Mouthpiece Dilemna

[curtisthornton]

Hey guys,

I used to play on a high school marching band non-name brand helleberg, but i just recently switched to a Perantucci PT-50. My sound has improved tremendously (I mean there is no comparison). The problem is this mouthpiece, to me, is a chop buster. On the helleberg i could play for a good 2 hours at a time before i felt any fatigue, but on the PT-50 I can barely play for half an hour before my chops start to give in. Any suggestions on mouthpiece choices that would give me the sound that I love with the PT-50 but wouldn't destroy my lips?

Thanks in advance,
CT

[skeath]

Sidey Stainless Steel Helleberg (SSH). Not everyone will agree with this diagnosis, but IMO you are used to a flatter rim, and the rounded rim makes you use the lip muscles in a different way. The Sidey has a flat rim like the original 1970s Conn Helleberg, and will improve endurance. It will also tend to clean up articulations, but may require you to be more precise in attacks.

SK

[averagejoe]

If the difference in rim diameter is different enough, the musculature in your embouchure could need to adapt. How long have you been playing on the pt50? Your endurance with the mouthpiece may improve over time...do you have a tuba teacher that you consult?

[imperialbari]

I used the PT-50 for several years and liked the sound very much.

The reason I went otherwhere was about the rim being too round and really lacking an inner edge. Staccato and piano exactness took immense embouchure and air control especially in the high range.

However fatigue wasn’t my worst problem. Before changing mouthpiece you may find it worthwhile working with your air support.

Klaus

[Chriss2760]

I second the SSH. I played A LOT of mp's before I found this one. Paul really nailed it.

[prototypedenNIS]

Kelly makes a pt50 copy in lexan which will be easier on your face while still keeping the same size.
http://www.kellymouthpieces.com" target="_blank" target="_blank
they aren't too expensive and come in 18 colours.

just checked their site, this model is currently out of stock.

[tubajazzo]

also if you like the Helleberg type,I suggest that you give the Kellyberg a try. Inexpensive, very comfortable, big sound.

Gerd

[fairweathertuba]

I'm constantly swithching mpieces it seems, so I can understand your dilemma. If you go to a mp that requires more lip to be used (larger diameter rim or more rounded ) you will definitely need to work with it for a week or two before you can really judge. Try to not switch back and forth between the old and new, just stick with the new one and see what you can do with it. If you spend five or six days on the new one and can't play it yet, it's probably not going to work out. Just my $.02 .

Larger mp's in general mean you have to be more in shape to play them, at least that's how it works out for me, so since you like the sound of the 50 give it some time and possibly take a small break every 10 minutes or so.

[curtisthornton]

Thanks guys for all the advice. I've been playing on the 50 since Novemember and I've decided to keep it for now. I'm planing on going to sertec this year anyway so I might as well wait at least until I can try out some more mps.

Thanks again everyone,

CT

[imperialbari]

Wise decision!

Building stamina and consistent playing on the PT-50 will make you a stronger and better player no matter which mouthpiece you may choose in the longer run.

Klaus

[tubadavid94]

You may want to consider a Laskey 30H or a Giddings and Webster Bayamo.

[P@rick]

My music shop ordered the PT-50 and PT-36 because I wanted to try these. I wanted to try the PT-50, but I was afraid it would be too big for me. After some research I've read here and there that the PT-36 would be a good alternative so i wanted to give that mouthpiece also a try.

What do you all think of the PT-36 being a good alternative?

[joh_tuba]

I'm not a fan of the PT mouthpieces at all(primarily because of the overly soft rims) BUT... if you like the 50 but want something more 'human sized' the standard answer is a 44.

Another solution is to find a big funnel cup mouthpiece(similar to the 50) that has a sharp rim. I've recently discovered the Parke Offenloch(sharp rim large funnel cup).. they are hard to find but work GREAT on my PT6R.

The recommendation of the Sidey also fits the large sharp rimmed funnel cup mold and might prove successful.

If that doesn't work out well for you just pick a mouthpiece and learn to sound great on it. You really can't go wrong right now.

SIDENOTE: Anyone know of a Parke Offenloch style mouthpiece intended for F tuba use? Currently using a 28F and VERY happy... just curious about options.

[imperialbari]

Another solution is to find a big funnel cup mouthpiece(similar to the 50) that has a sharp rim. I've recently discovered the Parke Offenloch(sharp rim large funnel cup).. they are hard to find but work GREAT on my PT6R.
----
SIDENOTE: Anyone know of a Parke Offenloch style mouthpiece intended for F tuba use? Currently using a 28F and VERY happy... just curious about options.

If you look for Offenloch, you won’t find what you look for!

Offenloch is a German name, which means open hole.

The mouthpiece designer also has a German name, but Ofenloch means oven hole.

Just for your mnemotechnics:



Klaus