F-tuba mouthpiece suggestions

[jma78]

Hello all,

I'm looking for a new mouthpiece for my F-tuba.

Basically I'm looking for a mouthpiece like the Conn Helleberg 120S (especially the rim contour and diameter) but with a little bit shallower and more bowl shaped cup. A little more mass would also be nice. (No "heavy" mouthpieces though)

I've tried Laskey, Josef Klier and Perantucci mouthpieces. These are not what I'm looking for. I tried the G&W "Baer F-tuba" mouthpiece a couple of years ago, didn't suit me then (too shallow), maybe I should give it a new try....

If somebody has any suggestions, I'd appreciate them.

(and yes, I'm aware of the http://www.dwerden.com/Mouthpieces/tuba.cfm" target="_blank" target="_blank" target="_blank" target="_blank web page)


-J-

[bort]

I like the Mike Finn 4H mouthpiece. It is heavy, but there might be a lightweight version of it available too?

What kind of F tuba do you have?

[imperialbari]

F tubas aren’t just F tubas, and even with the same model two players are likely to pick three different preferred mouthpieces.

My F tuba is a not so standard 1923 Boosey F 3+1 compensator with an aftermarket large receiver. One might assume that Denis Wick ##4&5 would be ideal ever so more as I prefer Denis Wick models for my alto and tenor trombones. I like the fairly sharp inner edge very much. But these DW mouthpieces did not give me the sound, response, or feel I wanted.

On paper the dimensions of the blokepiece #1 are too large. And the wide aperture certainly calls for a strong embouchure. But this mouthpiece makes me like playing this tuba, as it becomes alive and responsive with a full sound, albeit not as fat as the Besson 981 in Eb, which I play on the blokepiece #2 underpart with a #1 rim. The F tuba-piece is from the original edition, which had no screw rim, and it does not bring out the full potential in the large Eb tuba, whereas it is very good for my small bore Besson from 1870.

Now the blokepieces come with a number of rim options. ##1&2 share the same medium sharp inner edge (less sharp that DW or Conn Helleberg), but the #2 rim is wider and falls off a bit towards the outer edge. As I remember the Houser site there also is a Helleberg style flat rim plus the option of using certain Loud rims.

I also have the large Symphonic model for my BBb basses with the same #1 rim. I like the blokepieces, but they are not forgiving on a bad day or when not practicing regularly.

Klaus

[imperialbari]

F tubas aren’t just F tubas, and even with the same model two players are likely to pick three different preferred mouthpieces.

My F tuba is a not so standard 1923 Boosey F 3+1 compensator with an aftermarket large receiver. One might assume that Denis Wick ##4&5 would be ideal ever so more as I prefer Denis Wick models for my alto and tenor trombones. I like the fairly sharp inner edge very much. But these DW mouthpieces did not give me the sound, response, or feel I wanted.

On paper the dimensions of the blokepiece #1 are too large. And the wide aperture certainly calls for a strong embouchure. But this mouthpiece makes me like playing this tuba, as it becomes alive and responsive with a full sound, albeit not as fat as the Besson 981 in Eb, which I play on the blokepiece #2 underpart with a #1 rim. The F tuba-piece is from the original edition, which had no screw rim, and it does not bring out the full potential in the large Eb tuba, whereas it is very good for my small bore Besson from 1870.

Now the blokepieces come with a number of rim options. ##1&2 share the same medium sharp inner edge (less sharp that DW or Conn Helleberg), but the #2 rim is wider and falls off a bit towards the outer edge. As I remember the Houser site there also is a Helleberg style flat rim plus the option of using certain Loud rims.

I also have the large Symphonic model for my BBb basses with the same #1 rim. I like the blokepieces, but they are not forgiving on a bad day or when not practicing regularly.

Klaus

[MikeMason]

Sounds like u need the conn helle 7b.

[cle_tuba]

Hi
You need to say what is your tuba and what purpose they will use it.
Still nozzle is very personal.
I have a YFB-822 and use it to the ground G F & W Alan Baer and orchestra and the quintet Arnold Jacobs Solo.
Good luck ...

[Doug Elliott]

I make the flat Helleberg rim in the original size (my 130, or 1.30" inside) and several other sizes. You can put it on any of the 7 cups I make - I think my N or P cup would be the depth you want. And I make backbores specifically designed for Eb and F tubas, available in several different shank sizes.

And it's all standard, not a custom order.

http://www.dougelliottmouthpieces.com" target="_blank

[Tom]

Sounds like u need the conn helle 7b.

Very close. I'd try a 7B, though I would personally suggest a Floyd Cooley Helleberg. The Cooley rim isn't quite as wide and the throat/backbore are said to be larger, though I've never actually measured.

The Cooley Helleberg can be difficult to source...I'd ask around here for a used one or try to contact Floyd directly through his website (google it).

Good luck.

[chronolith]

Another vote for the Blokepiece here. Really helped smooth out my rather quirky horn and added quite a few dimensions to the response and sound options. I went with a very skinny rim but I think Bloke also caters to those looking for a Helleberg-style rim.