What are your favorite tuba mouthpieces, and why?

ahowle · Post by **ahowle** » Sat Jul 02, 2005 9:21 pm

The PT-64, 65, and 66 are common candidates for an F tuba. There are other similar mouthpieces from other manufacturers that are also commonly used on F and Eb tubas, but I don't know if many are specified as "F tuba" or "Eb tuba" moutpieces.

Also, I'm sure ever person on here will offer a different and equally insignificant post about his or her own personal experience with mouthpieces. For example, I love my PT-88. In any case good luck with your mouthpiece search.

Charlie Goodman · Post by **Charlie Goodman** » Sat Jul 02, 2005 10:55 pm

I like the Roger Bobo Symphonic a lot. It's got a nice, brighter tone, and it lets things like vibrato come through very easily.

tubatooter1940 · Post by **tubatooter1940** » Sat Jul 02, 2005 11:33 pm

I use a 24AW on my Eb tuba-plastic to prevent allergic reactions.

KevinBock · Post by **KevinBock** » Sun Jul 03, 2005 12:45 am

For F tuba I'd say PT-64, for C tuba I'd say the Pat Sheridan O2. Which kind of mouthpieces are you after?

Chen · Post by **Chen** » Sun Jul 03, 2005 12:48 am

http://www.storkcustom.com/html/pressure_buzzing.html

windshieldbug · Post by **windshieldbug** » Sun Jul 03, 2005 10:48 am

Mirafone Rose Solo. Probably because I didn't know any better, but the sucker made my horns sing.

Billy M. · Post by **Billy M.** » Sun Jul 03, 2005 1:22 pm

I use Monette mouthpieces now and am 99% certain that I will not change mouthpieces again for quite some time. I believe them to be a new state of the art and think of them as exceptionally better than any mouthpiece I've ever played. (Thinking back on all Bach standard sizes, Hellebergs and the persistent copies, German style mouthpieces... heavyweights, you name it, I've probably tried it.)

I use the 98 on my contrabass tuba and the combination produces some of the most beautiful sounds I've ever heard come out of my horn. I use the 94F for my F tuba and for a more soloistic sound on my contrabass. That combination works great as well. The 'Constant Pitch Center' technology they speak of on the website ACTUALLY WORKS. Higher notes center better in tune, lower notes speak with precision and clarity and the gold is comfortable on the skin. They definitely are worth the $350 a piece.

Considering you don't like flat rims, the 94, 94F, 98, and 99 won't suit you, but check out the other models. You may find them to your liking.

Hope this helps.

Chuck(G) · Post by **Chuck(G)** » Sun Jul 03, 2005 1:40 pm

I like my custom mouthpiece. It magnetically focuses my brainwaves for better tone. But it only works on cryogenically treated instruments:

Gorilla Tuba · Post by **Gorilla Tuba** » Sun Jul 03, 2005 1:56 pm

Chen wrote:http://www.storkcustom.com/html/pressure_buzzing.html

Thanks for this link! I am not sure how well it applies to tuba.. but on face value, seems logical.

Mouthpiece choices: Here's what I have found works well for me after many years of trying different stuff. I still try out new mouthpieces every once in a whlie, but come back to these...

Form my CC tuba (PT6) - I use 2 mouthpieces which feel very similar but sound different from a distance - I usually use a Mike Finn 3 because it produces a warm velvety mellow sound. My second mouthpiece is a Perantucci PT50+ for when power, clean articulation and clarity is needed (orchestra). I will occasionally use a Marciniewicz Tommy Johnson model for wuitet playing... but this is rare.

For F tuba (MW 45S) I use a cheap Yamaha 67B4. This really works well for me Ind I almost never use anything else. It has a bright sound that has lots of presence. It really makes my F tuba sing. I know its not fancy, but I have't found anything better. Others that I liked included the PT-64, an old Mirafone c4, and the Dillon F2B.

Reach the link that Chen provided... it may help describe why some people have success with narrow mouthpices while others (like me) prefer wider models.

tubiker · Post by **tubiker** » Sun Jul 03, 2005 5:02 pm

I've got a PT - 65 which fits my Miraphone F like a glove - it has improved those dodgy out of tune notes which I put down to my hooter getting clapped out. Better to buy a new mouthpiece than a new Tuba - or at least that's what the wife says...........

tubaribonephone · Post by **tubaribonephone** » Sun Jul 03, 2005 9:26 pm

I use a Dillon-Sheridan O1 for my BBb and my old high school Benge 24AW for my Eb.

tubaribonephone · Post by **tubaribonephone** » Sun Jul 03, 2005 9:34 pm

hmmmm... I forgot the why part of the question. I like the Dillon-Sheridan for my BBb because of the deep funnel cup and the very large throat and backbore. Plus the slightly rounded rim is VERY comfortable. I like the 24AW for my Eb because it's the only mouthpiece I've ever used on my Eb

and I guess it just produces a very good sound and it's comfortable to play.

