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I am currently playing a 1960's Mirafone 186 BBb with a Conn Helleberg 120. At the end of the last concert season with the community band I was not getting the response or the lower end sound I was looking for even with substantial practicing. I realize it was probably not an equipment issue but I decided to try a new mouthpiece.

A little history. The Mirafone I had purchased earlier this year. I had been on a Conn 20J before that. I have been playing tuba primarily for a couple of years now. I played Bass trombone for 10 years before that on a Bach 1 1/2GM. I was used to bowl mouthpieces for most of my playing.

I read posts and asked questions on this forum [great help by the way]. I decided I was going to try the PT mouthpieces. However I was torn over the PT-50 and PT-88. David Kirven sold me the plus models of both. He is great to do business with.

Sorry about the long post. Now to my impressions.

I warmed up with the Helleberg. I then played scales on each mouthpiece. Immediately I notice more tone with the PT mouthpieces.

The PT-50+ was a little bit stuffy for me and the sound was not quite what I wanted. I am not giving up on it.

The PT-88+ however was it. The sound is richer and has more bottom end. It keeps me honest in that if I do not maintain a good air stream the tone fades. The whole range is clear. The bottom end I am hitting the D below the BBb consistently where it was hit and miss before. The rim is more round that the Helleberg and I can put more of my lips into the mouthpiece. The extra weight of the plus size feels more substantial. I have not used a heavy weight mouthpiece before.

I plan on using it this next season as my primary. I welcome all comments and thanks for reading.

pauvog1 wrote:Based on what you've said I'd stick with the 88, and just practice to get used to the bigger piece. Its definetly a bigger mp.

On a possibly unrelated side note,

If your low range response was getting progressively worse before the mp switch, I'd recommend cleaning it out. I've found that in both my rotar and piston horn that when gunk starts to build up in the valves that my low range response is the first thing to go. I'd pull out the ol' snake and maybe give the horn a bath. I'd also recommend requent cleaning of the mp shank as well. If this was not an issue just ignore this part of my post.

Best of luck with the new mps!

pauvog1

Good advise. I am planning a chem clean in July.

Thanks.

I tried out the PT48, PT48+ and PT50 on my Miraphone 1291 BBb. All three of them made my Helleberg feel like there was a rag stuck down the bell.
The PT50 was woofy on this tuba and the PT48+ was much better. I haven't tried the PT88 but probably should. Maybe rather than not giving up on the PT50+ you could switch it for a PT48+.

Regards

Gerard