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I also use the Imperial. I have an older 2-piece version, for which bloke supplied a 32.6 Modified Helleberg rim in lexan. I also like the cup a little bit deeper, so I customized a spacer to .080 (@ 5/64, not the full 1/8+) in order to, like an automobile intake manifold, get the balance of tone and response that fits my breath support, repertoire (community concert band) and time and ability to practice and play.

Ironically, this mouthpiece works best on my "Bessophone," my 186 that has had a 17-inch Besson BBb bell grafted on to it: big, round, full, foundational, centered, but with enough color to step up to the front when required.

Except for a Kelly 18, which is a permanent resident on my rebuilt fiberglass Selmer Signet Sousaphone, I have sold all of my other tuba mouthpieces as surplus to needs. I went through a broad safari that lasted a couple of years trying out just about everything in the vicinity of my preferred cup I.D. (32.5 - .6 mm), so that I don't see doing much else going forward except what a player is supposed to do: practice, practice, practice. With this mouthpiece, I can just put it up to the embouchure and play: no fidgeting, no fussing, minimal warmup, a few long tones and slurs, more to get my intercostals and abdominals working properly after sitting at a desk job all day than anything else, and just enjoy playing. Thanks, bloke!

I might have to try this... Using a Symphony and #2 rim on my Sonora/B&S, but it has that goofy small shank.

bloke, your thoughts on this combo? Imperial/small shank/profundo rim? Presumably you still have the smaller shank in stock?

Hey Casca, I also use the Imperial on my Boosey Eb!
I will also use other cups for various applications, but I have been using the same #1 rim which I really like.

ken k

bloke wrote:"There's really no telling (in advance) what any particular mouthpiece will do well, unless you try it out with a particular type of tuba."

Which is precisely why: 1) we all go on safari; and 2) once we bag the trophy, er, find a mouthpiece that suits, we guard it zealously.

bloke wrote:

Casca Grossa wrote:Despite the extra depth, the high range really sings. This is a keeper.

' combining a wide-open extended "top" with a fast-flare "bottom" and a conservative "medium" throat.

+1!

I have an older two piece model with the fair dinkum rim. I use it on my PT20. I like it as it gives the horn more clarity and improves the intonation. I do have the titanium plated rim which I also like. Seems more comfortable for some reason. It may be all in my head, but if you think it is true, it is for you. ScottM

I use an older two piece Imperial with the bore drilled out to 11mm (essentailly no backbore at all) with the 34.5 mm inner diameter rim from the Gardianelli mouthpiece made for Arthur Lehman. This rim adds about same depth as 2 of the Delcrim rim extenders to the cup. It really makes my York even more Yorkish.