question for you english Eb players

[ken k]

Hello fellow tubenetters,

My question is for you English Eb tuba players who play in brass bands. What is the typical mouthpiece used by the Eb players in brass bands? I have a Boosey and Hawkes Eb which I play for 90% of my gigs (brass quintet, pops orchestra, show pits, concert band work, etc.) For 15 years I used a Denis Wick 2 and then I put a larger (981) leadpipe on and I switched to a 2L. Now for most of my work I use a R&S heavyweight Helleberg because it really opend up my sound, and my low register speaks so much easier, but the artix are a little more covered and the tone is broader.

I am now playing in a British-style brass band and was wondering if British Eb players use smaller mouthpieces (in the band at least) to help get a clearer and more articulate tone, since they usually do not have to worry about playing too low. After all the BBbs are there to really fill out the bottom.

When I play top tuba in a Tuba/Euph quartet, I usually use a smaller mouthpeice (Conn 7B Helleberg) to help with the higher tessitura and also to help get a clearer sound.

any thoughts from you guys across the pond (or any yanks who play alot in British-style brass bands) would be greatly appreciated.

ken k

[iiipopes]

My understanding is that the mouthpiece that usually comes with an Eb is a Wick 3. Of course, actual usage is as varied as it is on BBb/CC.

[joshwirt]

The Wick mouthpieces are pretty standard for most EEb's in the UK.....pretty much whatever comes with the tuba is what a lot of banders play on. When the RNCM got 2 new 980's, they both came with the Wick 3XL. I liked the 3XL on the EEb actually....never did try the 1 or the 2.

While playing at Faireys last year, the top EEb used a Wick while the 2nd played on a fairly large Perantucci. We down on the bottom used 24AW's for the BBb's.

I did experiment quite a bit with various mouthpieces on a Yamaha 632, a Besson 981 and the 980. I found the shallower mouthpieces like my Rose Solo and C4 were difficult to play in tune. But the deeper cupped mouthpieces responded very quickly and very well in tune.

My EEb mouthpiece of choice ended up being the Miraphone C3 because it works so perfectly on my B&S F as well.....deep cup, rounded rim. I think any of those deeper, moderately wide mouthpieces work very well.....Bach 24AW or 18, Conn or Schilke Helleberg. I will say I'm not much for the heavyweight mouthpieces as they just seem like too much work...especially when you have to articulate like mad in brass band!

But that's just me.

Good luck,

Josh Wirt
BBb Bass, The Fairey Band (2004-2005)

[tuba_bloke]

I used a PT-64 when I played EEb. I found it easier to 'control' than any of the wick mouth pieces.

[Locky]

My experience is that in the ‘lower’ section bands Joshwirt’s observation is not far off the mark. Few players own the tuba and will use the mouthpiece supplied – usually DW 3L. Generally there is not the ‘mp chatter’ on this side of the pond. Who’s round it is in the pub - yes.

In a wider context I have noticed that the Bach 24AW is the mouthpiece of choice by professionals in orchestras, military bands and top section bands.

Some time ago I had a Fletcher straight lead pipe put on my Besson 982 – it transformed the sound & has a lived in look in that it is raw brass. The 24AW also lends itself to the Miraphone 12614 – yes we are a two tuba family & she who must be obeyed is not impressed.

I have faffed about with mouthpieces a bit and keep coming back to the Bach 24AW.

Hope this helps

[NickJones]

I am Welsh so we are a bit different to the English.
we use a mix of a Perantucci 36 , wick 3 , and 2 Vincent Bach 24aw megatone , never been keen on VB ( Not very comfy) I have used a few mp's over the years and found the Perantucci the most comfy , responsive and it's brilliant in extreme quiet and loud dynamics.
I have played under conductors who have requested the same mp for all 4 players , I can see the logic but everyone has different requirements.
stick with what you think is best , what is best for stamina , sound etc. and work on it , I think you will be happy with the results.

[tubatooter1940]

I play Eb recording bass in a pop-rock trio. I started with a Schilke 60 and now a Kelly 24 AW to emphasize the lower range.
www.johnreno.com/

[Lew]

I play a Besson 983. I don't play in brass bands, but I do play in a large Tuba/Euph Ensemble. On my 983, I play a Bobo Solo anytime I play. I sometimes use a Dillion S3 to get low notes, but that 'piece lacks overtones that I want when I'm playing solo stuff.

Not exactly what you're asking, but there ya go...

My 983 came with a Wick 3. I have tried a Dillon S3 and have settled on a LM-15, which for me is the ideal mouthpiece for this horn. Although I do not play in a British Brass Band, I think I would agree with your premise that the intent would be for the Eb to have a distinct sound from the BBbs. I suspect that a smaller mouthpiece would be appropriate.

[AndyCat]

Most Eb players I know play a 24AW too. A few on MF4 or Wick 3's, but the majority on 24AW's.

[Tom]

John Fletcher used a 24AW on his Besson Eb tubas, for what that's worth.

-Tom "who suspects that you already knew that"

[ken k]

John Fletcher used a 24AW on his Besson Eb tubas, for what that's worth.

-Tom "who suspects that you already knew that"

I had read that somewhere (may have been here on the tubenet). I also read that Denis Wick was always trying to get Fletch to use one of his mouthpieces, and that he made the 3/3L to be similar to the 24AW to get Fletch to use it but alas he never switched. And I believe it is similar with the large bowl-type cup, minus the wide rim.

Unfortunately I just sold my 3L. Ironic how things always happens like that.... I might be able to dig up an old 24AW here at school somewhere.

ken k

[charlieJ]

In Colorado now but grew up in the UK Brass Band scene. I went through many mouthpieces including the PT-64, numerous Wick's, Sheridan, etc. I've been playing a gold Mike Finn 4 for a couple of years which really seems to transform my Besson 982. It is very centered, offers a very slightly darker tone (the 982 is bright), and exceptionally fast note transition.

Just my 2 pence....or I should say 2 cents.