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Any tips on keeping multi piece stainless steel mouthpiece parts from seizing together? I am keeping them absolutely dry but the pieces want to lock together.
My big horn likes the Euro shank and my small horn the American shank. If I go a few days without switching, the parts are extremely difficult to unscrew.

I have used a thin layer of Teflon tape to keep my SS MP's from seizing.

I've not had that problem but you might try an anti-seize compound like can be found in auto parts stores. I often use it on any threaded parts that have to remain free.

Have you tried the same grease that you use on your tuning slides?
It helps with my brass mouthpiece shank. The teflon tape also sounds like a good idea.

I think that Dave Houser does an outstanding job of precision making of his and others mouthpieces. I tend to over tighten stuff, so I back off with my Houser and Blokepieces to avoid havoc. Perhaps you are over tightening? Maybe they should come with torque settings and mini torque wrenches.

Hello,

- lubricate (grease or oil of high viscosity)
- tighten with a torque that corresponds to what You can apply with Your fingertips, fingers nearly straight
- think about getting a second MP that will fit the other horn. (My personal favorite.)

I DO get the concept of interchangeable shanks, cups and rims.They´re especially good for those that still search for "the perfect match".
But as soon as You´ve settled on Your preferred combination, a one-piece MP must be a lot cheaper and more convenient than one of these. Imagine You asking the director to please interrupt the performance ´cause You have to reassemble your MP prior to switching horns

Hans, who owns a set of totally different MPs to use with each of his horns, and who frequently switches MPs and/or horns during band practice and performance according to the style of the piece.

TubaTinker wrote:I've not had that problem but you might try an anti-seize compound like can be found in auto parts stores. I often use it on any threaded parts that have to remain free.

+1

tubeast wrote:I DO get the concept of interchangeable shanks, cups and rims.They´re especially good for those that still search for "the perfect match".
But as soon as You´ve settled on Your preferred combination, a one-piece MP must be a lot cheaper and more convenient than one of these.

Yep, I agree, and that's where I am with my Blokepiece now. I like the combination I have, and I guess the only reason to take it apart now is to clean out the crud that will likely accumulate in the seams over time.

whenever I have had trouble separating a rim from a backpart, I've always just held onto both parts with grippy shelf liner sheet which I use to keep my big tuba from slipping in my lap. Better grip on the slick parts has been all that I've needed.

I have a small strap wrench called the "Zyliss Strong Boy". It's actually a kitchen tool, but works great on valve caps and to separate mpc parts. I've used it a few times on my Doug Elliott mpc. Here's a link:

Zyliss Strong Boy

Rumours have it that the designer has no problem with keeping the parts apart. Rather his problem is keeping the right parts together.

LJV wrote:Rancid bear grease...

Effective, but where does one find all those rancid bears?

Nearly couldn't get the cup off the shank again, so I raided my around-the-house toolbox (as opposed to the vehicular toolboxes) and put a single layer of Teflon plumbers tape around the shank threads. Getting the rim off the cup was usually not a problem, but getting the cup off the shank is what inspired this thread.
The Teflon tape did the trick. When I switched shanks, there was no difficulty whatsoever. I can see where it would wear off after a number of uses, but reapplying an inch of tape every once and a while should not be a problem.

P.S. I am really loving the Blokepiece Grand Orchestral mouthpiece. It is the first deeper mouthpiece that works well on my massive tuba formerly known as BART. And, I like it in my little Conn, because it gives a fatter sound than the imperial (which seems to be the perfect all around mouthpiece for piston horns that size) but still maintains all the punchiness those horns are know for.