I had a little time, and wanted to try to answer your questions. We have been working hard to reduce our titanium mouthpiece prices. Our main expense at this time is the titanium itself. Titanium is quite expensive, and difficult to obtain (due in part to military usage going up dramatically). There is titanium available from Eastern Europe that is less expensive, but because of shipping expense, and our desire to support companies in the United States we are not willing to go that route. At this time we are buying our titanium from small local companies in an effort to support our local economy.
Our prices are as follows:
Tuba Stainless Steel $135 Titanium $365
Euphonium/Trombone Stainless Steel $130 Titanium $325
Trumpet Stainless Steel $125 Titanium $265
Our Trombone mouthpieces the Boreas, and Euros, are very similar in size to a Schilke 51. The Boreas has a larger throat and sound than the Euros. The Euros is more for chamber and small ensemble playing with a light crisp and clean sound that I really like in this setting.
The difference between titanium, stainless steel, and brass is difficult to put in words. Those who have switched from brass to stainless steel notice the front of the note happening quickly, with a resonate tone, that projects more than a brass mouthpiece. Those who have switched from stainless to titanium notice that everything is less physically and mentally demanding, and that the mouthpiece just does everything better (I guess I'm trying to say that the mouthpiece becomes transparent to you making music on the instrument).
As far as feel goes, the finish on our mouthpieces is smooth, slippery, and very user friendly. Actually most people are somewhat surprised at how good stainless steel or titanium can feel on the chops.
Let me know if you have any other questions
Ivan
Titanium mouthpieces
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This forum is for buying or selling your personal equipment. Sponsored selling is allowed as well. All ads are required to have the following information: Price (even for trades), brand, model, and location (City and State, for instruments, not accessories). It is acceptable to link to an external ad if you are promoting a sale of your personal equipment. No Ebay auctions, but "Buy It Now" listings are fine. Photos are HIGHLY suggested as well, and may be hosted on Google Drive, or elsewhere. If you see an ad that does not meet these criteria, please report it.
This forum is for buying or selling your personal equipment. Sponsored selling is allowed as well. All ads are required to have the following information: Price (even for trades), brand, model, and location (City and State, for instruments, not accessories). It is acceptable to link to an external ad if you are promoting a sale of your personal equipment. No Ebay auctions, but "Buy It Now" listings are fine. Photos are HIGHLY suggested as well, and may be hosted on Google Drive, or elsewhere. If you see an ad that does not meet these criteria, please report it.
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Leland
- pro musician
- Posts: 1651
- Joined: Fri Mar 19, 2004 11:54 am
- Location: Washington, DC
Another experience --
Normally, after a day or two off the horn, it's uncomfortable for me to play. After a week off, well, you can almost forget about it -- it'll take me another two weeks to really get to where I'm satisfied with myself.
So, what do I do but end up with a week off of the instrument! Okay, well, that's fine, there's no solo playing or anything of similar exposure coming up. But, I still want to play well.
I got the horn out of its case, and noticed that I had left an extra, "standard brass" mouthpiece in there before. I figured that since I hadn't played on that one in a long time, I might as well give it a shot.
Ugh -- same as always after a break. I don't feel flexible, I don't like my sound, etc. Just rough.
So I pop in my titanium Bayamo ("BayamoTi"?), and I sound good, I play well... everything works better. I go through a multi-hour rehearsal the next day, and I'm having fun because I sound so much better than I expected (which does leave a lot of room, you see).
The shape of the mouthpiece certainly has more to do with it than the material, but overall, it's almost like I didn't have a day off.
Years ago, I had written off the idea of a mouthpiece making such a drastic difference. But, dang, this is nice. This is really good stuff.
Normally, after a day or two off the horn, it's uncomfortable for me to play. After a week off, well, you can almost forget about it -- it'll take me another two weeks to really get to where I'm satisfied with myself.
So, what do I do but end up with a week off of the instrument! Okay, well, that's fine, there's no solo playing or anything of similar exposure coming up. But, I still want to play well.
I got the horn out of its case, and noticed that I had left an extra, "standard brass" mouthpiece in there before. I figured that since I hadn't played on that one in a long time, I might as well give it a shot.
Ugh -- same as always after a break. I don't feel flexible, I don't like my sound, etc. Just rough.
So I pop in my titanium Bayamo ("BayamoTi"?), and I sound good, I play well... everything works better. I go through a multi-hour rehearsal the next day, and I'm having fun because I sound so much better than I expected (which does leave a lot of room, you see).
The shape of the mouthpiece certainly has more to do with it than the material, but overall, it's almost like I didn't have a day off.
Years ago, I had written off the idea of a mouthpiece making such a drastic difference. But, dang, this is nice. This is really good stuff.