MartyNeilan · Post by **MartyNeilan** » Sun Jul 03, 2005 11:04 pm

The Warburton-Neilan prototype. I have used it at least in part on every 4/4-5/4 contrabass tuba I have played in the past 6 years. It is comfortable FOR ME and works FOR ME, so I like it

It gives a huge solid dark sound at any volume and the low register is even bigger than a M1C. The weight helps to keep the tone on something like a 186 or a thin belled tuba together at virtually any volume. There is a noticeable difference, but it drastically diminishes on a heavier gauge horn. The weight only seems to have a slightly negative affect above the staff, and the bulk of large ensemble playing I do does not go there too often; the payback in the low register is worth it, and I have other mouthpieces to use when necessary.
Many people like to make fun of how it looks, but almost everyone who has heard it live has had nothing but positive comments about the sound.

The piece is a heavyweight AJ inspired mouthpiece with a mirafone C4 style rim on it. The contours of it fit my pre-operation face perfectly. Since my surgery last December, it is not quite so perfect but still works.

When I aquired my current CC I thought I was going to have to retire the piece, as the sound was just a little too dark and too spread with a thickwalled 5/4-6/4 sized large bore rotary tuba. But, when I heavily soldered the removeable leadpipe in place at several locations, everything changed. Now, all the weight and energy was going straight through the horn, and once again the piece "worked." I complement it with the brighter and very focused G&W Baer.

If you have a special need or request, it is worth talking to a guy like Terry Warburton and having him fix you up. Plus, I am sure he could use the business in wake of his rebuilding. Better to spend a few hundred on a custom mouthpiece designed for you than to spend several times that on a bucket full of mouthpieces that never feel or play right.

P.S. To any who bought the mouthpieces made after the original prototype, they weighed a few ounces too much and the rim was just too big. But, I have heard they make great beer steins.

Charlie Goodman · Post by **Charlie Goodman** » Sun Jul 03, 2005 11:52 pm

MartyNeilan wrote:

[/quote]

People always make jokes about playing into a trash can and sounding good, but...

Chuck(G) · Post by **Chuck(G)** » Mon Jul 04, 2005 1:00 am

bloke wrote:That looks to me like something more intended to make contact with the other end of the digestive tract.

How about a wide cup with a good "bite"?

tubeast · Post by **tubeast** » Mon Jul 04, 2005 7:23 am

How about a wide cup with a good "bite"?

Yeah, those are great for beginners. Habitual no-pressure-at-all-embouchure is extremely encouraged by those.
A definite must-have for all private teachers.

ken k · Post by **ken k** » Mon Jul 04, 2005 12:11 pm

I have a set of Denis Wick mouthpieces I use for various things. I love the rims on the Wick line and I love the feel of the gold plating. I use the 2L the most (Hellebergish) although the 3L is nice (Bach 24A-ish).

I have also started to use the R&S heavyweight Helleberg for playhing in larger ensembles. It really opens up the low register on my Boosey & Hawkes Eb. I would love to get it gold plated. I may do thatin the near future.

ken k

Chen · Post by **Chen** » Tue Jul 05, 2005 11:38 pm

Chen wrote:http://www.storkcustom.com/html/pressure_buzzing.html

http://www.storkcustom.com/html/table%2 ... 0files.htm

Sorry I meant to post this link.

dmmorris · Post by **dmmorris** » Wed Jul 06, 2005 1:09 pm

I'm still liking Mike Finn's work. My blog on the original MF3 can be found here: Mike Finn MF3 (many words). Since then I've switched to Mike's MF3H it plays very much the same, but I like the grip of a sharper edge. I love the way this thing works, especially on my B&S 4/4 rotary! He made me a very nice "bling" version for my Helicon

Regards,
dmm

Mark E. Chachich · Post by **Mark E. Chachich** » Thu Jul 07, 2005 4:37 pm

Bach 7 - Alexander 163 (CC)
Bach 7 - Meinl Weston 32 (CC)
Bach 32 E - York Monster (E flat)
Bach 18 - to try out tubas and as a spare

These mouthpieces work for me in these particular tubas. I rarely change mouthpieces.

Mark