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Hey all-

Ungrad (junior year) tubist here, looking for some help choosing some equipment. Last summer I bought a Besson 995, and love the horn more than anything in the world. Problem is, the DW 1L that I used on my previous horn (a BBb) does not fit the Besson what-so-ever. Compared to the stock Alliance H2, the DW really messes up the intonation. Now, I know Bessons are notorious for that anyways, but several trusted colleagues and myself agree that with this horn, thats not an issue. I've been toughing out on the stock mouthpiece for some time, but I still don't like to feel. Bottom line, I'm looking for recommendations for an all around mouthpiece for my BE 995.

Also, I'm looking into G&Ws, anyone got any advice? Is there anything too all the hype?

Thanks

Tubaburger wrote: Also, I'm looking into G&Ws, anyone got any advice? Is there anything too all the hype?

I used to have quite a few G&W mouthpieces and they are great.

May I suggest something different? Why not, since your horn is so mouthpiece specific... look into Doug Elliot or Joe Sellmansberger's Bloke Pieces.

I suggest them because they come in two (Bloke Pieces) and three (Doug Elliot) parts.... all of those parts in the individual lines are exchangable. This means that on a mouthpiece sensitive instrument you can change one facet of the mouthpiece at a time without always buying entirely new mouthpieces... until eventually you find the perfect combination.

I went through an extensive (and expensive ) mouthpiece search to match up with my 4/4 Nirschl--which is a similar horn to the 995. I was completely blown away by the Parke Ofenloch. I have used it for a couple years now and I have never been tempted to try a different mouthpiece. Mouthpieces are personal, what works for me may not work for you etc.,-- but try one if you can.

The Kelly Thomas 1 made by Warburton was made for Kelly specifically for the besson 995. Kelly was also heavily involved with designing the new besson horns that have come out recently. I used one when I played a besson and was his student when he had them designed. It is a great mouthpiece and I highly recommend it.

The Wick 1 or 1L was not made for the 995. It was made for the BBb comp tubas. The Wick mouthpiece designed for the 995 is the 2SL. The 995 needs something a little shallower and more bowl shaped.

I'll second the Selmenberger Symphony recommendation. It's a great mouthpiece that works very well in CC and BBb horns. The screw rim accepts a ton of rim shapes both Sellsmenberger and Houser Mouthpiece Ordinance Rims.

don't be too quick to ditch the Alliance mouthpiece just because it came with the instrument, they are well designed and a good match for the Besson instruments across the whole range. There is some more information here http://www.rogerwebster.co.uk/store/index.php?view=home.

I have a 4/4 Nirschl and have moved into a Laskey 30H. It has improved the core buzz, lower register and intonation.