Options!

[codyb334]

I am in a position to get a new mouthpiece, a nice one. I have around $370 to budget, and dont mind putting it all into one mouthpiece as a present to myself. I am thinking of these options:

Two custom Pickett Brass top. I would take my Kanstul [based off a Marc. Shew 1 but larger throat (26), and shallower cup and rim reduced to .560"]. I am not unhappy with this piece, I just know it could be better. I would get a replica of the top in unplated copper and in silver plated brass I would make the rim .590/.600 or so. I would get various (used) backbores to find what I like. Never had a 2 piece before.

A Monette Prana BL6. Played many Monette mouthpieces here, few prana. I think I would like the BL6, but never played one before.

Al Cass 3x7 in gold plate. The new ones Steve is making. I had an original Al Cass 3x6 and loved it. But it was "stolen" from me. A little shallower would work just fine.

As you can tell I do like small and shallow mouthpieces for lead playing, I make decent money with my lead position with a local big band. But my other mouthpiece is a stretch from the others.

Maybe a GR 66FD. Same rim as my concert mouthpiece but a flugel cup for a different sound.


All in all, I do not have a needy reason for a new mouthpiece. But, I love to get new ones and try them out. Have done countless trades in the TH market place but now its time for something new. I would just like some 3rd parties to weigh in on the wise/logical decision or even suggest another option!
_________________
-Cody
1970 Bach 37/7
1988 Yamaha 6340ST
Olds L12 Flugel
GR 67L
Monette Prana BL2 S3 XLT

[Andy Del]

I have this thought, after making 4 mouthpiece changes since 1992... if it ain't broke, why fix it? Regardless of how much you love tinkering, you state you earn decent $$$ playing lead. If you are willing to give that gig up, then go for it, other wise, back to my original point.

There are two mpcs you seem to like: Al Cass 3x6 and Monette.

I would look there. For Monette, you could consider a Kanstul copy initially and if it seems that series works, then pony up the $$$ for the real deal.

Anything else is gambling, and most likely going to end up in a drawer or costing you in a trade.

FWIW, when I changed mpc, it was for a reason (good or otherwise), such as my 2C mpcs were wearing badly after some 9 years of use. Then, having changed to Laskey 75 series, I was too fed up with poor service and moved to Monette 3 series. That was 2004. Then to Prana 3 series in 2009. Each move was considered, as while I earn my living teaching trumpet, I still must be able to play, and I was going to change to a mpc that was going to give me good results, not a guesstimate...

Hope that helps!

cheers

Andy
_________________
so many horns, so few good notes...

[codyb334]

I agree on your philosophy. But I know it can be better. I had a Monette B4S S2 that I thought was the best. Then tried a GR 66M and found it even better.

I work hard to keep my lead spot and to play the notes. I loved my Al Cass 3x6. But my Kanstul does the work too. Now I am after something like my 3x6 but maybe a little better. The logical answer right now is to get an original 3x6. But I am always after that piece that is better.... (Aren't we all...)
_________________
-Cody
1970 Bach 37/7
1988 Yamaha 6340ST
Olds L12 Flugel
GR 67L
Monette Prana BL2 S3 XLT

[stevecass]

Hi Cody, I would suggest either the 3x5 or the 3x7 if you are looking for something that is similar but possibly more to the 3x6.

[Gellelero]

[Shaft]

You don’t know until you try!

Last year, I did a mouthpiece safari using Curry 600 series s cup series and then settled in on a JMZ14 It’s about the same ID that you’re talking with these parameters.

“.622" on the inner diameter (.031" from the top of the rim), very slightly concave on the cup about .125" from the top of the rim.”

Dollar for dollar it was not an expensive mouthpiece Safari.

I like the shape and I’m sure any of your pics above can make any alteration that you like. If you have the chance to try some out in an expo, that’s always nice too.

Monette made an MFII Mouthpiece that I really did like. I only played on that one and a piccolo mouthpiece that was a Prana. There was the acclamation that he talks about with all of his mouthpieces and I did get adjusted to it.

I hope you find the mouthpiece you love!

[Craig Swartz]

Maybe put the $370 towards some sort of money management course...

[Dayton]

[stuartissimo]

[dschwab]

This thread is 11 years old, and Cody hasn't posted since 2014.

[stuartissimo]