MP for VMI 3301

[vintage7512]

I have the hardest time choosing a MP, and I have a new horn (VMI 3301) which may open up with a different MP. Currently using a Schilke 69c4, but want to try something else.....I don't dislike the sound with the Schilke, just think it could be better...the instrument sounds a little stuffy on some notes, though overall, I love it. The high range is strong with the Schilke, the mid and low a little less so...ideas from those who may own this instrument?

[Dave Detwiler]

I purchased a used VMI 3301 this summer (actually under the stencil name F. Schmidt 3301), and because it is essentially a B&S PT-2P, I asked those who make and sell that horn what they recommend for a mouthpiece.

The B&S folks in Germany said they ship it with an 18 (brand unspecified), while the folks at Custom Tubas, who import B&S horns here in the US, said they recommend the PT-36. I purchased the latter to try out, and really liked it, so I kept it. Compared to the old Miraphone C3 I was using up to that point, I found that it gets a little deeper tone out of the lower register.

Hope this helps!

[tbn.al]

I use a Yamaha Jim Self on one a lot. It's a middle of the road MP which seems to fit the middle of the road 3301. I like the Jim Self a lot better than the stock MP that came with it.

[tubaman1019]

I think a PT-88+ should work. Never tried it on a 3301 though. I got mine when I still had my Cerveny 686 and it really opened up my sound. I use it on my 1292 now and its just an amazing MP. Big Broad sounding, excellent articulation. It just takes a lot of air to fill up.

[vintage7512]

Isn't there a big difference between the PT36 and the PT88+ - I was thinking Perantucci but aren't these two very different? By the way, can anybody adequately compare the recommended MP's to my Schilke 69c4? And Dave, are you from that part of Pa. - I grew up in the Upper Merion HS band with then band director Nat Roof, god rest his cool soul...

Thanks all who gave me recommendations....

[Dave Detwiler]

I once stumbled upon a comparison chart for virtually every mouthpiece that 's out there, although I can't remember where on the web it was. Perhaps you can find it (or someone reading this will know where it is).

And, yep, I live in that region (eastern PA, near Philly), although only for the last 10 years. My first 40 years were spent in southern CA, with the exception of a few years working at the Interlochen Arts Academy in MI.

Good luck with your hunt for a mouthpiece that will work well for you.

Warmly,
Dave

[arpthark]

Found these online. Maybe they'll help.

http://www.allbrassradio.com/tubampccharts.htm" target="_blank

http://www.wwbw.com/Includes/WWBW/Stati ... 0Chart.pdf" target="_blank

Caveat: They only compare inner diameter, not taking into consideration backbore, rim shape, etc.

[vintage7512]

Great sites - caveat noted. Bookmarked these! I am thinking a PT88. Heard lots of good things about them and if I don't have the air I can always sell it!

[bort]

Great sites - caveat noted. Bookmarked these! I am thinking a PT88. Heard lots of good things about them and if I don't have the air I can always sell it!

Steve, for a while, I used a PT-88 on the VMI/MW-30 I had. I liked the output, but dang, that thing was too huge for me!

[vintage7512]

Bort,
Is it SO MUCH bigger than the Schilke 69c4? What would you recommend in the Perantucci line - custom music has them new at $75. I am 54 and not without my air limits but I am getting pretty strong embouchure-wise these days. I want as much sound out of the horn as possible. I am looking for a large dynamic range, but I mostly play in quintet these days, so must retain the high range I currently get with the 69c4. Damn-I just need one of each to try for a week, but where are you going to do that?
Maybe the 36 - apparently Custom recommends that model for this horn.

[UTSAtuba]

Steve,
As the former owner of that horn, I'd say go for the MF3 for a larger sound, or Mirafone Rose Solo for a lighter, but still focused sound.

Joseph

[vintage7512]

Joseph,
I was about to email you that both packages arrived, though on different days. All is as you said and I am quite happy with the transaction. Hope you come to terms with losing the horn. I will play it a lot and really have already been enjoying it. I am reticent to spend the $145 or so for the MF3 so may get an equivalent Perantucci for half that. The Schilke works well, just want to see if I can get a little more open sound. Maybe a used MF3 will come along.....the wife is mad at me for now having 7 grand tied up in tubas, but you only live once, right?
Steve

[UTSAtuba]

Haha, yeah. The MF3 will come up from time to time. I got lucky when Ben had a sale on his mouthpieces.

I'm sure the horn will get plenty of play time. Let me know which horn you decide to keep!

Joseph

[bort]

Joseph,
I was about to email you that both packages arrived, though on different days. All is as you said and I am quite happy with the transaction. Hope you come to terms with losing the horn. I will play it a lot and really have already been enjoying it. I am reticent to spend the $145 or so for the MF3 so may get an equivalent Perantucci for half that. The Schilke works well, just want to see if I can get a little more open sound. Maybe a used MF3 will come along.....the wife is mad at me for now having 7 grand tied up in tubas, but you only live once, right?
Steve

I have only limited experience with the Mike Finn mouthpieces, but I don't particularly think they are "equivalent" to the PT-anything... rim dimensions might be similar, but I think the cups are all different. I have 2 MF mouthpieces now, and like them both more than a lot of other things I've tried. Also, send Mike an email... from time to time he has some demo pieces for sale for less than full price. These are in perfect shape, save for a few plating errors. Real small deal stuff.

Re: the PT-88... yes, it was really a lot bigger than what I had before (and after) it. the 69c4 has a rim diameter of like 32.75 mm, the PT-88 is 33.5 mm. That 0.75 mm doesn't sound like a lot, but changes in rim diameter really throw me off more than anything else. After all, that "feel" of having your mouth muscles set that way is where *everything* starts. Maybe bigger (or smaller) is better... but I'm less willing to fiddle with big changes in rim diameter than anything else. The PT-88 is also *really* deep, I'm sure deeper than the schilke.

And while $7,000 is a lot of tuba money, if you ever needed to recover that money, it should be relatively easy to get a decent return. Now, the tricky part... keeping your $7k investment in mind when your wife wants to spend some serious dough to pursue her hobbies.

[vintage7512]

You can say that again! She is a Fabric Artist and I have built her two ROOMS for all the stuff she has - fabric, paint, thread, buttons, old jewelry, ...and a sewing machine that cost $2000! I bet that investment was more than mine, now that I think about it! I am probably going to sell the Mira BBb 186, though. It is around 8 years old and in great shape - worth maybe $3000-$4000??