Needed: an inexpensive small shank mouthpiece.

[TMurphy]

Recently I found a pair of small upright Eb tubas in our high school's storage room that are in good working order. The HS isn't using them, and said I could take them to use at my school. All I need is a mouthpiece, and unfortunately both horns have very small receivers. My usual mouthpiece barely fit in the receivers, and makes the horns play extremely flat. I know Denis Wick makes small shank mouthpieces, but I'd rather try and find something used, and less expensive, especially since I'll be handing it to a 6th grader.

Any suggestions? Anyone have a small shank mouthpiece they'd be willing to sell?

[imperialbari]

For young students (Kelly) bassbone mouthpieces might be the real thing.

Klaus

[Kevin Hendrick]

For young students (Kelly) bassbone mouthpieces might be the real thing.

Klaus

Looks like Kelly still have some 1-1/2Gs available -- might be worth a try.

[DaTweeka]

I just use a giant euph piece on mine (a Denis Wick 2AL). If you wanted to, you could probably order one of the BIG Giddings and Webster bass trombone mouthpieces (like a chinook or nor'easter). The things last about forever, don't have plating that wears of, and the biggest dent I've ever put in mine just discolored the metal a little. That said, they've got a really different feel to them, they're crazy expensive, and you'd only get one for twice the money of bloke's two 24AW's.

[iiipopes]

Do what Bloke says.

[imperialbari]

Altering loaner instruments? In my book a no-no unless there are very clear conditions for the loan, which would involve paperwork between the schools at top administrative levels.

Some of the most negative writing about the 24AW here on TubeNet to my knowledge was from a pro-level player, who found that model having too odd proportions to further good control of articulation and other aspects of playing. Suggesting it for tubas clearly directed towards young players appears a bit weird to me.

But then when somebody makes two contradicting suggestions it is easy to back that by a default: Follow Him!

Klaus

[Art Hovey]

Bloke's mouthpieces sound like a very good deal, although 24AW may be a bit big for Eb tubas. My choice would be to get some Kelly 25s and shave down the shanks. It's not hard to do so with nothing but a file, but it's easier with a lathe if you have one.

[Jinkrott]

Mouthpiece in the pic that I sent should arrive on Friday. I hope it fits.

[TMurphy]

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. Jinkrott--thanks a bunch for sending it to me! Once I get it, I'll check it out and let you know if it doesn't. Bloke, if that mouthpiece doesn't fit, I will message you about yours.

[Jinkrott]

Does it fit?