MF2 or MF3?
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ThomasP
- 3 valves
- Posts: 337
- Joined: Fri Mar 19, 2004 1:24 am
- Location: Atlanta, GA
- Contact:
I have tried both
If you want one mouthpiece for everything, then the MF2 should be the only option. The MF3 is a very big mouthpiece, and I couldn't see it as a viable option for solos. I play an MF3 and an MF4 and if Die Meistersinger were called in an audition, or I was playing it on a concert I would choose to play it on my MF4. The 2 & 4 have the same rim size, just different cup volume. I tried the 2, 3 & 4 and bought the 3 & 4. I liked the two as well, but I wasn't able to get enough core to the sound on my big Willson. if you have anymore quesitons of me ask them, I'll answer
Thomas Peacock
Huttl for life
Schilke 66
Huttl for life
Schilke 66
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jon112780
- 4 valves
- Posts: 541
- Joined: Sat Mar 20, 2004 10:52 am
- Location: on my soapbox...
What mouthpiece do you play on your Mirafone copy now? I know the Conn Helleburg works well on the 186, but you should find the rim shape and cup diameter you like; and then go from there. My Conn Helleburg mouthpiece was not a good match for my HB2, but I really like the cup size and rim of the C.H.
I spent a lot of time online comparing mouthpiece specs (there's a great spreadsheet made by Andy in Great Britian) that had similar rims and inside diameter to the Conn Helleburg. So along with that and the advice of some here on Tubenet, narrowed it down to:
Sidey Helleburg
Dennis Wick 1L
Mike Finn 3H
Clements signature mpcs (Solo, F/Eb, Ensemble and Orchestral)
LM-5, 6, 7, and 15 (all with helleburg style screw-on rim)
I tried the Wick 1L and it was better, but not as good as I hoped. I've been playing the MF3H on my HB2 and 983 and really like it. It is a bit larger than the C.H. but it plays much more evenly and really helps slot the lower notes in both horns.
Hope this helps!
I spent a lot of time online comparing mouthpiece specs (there's a great spreadsheet made by Andy in Great Britian) that had similar rims and inside diameter to the Conn Helleburg. So along with that and the advice of some here on Tubenet, narrowed it down to:
Sidey Helleburg
Dennis Wick 1L
Mike Finn 3H
Clements signature mpcs (Solo, F/Eb, Ensemble and Orchestral)
LM-5, 6, 7, and 15 (all with helleburg style screw-on rim)
I tried the Wick 1L and it was better, but not as good as I hoped. I've been playing the MF3H on my HB2 and 983 and really like it. It is a bit larger than the C.H. but it plays much more evenly and really helps slot the lower notes in both horns.
Hope this helps!
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chronolith
- 4 valves
- Posts: 557
- Joined: Mon Mar 22, 2004 1:26 pm
- Location: Chicago, IL
I play Mike Finn's mouthpieces, and I encourage you to contact him for advice directly. You can find him on this board.
I played a MF3 when I was playing my Neptune. A big mouthpiece for a big horn. When I moved to a 4/4 for general playing I picked up a MF2 and it is perfect. Every player is different obviously so you may need something different. If you find yourself in the middle between an MF2 and an MF3, then try out the MF3B. That may be your best option. Again, just contact Mike. He will set you up!
When I purchased a mouthpiece from Mike originally, he shipped me out an MF2, MF3 and MF3B and let me choose then send back the others. I don't know if he still does that though.
For your setup though, I would suggest an MF2.
I played a MF3 when I was playing my Neptune. A big mouthpiece for a big horn. When I moved to a 4/4 for general playing I picked up a MF2 and it is perfect. Every player is different obviously so you may need something different. If you find yourself in the middle between an MF2 and an MF3, then try out the MF3B. That may be your best option. Again, just contact Mike. He will set you up!
When I purchased a mouthpiece from Mike originally, he shipped me out an MF2, MF3 and MF3B and let me choose then send back the others. I don't know if he still does that though.
For your setup though, I would suggest an MF2.
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TubaRay
- 6 valves
- Posts: 4109
- Joined: Mon Mar 22, 2004 4:24 pm
- Location: San Antonio, Texas
- Contact:
MF2 or MF3?
Excellent advice. I believe you will find him to be extremely knowledgeable and helpful.chronolith wrote:I play Mike Finn's mouthpieces, and I encourage you to contact him for advice directly. You can find him on this board.
Ray Grim
The TubaMeisters
San Antonio, Tx.
The TubaMeisters
San Antonio, Tx.
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Allen
- 3 valves
- Posts: 404
- Joined: Fri Mar 19, 2004 12:29 am
- Location: Boston MA area
This is such a personal choice. Perhaps your teacher can give you real advice, but the rest of us can only relate our personal experiences, and hope that helps you get some feeling for the effects of different mouthpieces, and where you might start looking.
About two years ago, I decided that I wanted to get the biggest and darkest sound possible from my 4/4 size CC tuba. I was then using a Conn Helleberg mouthpiece. I tried all four of the MF mouthpieces from 1 to 4. I didn't like the wide rim of the MF1. The MF2 was good, but not enough different. The MF4 went quite well with a borrowed 3/4 size CC tuba, but was not what I wanted for my 4/4 size tuba. The MF3 was ideal. It helped me open up the low range, and helped me implement my particular sound concept, which is a smooth "surrounding" sound.
