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I've been getting good results on my 186 with the reasonably-priced and famous (infamous?) Conn Helleberg.

I play a 186. My two main mouthpieces are the Jacobs Helleberg and the Perantucci PT-88 mouthpiece. These work well for me. The Conn Helleberg also worked well.

-T

I use a monette 94, but am probably going to go to a laskey

Fortissimosca wrote:I agree, I've played a Mirafone with a Conn Helleberg for 3 years with great results. I like the feel of gold on the chops a little better, and with the Helleberg you can get the gold finish and still keep it cheaper than some other mouthpieces.

My only beef with the gold UMI mouthpieces is that they plate the gold directly over the brass. When the gold wears through (as it surely will), the brass gets ugly. I'd almost rather get the silver version and have it gold-plated, like the better gold-plated mouthpieces.

Rick "who likes gold-plated mouthpieces, but who wore through a gold Conn in six months" Denney

A Conn-Helleberg is a very neutral mouthpiece and should be able to fit the horn quite well. Check the C-3, C-4, and TU-31 as well. Find out what mouthpiece a new Miraphone comes with, as it would more than likely be considered the best match for the horn.

Hope this helps.

I have played a Miraphone 186 for a long time. For most of those years I have been using a Conn Helleberg. I still use it for most of my playing. I have used other mouthpieces with mixed results, but have settled on the Helleberg. When I want to "turbocharge" my sound, I now use a Mike Finn 3H. The best all-around award, though, has to go to the Helleberg. At least it does in my opinion.

If you're already playing a certain mouthpiece regularly I would try that first.

If you get a new horn, the mouthpiece that comes with it represents what the manufacturer thinks is the best all-around choice. I would definitely give it a good try.

If Bachs work for you, they're widely available and cheap. The Bach 18 is very popular and I used one for years. Nowadays I use a Bach 7 for a bigger sound and like it a lot.

Lots of people like the Conn Helleberg (also easy to find and cheap). Didn't care for it myself but that may just be the way it fits me.

As your playing develops you will probably accumulate mouthpieces. It's an easy way to experiment and a lot cheaper than another horn. Good luck and have fun!

Mmm... the only mpc's I could try in the shop were the Bach 24AW, the Bach 18 and a JK 4C. I liked the 4C best. No idea if it's an odd choice or not......

I know Al Baer is a member to this forum and you might consider sending him a message on this. He's got a custom mouthpiece that he developed that works well with horn. You might consider finding out if he still has access to any of these. I've got one for my 186 and it works great as long as you're keeping your practicing up, I'm not using mine at the moment because I use my 186 as a practice horn at the moment, but I don't think I'll be parting with mine. Otherwise the standard C4 (TU23) is what I use otherwise.

Just a suggeston.
Jim

Ditto in the helleberg suggestion. I played on a 186 for a couple of years and the two mouthpieces that I liked the best were a Conn Helleberg and a Bach Megatone 24AW. They both got great sound and if you are playing in a band with other players on bigger instruments the extra weight of the megatone does the trick. I haven't tried it but my guess is that a heavy wall helleberg copy like the jet tone might do some good things.

Good luck
Sousie

The 186s that I've had have never struck me as being particularly mouthpiece sensative.

Well, if I remember correctly, the Miraphone mouthpieces are made by Josef Klier. I can say for sure after having played on JKs and a few Miraphone mouthpieces that this one will probably work quite well. Considering that Miraphone includes one with a new horn, to say the least, that's a vote of confidence. The mouthpieces are near the upper-mid range of the spectrum in price, but give it a try.

Laskey 30G
JK 3C

Conn Helleberg is o.k.

Wilco wrote:Mmm... the only mpc's I could try in the shop were the Bach 24AW, the Bach 18 and a JK 4C. I liked the 4C best. No idea if it's an odd choice or not......

I've got a TU23 (C4) on trial now..... I like it better than my JK 4C. The rim is wider and the cup is less deep, wich is good for my trombone chops (trombone is my main instrument) [= more responsive/ immediate]. The design of the pieces look exactly the same, except that the miraphone is a thad longer..... *wonders if that affects response as well*

Most larger helleberg mouthpieces work well. My favorite is the Laskey 30H.
You also might try a PT48 or PT88.

Billy M. wrote:Well, if I remember correctly, the Miraphone mouthpieces are made by Josef Klier. I can say for sure after having played on JKs and a few Miraphone mouthpieces that this one will probably work quite well. Considering that Miraphone includes one with a new horn, to say the least, that's a vote of confidence. The mouthpieces are near the upper-mid range of the spectrum in price, but give it a try.

That being said, I'll be glad to sell you a nearly new TU-31(Mirafone Helleberg style)for a greatly reduced price. It even has the Helleberg look as opposed to some that use a Bach-style blank. PM if interested.