Starting Configuration

[leisesturm]

Hello all,
I am about to finalize a purchase of a John Packer JP274 Compensating Euphonium. It wasn't an easy choice between that and the Wessex Dolce. I do like the ... understatedness of the design though. My question is mouthpieces. I have a Bach 6.5AL that I was using with a rented Trombone which was my gateway drug into Low Brass. I wonder if anyone knows what the mouthpiece that comes with the Packer is like. I mean like what well known brand is it the closest to in dimensions. My plan is to maybe get a small to large shank adapter and use my 6.5AL at first, or get something like a Shilke 51D. This all depends. If the Packer piece is really big that would be the better way but if the stock mouthpiece is on the small side then I may as well use it. I'd like to know ahead of time because knowing me, even if its something in a size 3, I will try to make it work and that may not be good.

[TD517]

The 274 comes with a non-branded mouthpiece. It's probably larger than your 6.5AL, but I don't remember it "feeling" like any mouthpiece I'd ever played on. It may be fine to play on for a while as a 'while my new mp is shipping' piece, but I doubt anyone is out raving about the throw-in mp. I'd probably go at LEAST to the 51D, unless you are 100% sold on a 6.5AL.

Long story short, it's an object that can make-due in a pinch until your first choice ships.

[Davidus1]

If you are unsure of mouthpiece size Kelly is selling theirs extremely affordable ($16-17 USD) in different sizes. It might be worth it to pick up one until you decide. I have a couple of them for cold weather playing but they work just fine.

https://www.kellymouthpieces.com/MY50PERCENT/index.asp

[Davidus1]

If you are unsure of mouthpiece size Kelly is selling theirs extremely affordable ($16-17 USD) in different sizes. It might be worth it to pick up one until you decide. I have a couple of them for cold weather playing but they work just fine.

https://www.kellymouthpieces.com/MY50PERCENT/index.asp

Euro-shank Euph - 5G - Red Hot - $17
Euro-shank Euph - 5G - Mellow Yellow - $17
Euro-shank Euph - 51D - Red Hot - $17
Euro-shank Euph - 51D - Mellow Yellow - $17
Large-shank - Trom/Euph - 5G - Red Hot - $16.50
Large-shank - Trom/Euph - 51D - Red Hot - $16.50
Large-shank - Trom/Euph - 51D - Mellow Yellow - $16.50

[ChristianeSparkle]

I've owned a JP274 for a while and tried the mouthpiece for a bit. It is similar in size to a Denis Wick 4AL.

It will definitely be a lot bigger than a 6.5AL (I've used that size before I got the JP274).

[leisesturm]

Thanks everyone. The Kelly idea made me remember the Kelly 18 I got when I had a Miraphone 186 BBb tuba for a short while. Amazing value, but to be taken seriously I think I would eventually need a 'real' mp. But I did say this was a 'starting configuration'. :-)