Schilke Style MP's

[Kctuba]

I've played tuba now for 40 years (scary to say) and I've stayed up on most tuba-ish things over the years, EXCEPT mouthpieces. When I was in college you really just had a couple options, and PT mp's were the 'new' thing...

I play mainly on a Schilke IIH. As I experiment here, what are some mp's out there now to experiment with?

[matt g]

The Laskey 30H is based on the Schilke HII.

The 32H is a slight bit bigger on inner diameter. The 30G is the same rim on a Geib style cup.

The Eastman/Schires company owns that lineup now and has them back into production. Maybe that’s a good point of departure?

[bloke]

Would you like to let us know what model(s) (or size(s) or instruments you're using, Paul ?

[Dan Tuba]

I've been experimenting with Giddings mouthpieces over the past year or so. They have some very nice products. Both stainless steel and Titanium offer some different "feels" and possibly more comfort if you happen to suffer from allergies/sensitivities as I do, or you have to play in extreme weather conditions. It's a little confusing to figure out where to start with their line, but they are very helpful in providing recommendations based on what mouthpiece and instrument that you are using. My favorite Giddings mouthpiece so far for my BBb tuba playing needs is the Talladega. I also really liked the Baer original CC. Both of these have a fatter rim, which helps me with my jacked up teeth The Talladega is the most comfortable mouthpiece that I have found as an "upgrade" to my all time favorite 24AW that served me so well over the years.

[BuddyRogersMusic]

If the SHII is doing well for you, try the SHII-CLE. It has a slightly larger throat, more mass, and cup volume.

The Laskey 30H is a continuation of Scott's work on the SHII and the newest ones by Eastman are great.

Bloke's comment of which tuba(s) you're playing will be another piece of the puzzle to help us recommend a few models for you to try. And what you like and don't like about your current setup. The more info the better.

[Dan Tuba]

I forgot to mention that if you go with stainless steel or titanium (Giddings, Sellmansberger, Houser, etc), you don't have to worry about lead poisoning

[Kctuba]

Good question Joe, should have lead of with that. I will be mostly on a 188 and just purchased the 5/4 Frankenstein-Conn from Frank Ortega. Not sure on the bore of valves on the Conn.

[bloke]

If that Conn is one that’s just about the size of an old Donatelli model, either of those instruments sound nice with my biggest seller mouthpiece, which is the Symphony cup and one of the various offered opening sizes of the #2 profile rim.

The least expensive way to purchase it is with a my solid brass silver plated back part, which features both the cup and shank as one unit, and the shank in a size BETWEEN standard and euro, which makes the shank size really similar to old Schilke and old Miraphone shanks.
Being brass, the in-between shank size can also be sanded down to standard (if desired) - by someone with a good eye and a good hand.
The NO-choices version with a stainless steel fixed (bonded) 32.9mm mouth-opening #2 profile rim is only $165… Again: stainless steel rim bonded to a silver plated brass cup/shank.

Obviously, this combination – as well as thousands of others – is/are available and three piece modular stainless steel ($250, unless extra tall rim or titanium coated rim).