Similar to the PT 64?

[bububassboner]

What mouthpieces are similar to the PT 64? I'm looking for a mouthpiece a an Alexander F tuba and was told this is a good one. However, I don't have one, don't know anyone with one, and don't want to drop $120 on one before I try one. Also if you know of a piece that works well with an Alexander F tuba I would love to hear from you.

Thanks in advance

[MikeS]

If you can find a used Dillon F1, that will be very similar in cup shape but with a bit bigger rim diameter. A Loud LM-9 will be similar as well, although no less expensive. If you want to know what pieces sound good on an Alex F just listen to any Michael Lind recording. The Torbjorn Lundquist "Landscapes for Tuba and Orchestra" and the Christer Danielsson "Capriccio da Camera" for Tuba and brass quintet are two that I really like.

[MikeS]

If you can find a used Dillon F1, that will be very similar in cup shape but with a bit bigger rim diameter.

Too long a day at work here. I meant a bigger cup diameter. The rim on the PT-64 is actually pretty wide while the F1 rim is more toward what I would think of as standard.

[Rick Denney]

What mouthpieces are similar to the PT 64? I'm looking for a mouthpiece a an Alexander F tuba and was told this is a good one. However, I don't have one, don't know anyone with one, and don't want to drop $120 on one before I try one. Also if you know of a piece that works well with an Alexander F tuba I would love to hear from you.

Thanks in advance

Try to find someone with a Mike Finn MF-4 who will let you give it a try. I have never played one on an Alex, but I have both the PT-64 and the MF-4, and the latter has much more clarity and color on my old B&S than the former, for me.

On the other hand, you could buy one, and if it doesn't work out, you could probably sell it for what you paid for it if Mike can't take it back. Check with him to see what his policy is.

Rick "not knowing Mike's policy and not wanting to speak for him" Denney

[Mike Finn]

Thanks for the plug, Rick!
I like to think I have a fairly liberal return/exchange policy:

Satisfaction Guarantee:
All mouthpieces come with a 30 day satisfaction guarantee. If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, I will refund your money, less a small re-stocking fee after a satisfactory inspection of the returned mouthpiece. (Usually $15 for normal shank wear.) Mouthpieces returned with no visible marks on the shank or rim will receive a full refund, less shipping.

After 30 days, any mouthpiece may be exchanged at any time for another mouthpiece of equal value. Depending on the condition of the used mouthpiece, a small fee may apply. (I often have "demo" mouthpieces available for trade-in at no extra cost.)

Please also check my "Dealers" page as there may be someone near you who has them in stock. If your local pro shop does not carry them, just ask them to drop me a line.

[james]

For what it's worth: I played a PT64 for years and switched to a G&W Baer F (original) about a year ago. To me, it feels VERY similar to the PT64; just in stainless steel and with an even more comfortable rim (which is the reason I liked the PT64 to begin with).

-james