Bach Mega Tone 3C.

andersonengineering · Regular Member Joined: 21 Aug 2018 Posts: 25

First thank you all for the help with the Strad hunt and pointing me in a good direction.

I am using a UMI 3C mouthpiece for the Silver Flair for a few months now and feel very comfortable. The notes below middle C are solid, and I can comfortably get to the G above high C and feel good about it.

I played for five years and put it down for quite a while. Picked it up two months ago and have been practicing daily, mainly getting my chops back. I can fluently read music, so that is an easy break. I am under casual instruction of a family members coworker, just making sure that I don't develop any bad habits, etc.

At the moment, I am focused on getting to the next level as such. My goal is to be playing in a tribute band for Veterans and Active Duty military members who have done so much for us. After that my goal is to get comfortable enough to gig in a blues/jazz band. But right now the task in hand is getting chops back and working hard to advance.

I have not had the opportunity to play a Mega tone with either horn yet, but I am coming to you folks for recommendations and thoughts regarding that.

I don't expect magic, I am willing to put the work in and enjoy it.

Do you think that the mega tone 3C would be a smart move? I like the high mass tone and remember really liking them.

Let me know your thoughts and I am open minded and eager to learn from this community.

Happy Thanksgiving to all, and Cheers!

Derek.

Back in the day (as such) I played with a mega tone 3C,and recalled really liking the sound a lot as well as the feel.
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1975 King Silver Flair
Bach Strad 37
Assortment of FE OLD's Vintage Military Bugles

Mike Prestage · Posted: Wed Nov 27, 2019 3:18 am Post subject:

I can't think of any argument for why a Megatone would offer any benefit in general to a comeback player. However, it might give you a bit of a boost if it brings back positive memories of playing the first time round. A lot of us gearheads spend money on new toys for much less compelling reasons than that!

Mike

andersonengineering · Regular Member Joined: 21 Aug 2018 Posts: 25

Mike Prestage · Posted: Wed Nov 27, 2019 4:10 am Post subject:

You're welcome. IMO there aren't really any valid generalisations about the benefits of heavyweight mouthpieces for players on any level. They're not an upgrade over lighter mouthpieces, even if Bach's pricing and marketing might imply they are. They're just different. Also, accomplished players who prefer them with one particular horn might choose to go back to a lighter weight if they change instruments. This could be to make the horns play more alike, or the opposite - to exaggerate their distinctive characteristics.

Mike

andersonengineering · Regular Member Joined: 21 Aug 2018 Posts: 25

zaferis · Posted: Wed Nov 27, 2019 6:00 am Post subject:

Yes, I agree with the general idea of what's been written, however, I will point out that a Bach Megatone, while having more mass, ALSO has a slightly more open throat vs. the standard mouthpiece of the same series (3C, 1.5C, etc)

So not only it the mass of the mouthpiece providing a different affect, the throat size has an impact.

If you like it, use it. Stick with one! Put the other in a drawer and forget about it for a while.
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Mike Prestage · Posted: Wed Nov 27, 2019 6:11 am Post subject:

andersonengineering · Regular Member Joined: 21 Aug 2018 Posts: 25

Thanks guys, I will let you know when and or if I get my hands on one.

Cheers.
_________________
1975 King Silver Flair
Bach Strad 37
Assortment of FE OLD's Vintage Military Bugles

GordonH · Posted: Mon Dec 02, 2019 12:58 am Post subject:

I was an early adopter of the Megatone mouthpieces back in the 80s. I had been playing on a Bach 1 and imported a 1 Megatone from the USA when they came out. I was doing a lot of big orchestral stuff and looking for a very solid sound. The megatone did not disappoint. I played that mouthpiece right through to the early 2000s. A few of my friends switched too - notably from the 3C to the 3C megatone. They all found it to be more stable and more colourful.

The big advantage though is balance. If you play a Yamaha or a Bach trumpet and put in a normal mouthpiece the bell will want to pull down. Put int he megatone and the instrument will be more balanced. Because I have an overbite the heavier mouthpieces help me to keep the leverage off my bottom lip.

I think the balance issue is overlooked when considering mouthpiece weight.
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BGinNJ · Veteran Member Joined: 02 Mar 2010 Posts: 380

Coincidentally I just decided to get re-aquainted with my 1D Megatone after being on a smaller Warburton setup. It's diameter is bigger, but the cup is shallower than a 3C. Also, the bigger throat takes noticeably more air.
I originally went with this mouthpiece because for years, I used a Bach 3C that had been modified to very similar dimensions

It definitely has a fuller, richer sound. When I used to use it playing with fairly amplified bands, I was able to hear myself better because the extra mass there seems to give more feedback.

deleted_user_0fad774 · New Member Joined: 03 Apr 1996 Posts: 0

I had a Bach 2 I tried to make work for awhile, I liked the darkness, but it felt stuffy, plus it was a little too large since I’m a 3 rim guy. I recently got a 3 Megatone and loved how the more open throat made the deeper cup easier to play. I have found, though, that the best route for me for darker, while retaining an open feeling, plus ease in playing higher have leaned more towards Curry mouthpieces (3TC. and 3TF.). Hope this helps.