Wedge Mouthpiece

[tubamed]

Has anyone tried the Wedge mouthpiece? I was wondering if it actually helped give a player flexibility and better articulation. I was using a Schilke HB2 mouthpiece; however, I feel that the rim is too narrow and causes me a great deal of issues. Thanking you in advance for your comments.

[Ken Crawford]

When I had my PT-600 I used a Wedge SG. I switched to the Wedge from a Baer MMVI. The Wedge mouthpiece did seem to be a better fit for the horn as it made my high range easier and being a larger mouthpiece, improved the ease of my low range. The Wedge is a great mouthpiece for sure, but I never experienced all that it promised. The advantages of the Wedge rim design seem diminished because of the size of a tuba mouthpiece. The outside of the rim falls away at the corners of your embouchure on a tuba mouthpiece. I can see that on a trumpet mouthpiece, for which the wedge was originally designed, the rim falls away from the lips because of it tiny size its all in the middle of the lips. I can see how this might help with such a small mouthpiece, and maybe even for trombone and euphonium. But with a tuba mouthpiece, the edges of the rim are so far out already that the Wedge cut doesn't really change the feel of the rim, at least not for me. The improvements I saw in my playing with the Wedge, I attribute mostly to the cup design and not the special rim. Of course this is just how it fit my face, your experience may be different.

[PaulMaybery]

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Several years ago I was looking for a 'magic bullet' mouthpiece. Hey!! OK!!! I'm 68 and can use every bit of help I can get. My initial experience with the Wedge tuba piece was on the Delrin version of the H2. Then I ordered the SG with the euro shank, and then the Sasha Johnson Solo for the F tuba, also in Delrin. I really loved the feel of the Delrin. Expecially in the cold and chilly Minnesota winters. With Delrin there is really never a cold feel to the mouthpiece.

Bear in mind I am using these on rather large horns. BMB CC 6/4 BAT, and BMB 6/4 F.
The Delrin seems to help extend the duration of the practice sessions as the sound being lighter, seems to put less stress and work fatigue on the chops.

My favorite mouthpiece for the BMB F tuba has been the G&W Beltane. As it happens, Dave Harrison of Wedge was working on a Solo F MP for Scott Mendoker. (which was based on the Beltane but of course with the signature Wedge rim) After some discussion, Dave customized it for me with a Delrin rim. A very comfortable MP that also functions extremely well. While a heavier sound than the all Delrin pieces, the Delrin rim gives it a certain lightness, perhaps a little more so than the all brass model.

Dealing with the Wedge rim was almost a non-issue for me. As far as feel goes, it is just fine - beautiful for that matter. It does encourage the corners of the embouchure to draw forward somewhat and intensifying the focus. (Which I happen to believe is a good thing) I find it is particularly useful in practice sessions, but it did take a little time to build up the endurance factor as the muscles are engaged just a little differently. As Kmorgancraw mentioned, the Wedge effect does not seem as acute in the tuba version as it would on a smaller piece such as a trumpet mp. Nevertheless, it is there and does change things, and I think for the better.

One more comment: I do happen to think there is a very practical use for Delrin (or other non-metal mouthpieces) It seems to me that the lighter mass of the MP contributes to a much lighter sound. Some have used wooden mouthpieces, and ivory on serpents and ophecliedes. There are times when in chamber situations that a lighter, more lyric sound is advantageous and the Delrin is worth considering.

As Dr. Dave Harrison has mentioned, the Wedge may not be for everyone. Speaking for myself, I believe it has been a helpful tool in my tuba playing and I would recommend trying one.

[opus37]

I have a Wedge SJ solo that I use for quintet (on a Kanstul 66 Eb) and for my Bubbie. It really helps the Bubbie for centering, tone and articulation. For my Kanstul, it also helps with centering and a tone that rings through. It works very well for me. I do not like it for my helicons or my Martin. It is very comfortable to play for long periods. Like any mouthpiece, it doesn't work for everything. It is one of my primary mouthpieces. A previous commenter said the effect on the mouthpiece is less pronounced on the larger tuba mouthpieces. That is correct, but it still works. If I lost mine, I'd get another one.

[guillaumedu]

I play the SJ Solo on my Firebirds and it's amazing.
I tried the SG in my Rudy 5/4 and i dont like it. For me it like il i lose my sound low F and lower