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Too large of a mouthpiece on an F tuba

Posted: Sat Aug 27, 2022 11:15 am
by bort2.0
What's the downside of using a large CC tuba mouthpiece on an F tuba? Can it bee too large?

Intonation?
Not sounding F-tuba-enough?
More difficult way high range?

I don't have a proper F tuba mouthpiece right now, so I've been using a Rudy Meinl RM1 and my Thein RCC. Both work just fine, and make the tuba nicely accessible in the quasi-3/4-CC sort of way. Beyond a few fingering patterns to get familiar with, I really don't feel restricted, and the tuba has a nice, present, and projecting sound. It's quite nice!

It's a . 770 bore and a little over 15" bell.. so it's a healthy size. Not a little oinker like the Cerveny 653 that I owned long ago. The Miraphone has much more useful output potential.

Not sure if I should continue with what I have, or get something like a Baer MMVI F, which I've used in the distant past. I don't like changing mouthpieces often at all, so I've hesitated to seek something new just yet.

Re: Too large of a mouthpiece on an F tuba

Posted: Sat Aug 27, 2022 11:39 am
by bloke
I have a Mirafone C4 with some minor dings a screwed-up shank that you can have - to get you by, and for comparison.

(given to me - paying it forward - fwiw. :eyes: )

I'll spend a few minutes straightening it out enough to fit into a tuba.

Since it's 100% silver-plated brass, it has to be good. :thumbsup:

If you've given me your mailing address, I've not saved it.

Re: Too large of a mouthpiece on an F tuba

Posted: Sat Aug 27, 2022 11:53 am
by russiantuba
I used an ancient C4 for years. It gives a big sound, and it was too big and dull for me after listening to recordings. I really like what I am using now, it is very zippy and centered but still has the depth and color. Then again, my F tuba has a ton of resonance.

You should have an idea by now on how you want to sound, and whatever mouthpiece you use should achieve that sound you want. I have mentioned it before, but my DMA professor, who was a long time principal tubist in a full time orchestra, used a LM 12 on a Cerveny Piggy (and later his original York 4/4 CC) and there was no lacking of sound when I heard them. His Mahler 6, Bruckner 9, etc had a massive sound with clear attacks.

Re: Too large of a mouthpiece on an F tuba

Posted: Sat Aug 27, 2022 12:21 pm
by bort2.0
bloke wrote: Sat Aug 27, 2022 11:39 am I have a Mirafone C4 with some minor dings a screwed-up shank that you can have - to get you by, and for comparison.

(given to me - paying it forward - fwiw. :eyes: )

I'll spend a few minutes straightening it out enough to fit into a tuba.

Since it's 100% silver-plated brass, it has to be good. :thumbsup:

If you've given me your mailing address, I've not saved it.
Thanks Joe! Just sent you a txt. Very kind of you, and I'll gladly pay for shipping costs, just let me know.

Re: Too large of a mouthpiece on an F tuba

Posted: Sat Aug 27, 2022 2:11 pm
by Pauvog1
Generally the down side can be more work, possibly a more diffuse or possibly dull sound (lacking normal F tuba clarity / brilliance), pitch issues, possibly a sagging upper register. A lot depends on the exact mouthpiece / player / axe / sound concept. Some folks use rather non-typical choices on F tuba to great effect.

I think Joe offering the C4 is very nice. If you like that "style" but down the road want something a little different (rim shape/diameter, cup depth, more / less open shank/throat combo), his solo line is a great option when/if you want to upgrade. I'm really enjoying the 0 shank on mine lately, but have used all three at one point or another.