MP adapter?

[Dan Schultz]

I've seen adapters like this but they have a very thin wall and would be very difficult to turn from solid stock. Once in a while I'll see them in horns that come through the shop. They are usually made of thin brass strip that is rolled to shape.

[Dan Schultz]

The Helleburg I got with the horn looks like it had had something like you are talking about added to it as I can see somewhat of a gap - appears to be two layers on the shank. Could I be right about the gap at the end (using my rigged adapter) be causing a problem or is it just me.

The 'gap' can make all sorts of differences. Maybe Matt Walters can chime in on this one. I have one of his 'Adjustable Gap Receivers' on my 1291 5V and it's incredible how just a small bit of difference in mouthpiece insertion depth can change the characteristics of a tuba. Even identical mouthpieces can have enough of a tolerance spread to make a difference.

[Charlie C Chowder]

I have an 1938 6/4 York with a huge shank. I was told that I could make an adapter for it by wrapping a smaller shank with duct tape to get a shape and then cuttng the tape with a straight line along the shaft, then lay out to make a flat form. Cut some brass to the form, roll and solder the edges together. The late Dr. John Richard gave this to me.

I live in fear of lossing the orignal mouth piece, Charlie C. Chowder

[Bandmaster]

Why not have one of the mouthpiece makers, like Houser or G&W, make a custom mouthpiece (or copy your favorite model) with a larger shank to fit the Alex (or York 6/4)?

[Kevin Hendrick]

Here's another option:

http://www.dougelliottmouthpieces.com/

[Jonathan Cruz]

I have an adapter for my Alex 164. It came from the Alex factory. Give them a call and they will surely help you with what you need. They also make their own line of mouthpieces that you can order from them with wide open bores if you would like to unleash the full power of your Alex.