on a 1989 Besson Sov 981 using my PT-36 very good in the upper register , nice and comfortable too..

I did not find a modle number of the horn (May have looked over it,) but it is deff a older Besson horn. The valves are similer to a old sousaphone I own from the 50s. I found a number on the back of the bell, 445970. And I know it was made in England, that's all I have for the horn. I've been looking into Denis Wick mouthpieces for it.

Benjamin Garlic
Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia
Xi Theta Chapter

Since it barely went in, unless you want to change out the receiver, your only immediate option is a Wick no-letter model, which most use a 3 on an eefer, as the 4 & 5 are made on smaller blanks for beginning tuba player, but are smaller diameter and possibly worth a look. But the 3 is really deep, designed for section work.

Mike Finn did have a run of MF4 mouthpieces made that have a .500 shank tip that fits well into the old British receiver. He may still have some in stock. It has a rather more rounded rim on it.

Otherwise, you would have to custom order a PT with the "S" shank, or have a mouthpiece shank shaved.

iiipopes wrote: Mike Finn did have a run of MF4 mouthpieces made that have a .500 shank tip that fits well into the old British receiver. He may still have some in stock. It has a rather more rounded rim on it.

I do still have a handful of these, if anyone is interested. Besides the Besson, these will fit some older American Eb tubas, although considerably larger than period mouthpieces like the Conn "Giant".

They're not listed on my site, drop me line here or e-mail for more info.