New mouthpiece?

[Eufonium]

I have only ever played on the Dennis Wick 4AL, but now I am considering to buy a new one, but I really do not know much about mouthpieces...
I Have played on the Euphonium for nearly three years now, and before that I played 6 years on cornet and baritone. I want a mouthpiece that gives a richer and warmer sound, especially in the higher register. The DW SM4U seems like a good choice, but I really do not have much of a clue. Any advice?

[58mark]

I would think about a sm3 or a sm3.5

[Eufonium]

Thank you for advice, but could you possibly specify why you recommend them?

[Msan1313]

I would try the SM4U, there was one that was in the For Sale section, that might be worth a glance.

[davewerden]

I usually use a 4AL because I like its open, singing sound, but the SM4U is my first alternate. It has a little more center and better articulation.

[58mark]

Thank you for advice, but could you possibly specify why you recommend them?

I think the sm4 is too close to the 4al for it to make any more than a MINOR difference. I have a sm4m, and I just think it's a little small for me to get a full body sound, but when I put my sm3 in, they instrument sounds radically different. It's a large mouthpiece, but If you feel you have strong chops, it's worth a try. It's the one that Steven Mead personally uses as well

[enhite]

First understand that I am an amateur, so please take any of my observations/suggestions for what they are worth. (1) Mouthpieces are so individual, which must be why there are dozens and dozens from which to choose. (2) When I play it, the Denis Wick 4AL sounds too "tromboney." (When Dave Werden plays his, it sounds wonderful!!!) (3) While you are trying mouthpieces, see if you can play a Denis Wick SM4X. Steve Mead updated his design of the Ultra mouthpieces and to my ears, the Ultra Xs sound a little better. (4) I see that you are from Norway, perhaps you could make contact with Tormond Flaten. He is an excellent euphonium player and seemingly a very nice person. (But then aren't all euphonium players very nice people?) Best wishes on your search for the perfect mouthpiece!

[davewerden]

enhite: amateur or not, your opinions sound fine to me! There are a lot of accomplished amateurs and professionals who use a variety of mouthpieces. It IS a personal choice to an extent. Having said that, a 12C is probably never going to sound "right" for a big, modern euphonium sound, so there are some safe, general recommendations. Generally, I think most of the 4-sized mouthpieces can work for most players. 2 & 3 sized is too large for me, but some players can make them work (i.e. Steven Mead). And somewhere around a 6 or smaller you are in danger of having too small a mouthpiece. Otherwise, try stuff! But as you do, try hard to get into a good concert-type setting so you get a good acoustic sense. In a practice room, your ears will tend to like the smaller of any two you might compare. And bring another trusted listener with you to go into the hall and listen from there.

[Kristian_Wraae]

123

[GigaOrion]

I used to play on a 4AL but when my teacher heard me play on a 4AL Heritage, he had me switch to that mouthpiece because he liked my articulation and upper register more. The high C at the end of Horovitz M1 always sounded much better with the Heritage so you could try that. I wouldn't go to a bigger mp if you are looking for a warmer sound in your upper register because that will make your upper register more strained. Before the 4AL I played on the SM4U for awhile but it was always very uncomfortable for me, with and without braces.

[cochranme]

I also find the 4AL to bring out more of the warmer overtones, often mistaken for "fuzz". If you want to explore a more focused sound but keep the same feel on your face as your 4AL, then any of these would fit:

Alliance DC3
Wick SM4u
Warburton 4GD or 4GDE
Mike Finn PS4
Schilke 52E2
Giddings and Webster E1 (stainless steel)

[Eufonium]

Ok, thanks

[Eufonium]

Thank you.
I think that might be a bit too large for me, but your arguent have convinced me to at lest check it out.

[Eufonium]

The 4AL sounds a bit "tromboney" when I play as well, so if you recommend the SM4X I'll try it. Thank you!

[Eufonium]

Thank you, I will remember that when I try