It is important to note that I was playing a lot of band music, and a small amount of solo music. If I had had different musical objectives, I would probably have picked a different mouthpiece.
Recently, I have been interested in playing more solos, and also I want to try brass quintet playing. A different and smaller tuba would be nice to have, but that would cost a lot. I tried the next best thing: a new mouthpiece. I bought a "Matanuska" from G & W. They describe it as either their smallest BBb/CC mouthpiece or their largest Eb/F mouthpiece. I like it, though it took some getting used to. It is a little easier to play higher, and easier to articulate in the high range.
The most interesting thing about the Matanuska was that there was no change in my sound at all! The reason, of course, was that my internal sound concept was shaping my sound more than the equipment I use. I am experimenting with some different sounds, and it seems like the Matanuska will allow me to project more (though still avoiding having a brassy edge to my sound). It's a continuing adventure!
Regarding an earlier poster's comment about Die Meistersinger, I would probably play it using the MF3 -- there a supporting sound would be what I would strive for. However, if one wants to have a more penetrating sound, then a smaller mouthpiece may help. I would not choose the size of mouthpiece for how high I am going to play. For playing low, I would want to use only a large mouthpiece.
There are many other mouthpieces that I have not had the chance to try. If I let myself, I could easily acquire a big mouthpiece collection, although I would probably wind up using only one or two.
Another comment on higher playing: When I switched to the MF3 mouthpiece, my high notes promptly got much more difficult to play. However after a few weeks, my high range not only came back, it got better.
I have to repeat that this is only my personal experience, and anyone else will likely have somewhat different experiences. Meanwhile, I'm going to use my MF3 most of the time, and my Matanuska some of the time. If I could only have one, it would be the MF3. However, check back with me next year!
Cheers,
Allen Walker
About two years ago, I decided that I wanted to get the biggest and darkest sound possible from my 4/4 size CC tuba. I was then using a Conn Helleberg mouthpiece. I tried all four of the MF mouthpieces from 1 to 4. I didn't like the wide rim of the MF1. The MF2 was good, but not enough different. The MF4 went quite well with a borrowed 3/4 size CC tuba, but was not what I wanted for my 4/4 size tuba. The MF3 was ideal. It helped me open up the low range, and helped me implement my particular sound concept, which is a smooth "surrounding" sound.
It is important to note that I was playing a lot of band music, and a small amount of solo music. If I had had different musical objectives, I would probably have picked a different mouthpiece.
Recently, I have been interested in playing more solos, and also I want to try brass quintet playing. A different and smaller tuba would be nice to have, but that would cost a lot. I tried the next best thing: a new mouthpiece. I bought a "Matanuska" from G & W. They describe it as either their smallest BBb/CC mouthpiece or their largest Eb/F mouthpiece. I like it, though it took some getting used to. It is a little easier to play higher, and easier to articulate in the high range.
The most interesting thing about the Matanuska was that there was no change in my sound at all! The reason, of course, was that my internal sound concept was shaping my sound more than the equipment I use. I am experimenting with some different sounds, and it seems like the Matanuska will allow me to project more (though still avoiding having a brassy edge to my sound). It's a continuing adventure!
Regarding an earlier poster's comment about Die Meistersinger, I would probably play it using the MF3 -- there a supporting sound would be what I would strive for. However, if one wants to have a more penetrating sound, then a smaller mouthpiece may help. I would not choose the size of mouthpiece for how high I am going to play. For playing low, I would want to use only a large mouthpiece.
There are many other mouthpieces that I have not had the chance to try. If I let myself, I could easily acquire a big mouthpiece collection, although I would probably wind up using only one or two.
Another comment on higher playing: When I switched to the MF3 mouthpiece, my high notes promptly got much more difficult to play. However after a few weeks, my high range not only came back, it got better.
I have to repeat that this is only my personal experience, and anyone else will likely have somewhat different experiences. Meanwhile, I'm going to use my MF3 most of the time, and my Matanuska some of the time. If I could only have one, it would be the MF3. However, check back with me next year!
Cheers,
Allen Walker
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trseaman
- 4 valves
- Posts: 696
- Joined: Mon Jul 26, 2004 8:26 pm
- Location: Broken Arrow, OK
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pulseczar
- 3 valves
- Posts: 435
- Joined: Tue Sep 27, 2005 2:03 am
From what I've deduced from looking at the cutouts on his website, (http://www.mikefinnmouthpieces.com/cutpop.html) one of the key differences of the mf2 and mf3 is the deep bowl vs the funnel. How does this affect the sound?
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iiipopes
- Utility Infielder
- Posts: 8580
- Joined: Tue Sep 06, 2005 1:10 am
The Finn throat is the same as the Wick 1 & 2 throat, so do also try various combinations of a Finn and a Wick together, as the Wick 1 is more like a Helleberg funnel and the Wick 2 is more like a Bach 18 in my experience of having one of each.
If you do go with a Wick, make sure you have the correct shank, as they come in both small (number only) and American (number with an L) shank.
If you do go with a Wick, make sure you have the correct shank, as they come in both small (number only) and American (number with an L) shank.
Jupiter JTU1110
"Real" Conn 36K
"Real" Conn 36K