This large shank Bach 6.5 AL...

[arpthark]

Does this look weird to y'all, or is this just how small backbore mouthpieces shoehorned onto a large shank look? No bevel? Almost cut-off.



I have some large shank Schilkes (51D and 58) that have more of a bevel, but they are all-around larger than a 6.5 AL and I assume they have a larger backbore.

Here's a Schilke 58 for reference:

[bloke]

I believe the Bach mouthpiece similar to that which doesn't have a super thick-walled exit bore - and has a larger back bore - has a slightly different number.

Those work surprisingly well with kaiser baritons.

[arpthark]

With the cut marks and all, looks almost unfinished.

I am playing the Tex Beneke/WC Handy St. Louis Blues March on euph, and the part is either a double of the first trombone or an octave-lower double of the trumpet, and goes quite high for me, up to a high B. I think this helps me blend a little better with the smaller-bore brass and not sound like a big hooting tenor tuba or kaiser baryton.

So, it works, but it just looks a bit weird.

[Kevbach33]

That is actually normal for that number. I've not seen a large shank 6½AL without that thick wall; it looks goofy to me every time.

These models started life as the "Clarke large" (6½AL), "Clarke medium" (6½AM) and "Clarke small" (6½A), the differences being the throat and backbore of each model. These were all(?) small shank models; that's why the large shank models (except 6½A, normal tip for large shank) have the funny tip.

A 5GS, which has the same throat and backbore as the 6½AL but slightly bigger cup (diameter and depth), has a deep (~1cm or so) bevel cut into it. (In the Bach mpc catalogue, that's what they mean by "modified" when referring to the backbore.) Not having played a large shank 6½AL (can't stand the rim shape), I couldn't say how it changes the feel.

[bloke]

Sure.. it's also good for playing high.

My easy-to-play-high Yamaha 321 euphonium case has a Schilke 51 stored in it for the same reason.

[Mary Ann]

All that being said, every time I read "arpthark" just saying it in my mind has me off in the woods somewhere.

[arpthark]

All that being said, every time I read "arpthark" just saying it in my mind has me off in the woods somewhere.

A nonsense-word handle I created when I was 16 or thereabouts, and I have no idea what was going through my head.

arp "not aardvark-related" thark