Another mpc question

[ppalan]

I thought of this while reading the thread "MPC for Neptune" started by chronolith but didn't want to hijack that discussion. In several threads I've noticed different people using/advocating Euro or American shank mpcs in the same types of horns. I borrowed a GW Alan Baer MMVI (Euro) from a friend and tested it with my Miraphone 186 CC for several weeks and had a difficult time with intonation. So my question is why would someone want/need to use a mpc with a shank different from what the horn is designed to accept?

[ginnboonmiller]

It's a subtle but perceptible difference. Subtle enough that you can play with different shanks on the same tuba without consequence, and perceptible enough that you might develop a preference.

In general, I've found that using a larger shank (which means the mouthpiece doesn't go into the tuba as far, which is what effects the difference) results in cleaner articulation, but less forgivable note-slotting. Which is to say you can't lip stuff in tune as easily. And smaller shanks do the opposite - notes slot much wider. So attacks and slurs can be, what, sloppier, but intonation is more easily lipped.

I go back and forth about it a lot, but in the end I always end up with what's comfortable and I get used to the tendencies.

[Doug Elliott]

...what the horn is designed to accept?

In a lot of cases you're giving the manufacturers a lot more credit than they deserve. There are some receivers that don't seem to be made with ANYTHING in mind.

[arminhachmer]

How about my older Alex came with an adapter. I visited Alexander's
store and plant in Mainz last month. Their newer tubas work with North American mouthpieces without adaptors.

So, it works for me.