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Hi folks...

A buddy of mine is a bass trombone player in Las Vegas who doubles on tuba. His horn is a good older four valve Mirafone 184 BBb (American shank receiver). He's been using a Wick 1L because it's what he could get his hands on, but is looking for some more options.

He needs something that can help take some of the edge out of the sound when he lays into the horn a bit, and will help warm up the tone. The Wick is a bit sharp on the inner edge for him, but is otherwise manageable with regards to ID and cup depth.

Playing environments include brass band, pit orchestras (sometimes with a mic, but not always), brass quintet, a little big band work, and some beer hall oompah/Oktoberfest stuff (also with/without mic, depending on the gig). His bass trombone mouthpieces are a Griego .75 for commercial, and a Doug Elliot for legit.

I had thought something more Helleberg-ish might work better than something cuppish, but honestly, I'm pretty far out of the loop these days when it comes to what's out there, and I've certainly never doubled.

Any thoughts? Thanx...

...Dave

Hey Joe...

My buddy's name is Alan Cates. Not an unreasonable guess on your part, however, given that there likely aren't a whole lotta bass bone/tuba doublers in America's Playground.

As for your and Terry's observation about the 184's inherent sound, yeah - my buddy ain't looking to turn it into a 7/4 Rudy. He's fully aware of its limitations, but was just looking for something to take it a little more towards mellow. Or at least as far towards mellow as a brass chainsaw can get.

I'll pass along the suggestions - thanx...

...Dave

I really liked the G&W Taku for my 184 CC. It really rounded out and empowered the bottom end. FWIW.

Fluff it up a bit with a Kellyberg
I dare you all to try it. It works.
Joe
PS Imagine that, a bass bone player lighting up a 184!