With K&G mouthpieces I found what I was looking for. I have already moved from Schilke, SM, SMU, SMX and I'm not intrigued to try anything else.
With K&G mouthpieces I found what I was looking for. I have already moved from Schilke, SM, SMU, SMX and I'm not intrigued to try anything else.
2007 Besson Prestige 2052, 3D+ K&G mouthpiece; JP373 baritone, 4B modified K&G mouthpiece; Bach 42GO trombone, T4C K&G mouthpiece; 1973 Besson New Standard 3 compensated valves, 3D+ K&G modified mouthpiece; Wessex French C tuba, 3D+ K&G modified mouthpiece.
I used to go on the mouthpiece safaris as you call it. It tended to get expensive after a while. Then I talked with Doug Elliot. While his mouth pieces aren't exactly cheap they come with a lot of advantages. They are three piece mouthpieces, consisting of an interchangeable shank, bowl and rim. He watches you play and recommend an initial setup. I like it because I can use the same mouthpiece for all my instruments no matter what shank size needed. I just need to connect the correct the right shank. I also have two rims: one normal and a lexan for playing in cold environments. This cuts down a lot on the number of mouthpieces I need. An having someone evaluate my playing and recommend the correct system for me was invaluable.
Since i made the change to a Warburton Demondrae my mouthpiece safari has ended. Will try an SM4XR when I'm with Adams next time, doubt that it will outperform the Demondrae for me.
Euphonium: Adams E3 Custom Series (SS Bell)
Trombone: Benge 175F
I'm with Franz - the K&G 3.5D is nearly as close to a Wick 4AL/SM4UX someone has gotten with a wider rim, at least among mouthpieces I've tried. I think I've said this before but it affords approx 90% of the Wick singing quality with 200% more endurance.
Adams E3 0.6 with SS Bell
K&G 3.5D
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Founder and Solo Euphonium
San Francisco Brass Band
I got the ultra 4XR on Monday and have had a little time to play on it.
It is decidedly NOT like the demondrae, in feel or sound - I’ll post some photos of the rim profile side by side tomorrow.
First impressions are that it feels much smaller than the Sm4x, and it sounds considerably smaller as well. I’ve only had time to play with it in a small room so far so I’m reserving judgement. I will say that I felt it lacked the core sound I’m accustomed to and dare I say it sounded more trombone like than I’m comfortable with, at least in the player’s position.
Again, this is with very little time and in a small room. I’ll have a trusted pair of ears listen and help me evaluate as well as make some recordings.
Goodnight!
A “mpc lending library”. Sounds like a neat idea.
Rick Floyd
Miraphone 5050 - Warburton BJ / RF mpc
YEP-641S (recently sold)
Doug Elliott - 102 rim; I-cup; I-9 shank
"Always play with a good tone, never louder than lovely, never softer than supported." - author unknown.
Symphonic Band of the Palm Beaches
El Cumbanchero (Raphael Hernandez, arr. Naohiro Iwai)
Chorale and Shaker Dance (John Zdechlik)