C4 vs TU23

[MiBrassFS]

Over the years I’ve kept a lot of stuff around to keep options open. Different mouthpieces to fit to different instruments as an example. In the bag of tricks, I have a number of C4/TU23 and related pieces. Here’s a question…

Aside from piece to piece individual example variations, has anyone done a “deep dive” study of any differences, if any, between the ones stamped C4 and ones TU23? If someone has, what are the actual physical, hard fact measurement differences you found?

Seems to me they’re pretty similar. Is this a “I just want a C4” nostalgia thing? Don’t get me wrong, I like me some vintage everything.

What say ye, oh TubaForum?

[Cameron Gates]

I used a C4 on F tuba since I got my first F in 1991. It seemed to me that the C4 was a F tuba mouthpiece, so I went with it. Then in 1993 while in grad school I lost it. Worst feeling ever.

When I called WWBW or Tuba Exchange (don't remember which) to order a new C4 they sent me a TU23. I never paid attention to the number on the mouthpiece. To me it was exactly the same thing, only new.

I would imagine that this heart warming story does not help you in the least, however I believe that they are exactly the same mouthpiece.

Miraphone also gave my favorite CC mouthpiece, the Rose Orchestra model, a new TUxx model number but continued to also add the name "Rose Orchestra" with the new number. This proves????? that Miraphone must have just changed their numbering system and did not change the mouthpieces?????????

This is a hill I will die on if need be.

[MiBrassFS]

Heart warmed. Because…

A.) That is my experience with them as well. Seems the same when nostalgia is removed from the equation.

2.) I’m pretty sure I mailed you a Rose mouthpiece of some sort. TE maybe. You’re consistent.

D.) Glad to see you’re still out and about.

[kingrob76]

I used a C4 on F tuba since I got my first F in 1991. It seemed to me that the C4 was a F tuba mouthpiece, so I went with it. Then in 1993 while in grad school I lost it. Worst feeling ever.

Found your C4 at the lost and found at the Frontier Restaurant. They might still have it.

[Cameron Gates]

I used a C4 on F tuba since I got my first F in 1991. It seemed to me that the C4 was a F tuba mouthpiece, so I went with it. Then in 1993 while in grad school I lost it. Worst feeling ever.

Found your C4 at the lost and found at the Frontier Restaurant. They might still have it.

That’s great Rob. Did you happen to notice if my youth and my patience for academic musicology bibliography and research crap were there too? I seemed to have lost them also.

The green chile stew and Frontier cinnamon rolls are missed. Bigly. Walter White and Tuco Salamanca’s version of Albuquerque sure wasn’t mine.

[davidgilbreath]

"patience for academic musicology bibliography and research crap"

As a septuagenarian, I see so many applications of this partial quote to real life. This is worthy of stealing and claiming it for my own use. Thank you, Cameron.

David Gilbreath