Originally Posted by
iMav
How does the Alliance E2 fit in with these?
There are minor differences across the range but basics from memory...
E2 is a 2 rim with a deep cup.
E3A is a 3 rim with a standard cup.
DC3 is a 3 rim with deep cup and extra mass.
DC4 is a 4 rim with deep cup and extra mass.
I've used the E2, E3A and DC3. Here is my experience, noting that everyone is very different with mouthpieces. The E3A, paired nicely with a Sovereign I was playing previously but I didn't like it on my new Prestige, I found it exacerbated the intonation challenges with the Prestige. I tried the E2 for a while on the Prestige, mainly because that was the mouthpiece it came with. It was really nice for low work and I found it really easy to get my intonation spot on but as Dave mentioned it's definitely more taxing on high parts and the minor benefits weren't worth the trade off in my view. The DC3 hits a sweet spot for me and seems to pair well with my Prestige. It's not perfect (no mouthpiece is) but it strikes the best balance for me as a player. I also got quite a few positive comments about my tone after I started using the DC3. So, after using the DC3 for a couple of months now, I've got no desire to go mouthpiece shopping again. Although it should be noted that I'm not someone who changes mouthpieces a lot. (e.g., I used the same trombone mouthpiece for 15 years (6 1/2AL) and when I changed it was only a small one to a 5GS which I've used for the past 5 years)
SE Shires Trombone (1G Bell, TB47 Slide, Tru-bore valve), Bach 5GS Mouthpiece
Besson Prestige 2052-8G, Alliance DC3 Mouthpiece
Yamaha YCR2330 Cornet