Mead mouthpiece question

[JTJ]

In the video Dave linked to here

http://www.dwerden.com/forum/showthr...e#.XmGi3JNKifU

it seems Steve is using a mouthpiece I don't recognize. Can someone identify it for me?

Thanks,

John

[JTJ]

Well, to answer my own question, sort of, here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alXcOzzy658

someone asks that in the comments, and Steve answers it is "secret, for now."

This is a beautiful, lyrical movement and it is played with great sensitivity. The sound is tighter; I keep thinking of a French horn sound. Wish i could have heard this live.

[davewerden]

I communicated with Steve on Jan. 12 and he said it might be a few months before it can be announced. I'm intrigued because of the exterior shape, which is similar to the classic Wick. The more I try other mouthpieces, the more I think the openness of the 4AL is compromised by mouthpieces with a more convex outer shape.

If I hear more I'll let you know. Wick has some other new products already in the launch queue, I believe, and they don't want those to stomp on this new mp's release.

[franz]

In the video Dave linked to here

http://www.dwerden.com/forum/showthr...e#.XmGi3JNKifU

it seems Steve is using a mouthpiece I don't recognize. Can someone identify it for me?

Thanks,

John

I had the opportunity to try it recently at a masterclass with Steven Mead: the shape resembles that of the classic model with much more mass on the rim and the rounded edge of XR. I can't say anything else as it was a small size for me and I only played a few notes with it.If I remember correctly Steven said the new mouthpiece will be called " Mythos".

[Anorak-Horn]

This intrigues me greatly, as I have been wanting to get a new piece for a while, and was almost 100% settled on a Wick Ultra 5X, to replace my Bach 5G. I always loved the sound the standard Wicks gave me, but the rim always felt uncomfortable after 10 minutes of playing, whereas the Bach doesn't tire me out so much.

I'll watch with keen interest when this 'Mythos'piece comes to market.

[DEF1]

His new mouthpiece is based on a mix of the original SM mouthpiece and the Ultra. He says that he has tried to get the best from both of those mouthpieces into a new design.

[miketeachesclass]

I’ve heard that it may still be quite a while before it becomes available, though.

His new mouthpiece is based on a mix of the original SM mouthpiece and the Ultra. He says that he has tried to get the best from both of those mouthpieces into a new design.

[DEF1]

I’ve heard that it may still be quite a while before it becomes available, though.

Yes Mike,

I believe it has been delayed due to one of the guys at the factory who was heavily involved with production suddenly passing away and further delayed by covid shutting everything down.

[JTJ]

Well, I look forward to trying it. I played the SM3 for years, then switched to the SM3U, which was great except it was hard on the chops for extended playing periods. I tried the SM3X, but it felt too tight on the face and interfered with my high range after I was fully warmed up. Ironically, the best MP for me has been the Alliance E2, which was briefly sold as the "Mead 2." So I'm playing a Mead 2, but will want to see how the new model Wick works for me.

[daruby]

I play the 4AL most of the time, but also play the Alliance E3 and my DE Euph J9 103. I also love the sound of my Alliance E3 (aka Prestige E3) but suffer from stamina issues after 1-2 hours of playing unless I am in the 2-3 hours/day of practice mode (which I am NOT). The DE has a better sound than the 4AL also and my stamina is fine for most normal wind band work, but stamina as solo euph in the NEBB was an issue. If you include the Alliance mouthpiece, Mr. Mead has had 5 signature series of mouthpieces not counting the newest one since the original SM series. Before the SM3/3.5 I suspect he played a Wick 3AL...

[superted]

Steve's latest Q and A (on YouTube) talks about the Alliance mouthpieces. He talk about why he prefers the Ultra.

He also said Alliance and Wick mouthpieces are made in the same Wick factory, for many years I thought they were competitors!

His new mouthpiece sounds really good. I'm pretty sure I'll be ordering one when it becomes available (I'm currently on a SM4U).

[guidocorona]

Hello Superted, how about posting a link to Mead's Youtube in question.

Thanks, Guido

[superted]

https://youtu.be/xSFnrGGhqsY

[guidocorona]

Thank you SuperTed, link very much appreciated! G.

[Micah.Dominic.Parsons-OFFLINE]

Hello everyone,

I was intrigued to spot this post and I am rather impressed to see how quick people have noticed Steve's new mouthpiece.

Many Thanks,

Micah Dominic Parsons