MPC for a Neptune

[chronolith]

I am curious about the mouthpiece(s) some of you who play Neptunes have chosen.

I keeping bouncing around, sometimes in the same day, between my Bloke Symphony, G&W MMVI and PT88. Admittedly some large mouthpieces for a large horn. The Blokepiece is my go-to for most horns and I usually end up back there. Yesterday I randomly put in a Mike Finn 2 and got some good results out of it.

So for you Neptune players, which piece do you use? Do you only use one in general or do you switch up based on the circumstances?

P.S. - Do you find that you have to drag the tuning slide way the heck out to get it in tune?

[joshwirt]

I find with the bigger horns, a slightly smaller mouthpiece that what you have works best for me....

I'm a big fan of the Laskey 28H's and the Cooley Hellebergs

[tclements]

Helleberg (many makers), Mirafone TU-29, Bach 7, Yamaha Bobo Symphonic. I'd give all those a try.

[Wyvern]

I for years satisfactorily used a PT-90, but the last few months have been playing with MF H and finding works well.

I do not usually switch around.

My tuning slide is only out about 1/2 inch

[jeopardymaster]

Wick 3L. I use it for everything.

[Allen]

Mouthpiece selection is very personal, so I guess all we can do is relate our own anecdotes and choices, and hope that will give you some ideas for your mouthpiece quest.

I use a Stofer Geib. I find that it's not necessary to use a huge mouthpiece with a big 6/4 tuba to get a big sound -- I let the horn do most of the work. With this less than huge mouthpiece I get easier articulation and control. Since I'm an amateur, I'll take all the help I can get. Another thing -- with this mouthpiece, my Neptune doesn't need any more air than my 4/4 tuba.

I have a G&W Bayamo mouthpiece. With that one, the Neptune's low end opens up a bit more, but (gasp) it sure takes more air. It isn't worth it for the disadvantages (more difficult clarity and high range, more air). The Neptune's low end is already fabulous with the Stofer Geib, so there's no need to seek more.

I hope you are enjoying your Neptune. I sure do!

Allen

[chronolith]

Likely some of my issues will come from the fact that I am still "moving in" to the instrument. The more time I spend on the horn getting to know its inclinations, the easier it will become to focus in on a mouthpiece.

Geib was mentioned a couple of times. I assume the Conn Geibs are hard to come by. Where should I look for a copy to trial?

I still keep going back to the Bloke Symphony. It gets the core sound out of any tuba better than any other I have played, but it can be a stern teacher. If I am not supporting air like I should (which is not as easy to do on the Neptune as it was on my PT6) it will let me know very quickly.