New Equipment Opinion

asimp16109 · New Member Joined: 03 Dec 2015 Posts: 3

I have been thinking about looking into getting a "lead" mouthpiece to switch things up a little.

Playing insight: I play on a Bach 1c mouthpiece and, when warmed up, can play up to E and F above high C decently well, but I'm not sure I could play entire shows up there (never really had to).

I'd like to get something that would aid in this venture. Perhaps give me up to an A and help in longevity compared to my 1C.

I saw a Monette B2S3 in the marketplace for a great price and was wondering if this would help? I know on the Monette site they compare that size to a 1 1/4C, but I wasn't sure if the altered design would aid in me getting that extra 3rd plus endurance.

Any information would be appreciated!

HERMOKIWI · Heavyweight Member Joined: 24 Dec 2008 Posts: 2581

If you have range to E/F above high C on a Bach 1C then that mouthpiece is working for you and switching to something else won't increase your range to any significant degree. A different mouthpiece may make it a little easier to produce your existing range and may give you a little more endurance but the difference between an F above high C and an A above high C is a dramatic difference you're not likely to cover, or even come close to covering, with just a mouthpiece change.
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TKSop · Posted: Fri Aug 04, 2017 12:50 pm Post subject:

Having said that, sometimes the attitude change that comes with a mouthpiece change can help up there - often not, but sometimes.

If you're looking to make what you already have easier and improve endurance, you can't go far wrong with a Reeves 43C or 43M - neither are so shallow that you're likely to get bottoming issues, but they add some real zip and are very easy to play up there.

B. Scriver · Posted: Sat Aug 05, 2017 4:18 am Post subject:

GR designed a mouthpiece for symphonic players who play larger mouthpieces with lower alpha angles, but then they have to play a pops show and need a more efficient mouthpiece. Check out the 67CT-Z.

From the GR website:
"67CT-Z
This is a commercial mouthpiece designed specifically for players who are used to playing larger mouthpieces!
This model features a medium alpha angle for tons of chop room, a high compression cup, high compression #1 GR backbore, and the C-T rim that many players are familiar with.
If you are a symphonic player and need a high compression mouthpiece for pops or commercial work, this is the one!"

Try through a GR dealer, or if there are none around you, try Thompson Music in Nebraska as they offer a return policy and they are more than happy to ship to you.

Brian Scriver
www.grmouthpieces.com

zaferis · Posted: Sat Aug 05, 2017 5:39 am Post subject:

yes, I agree the mouthpiece won't give you anything, but will assist what you can do. - May make what range you have a little more consistent, less work to get the tone you want (helps endurance), and pitch issues with upper register notes.

I suggest Curry Presicion moiuthpieces. The rim is very comparable to Bach's as far as feel, they are very consistent within a number (all 3's feel the same - something that is not consistent with other makers), and there is a logical range of designs. I find them more comfortable but similar enough that if I want I can pick up my Bach mouthpiece and play without issue.

Just check sizes, i.e. a Curry 3 rim is/feels larger than a Bach 3...
I was a long time Bach 1 1/2 C player that switched to Curry 3's. Play a 3C for "standard" work (Concert Bands, Orch, quintet, solo), and a 3* (star) for commercial work.. I'm not a screamer but often split lead when needed, I'm comfortable up to an F, and when on top of things G's and the occassional A.
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jaysonr · Posted: Sat Aug 05, 2017 6:05 am Post subject:

AJCarter · Posted: Sat Aug 05, 2017 6:12 am Post subject:

rockford · Posted: Sat Aug 05, 2017 6:14 am Post subject:

I've had similar trials in the past where I really liked the sound of my normal, everyday use mouthpiece, but found it to be too much work for 3 hour parties, longer Catholic services, busy quintet gigs, or when I really need that strong F at the end of a tune. My answer was a Bob Reeves Purviance 9AB. The reason it worked is because I liked the basic tone I was getting with it. The other thing that I found helpful was defining my niche as a player. I like to be able to give a true lead player a break when asked but don't pretend to be more than a reasonable facsimile lead player. Switching to true lead equipment simply doesn't work for me as I don't produce a sound I'm happy with. I'm happy helping out the guys that really play lead well. Hope these insights help some.
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Ed Kennedy · Heavyweight Member Joined: 15 Jan 2005 Posts: 3187

Reeves makes a larger diameter, the 43.5 which is closer to your 1C in ID.
The Curry 80M or 80S swould put you in the same ballpark. If you can find one, the Jettone T2B is another good choice. I think Patrick makes a version of it.

Warburton also has pieces of varying depths in your ID, I think the #2 rim falls into that slot. Tim Morrison endorses them with a 2M cup and #6 backbore for pops on his Bb.

Jerry · Posted: Sat Aug 05, 2017 7:39 am Post subject: Re: New Equipment Opinion

asimp16109 · New Member Joined: 03 Dec 2015 Posts: 3

Thank you all for the advice!

I guess that means, in theory, the B2S3 or even a B15 would be something I could replace my 1C for if I feel more comfortable playing it, but not to enhance range. Correct?

I probably should have elaborated more in my OP. When I warm up, I can hit those notes, but I'm not sure if I would play them for the public yet

. Before my gig yesterday I was able to get up to F# and hold it, but wasn't the worlds most powerful sound. E and F were decent though.

If I want to look into, what some of the people I've been playing with lately have called "a fun toy" for lead mouthpieces, do you have any extra recommendations?

I was looking into the GR Bergeron Studio and several Monettes, but coming from the classical world, this is a bit new to me.

Any extra insight would be appreciated!

B. Scriver · Posted: Mon Aug 07, 2017 6:09 am Post subject:

jaysonr · Posted: Mon Aug 07, 2017 9:06 am Post subject:

TKSop · Posted: Mon Aug 07, 2017 9:22 am Post subject:

EBjazz · Posted: Mon Aug 07, 2017 11:12 am Post subject:

Another thing to consider is volume and sound. Regardless of range, if you are trying to play lead over a band at some point you're gonna have to play loud and carry over the band. This is much different than the symphonic loud that you are used to with a 1C. You may find that it's hard work with the 1C. That's why most commercial lead players don't play a 1C.

Eb
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