best modern copy of Bach mouthpieces

cujazztrpt · Posted: Wed Jul 30, 2003 8:47 pm Post subject:

Mark Curry makes great pieces!

ARB · Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2003 5:06 am Post subject:

Is Curry's 3C mpc similar to the Bach 3C; or is another model closer to the Bach 3C?

How is his Chicago series?

Thanks

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Allen - 'Chops-in-Hotlanta'

Schilke S22
77 LA Benge
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[ This Message was edited by: ARB on 2003-07-31 08:14 ]

pfrank · Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2003 5:42 am Post subject:

Curries' 3C is bigger than a modern Bach 3C, the Curry 5C is closer. Curries' 3C is modeled after a Mt. Vernon Bach (which Mt. Vernon Bach is very relevant) so it has a deeper bite angle than a new Bach (which is good) but he also makes 3Cs that are a percent or two smaller! Name your desired measurement, .640, 645, .642, whatever (special order price).

Jarrett Ellis · Heavyweight Member Joined: 14 Jan 2003 Posts: 649

Leesbrass, I don't think I can agree with you that Bach bites are too sharp, at least for me. I don't play with an even top to bottom teeth embouchure, in fact, Im quite a bit down stream, but I find that a Bach 3c is perfect for my playing, HOWEVER, I have not tried the Curry mouthpieces, and judging from the feedback, I need to , I will and maybe it will change my mind.
-Jarrett
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Eclipse Medium Bell Scratch Gold
Bach 37H Gold Plate
Bach 3c

slip0106 · Veteran Member Joined: 03 Nov 2002 Posts: 174

Well this topic has never been brought up before!

This is only my opinion based on personal experience: I spent years trying to find 2 things. #1) Two Bach 3C's that were the same ... #2) that I liked. I finally found several, although I don't play them anymore, theyare still two of my favorite mpc's. While Curry mpc's are very fine, and Laskey make some very superior stuff, I'm going to recommend Kanstul!

The thing to keep in mind about copies of old Bach mpc's, it just depends on what each company had to copy from.

I personally prefer Kanstuls copy of a Bach Mt Vernon 5C better than Laskeys. I like my Elkhart 3C's better than Kanstuls copy (which by the way is a copy of Charley Davis' 3C). That copy is bigger, much, than my 3C's, made some time between 1988-1990. See, so it depeneds ...

In comparing the new Bach 3C's to mine ... I don't like the new ones. Kanstuls copy of a Mt Vernon 5C is very close to my Elkhart 3C's ... again, just depends on who had what to copy. The nice thing about Kanstul, they're set up lkr the Warburton system, interchangable bb's. They have a fanstastic web site where you can visually compare all their items offered. http://www.kanstul.net

Good luck,

Michael
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*Southern Florida*
I use: Tony Scodwell Trumpet(s) and Bob Reeves Mpc's
contact: slip0105@hotmail.com

DaveH · Heavyweight Member Joined: 20 Nov 2001 Posts: 3861

I haven't played any of the mouthpieces offered here as suggested alternatives to Bach's 3C, but I have played the Bach 3C quite a bit. Also the 1 1/4C. And I do understand about players who need or want something special in the way another mouthpiece may be designed,i.e., rim shape, two piece construction, or special combinations of throats, backbores, cups, etc. I have played Marcinkiewicz, Schilke, and Stork, and always seem to end up back with Bach...and it's mostly for sound.

So, please pardon me for what might appear to be an ignorant question, but do these other pieces actually sound better? I suppose it can be said that a player who needs a special design will sound better using the equipment that is best suited for that player's needs - I can understand that also. But, if I play a Bach and then play a Brand XYZ, will anyone really be able to tell much, if any, difference out in front (assuming the Bach isn't a problem for me somehow)?

I understand (I think...) about consistency, accuracy, etc., but do all the things that these other pieces have going for them actually change the sound in any meaningful way?

I think Bach mouthpieces are capable of delivering a good sound...and they are inexpensive comparatively speaking...I can buy Bach mouthpieces for about $30 from WWBW or Mouthpiece Express. Unless they just didn't work for me for some reason, I would need to be convinced why I should spend anywhere form $45 - $50 on up to well over $100...unless there is a pretty drastic change in sound...

Just my opinion - and maybe confusion? I'm always interested in some enlightenment...

_dcstep · Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2003 10:32 am Post subject:

_gmdean · Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2003 11:10 am Post subject:

I have been told that talking/emailing Gary Radke at GR is a productive step when faced with this question. My informer said he is really knows his stuff and will help you choose something from his range to replace any favorite piece. He also does custom pieces. I am intending to follow this advice in the near future. If you want to email me I will put you in touch with the guy who suggested this, no reason to distrust him. I bought a Claude Gorden personal piece from him and it's just as he said, very comfortable, wonderful sound and unfortunatly so deep it's a real chops killer so I'm back on the Bach 1 1/2C. Now the Bach with the CG rim and sound would be the dream piece for me, in theory!!!
g.m.dean@kent.ac.uk

Mark