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Hey everyone,
I just got back from a weekend at the US Open in Kansas City. They had both models of the new Mercer and Barker mouthpieces there to try, and figured I would offer my thoughts on them.
The 2 models have the same rim size as a typical Wick 4 mouthpiece. The major difference between the MB4 and MB4F is the cup shape. The MB4F is more of a funnel shaped mouthpiece, and the MB4 is more like a cup shape.
I preferred the MB4F over the MB4. The 4F had more brilliance and clarity to the sound, whereas I felt the 4 seemed a bit hollow, although with a darker sound. I felt like I was fighting with the 4 when playing above middle Bb, and the 4F had a more even feel when going across the range of the instrument.
I ended up purchasing the MB4F to try it out, and as I play more with it I can provide additional comments.
Overall, I felt both mouthpieces made the horn sing more than either a Wick SM Ultra (haven’t played the X series or XR) or an Alliance mouthpiece. Both models are a great mouthpiece for brass band players or anyone wanting a warm sound that also has great core and presence.
I highly recommend you try them out! Brian Dobbins is handling US orders and is a pleasure to work with!
I just got back from a weekend at the US Open in Kansas City. They had both models of the new Mercer and Barker mouthpieces there to try, and figured I would offer my thoughts on them.
The 2 models have the same rim size as a typical Wick 4 mouthpiece. The major difference between the MB4 and MB4F is the cup shape. The MB4F is more of a funnel shaped mouthpiece, and the MB4 is more like a cup shape.
I preferred the MB4F over the MB4. The 4F had more brilliance and clarity to the sound, whereas I felt the 4 seemed a bit hollow, although with a darker sound. I felt like I was fighting with the 4 when playing above middle Bb, and the 4F had a more even feel when going across the range of the instrument.
I ended up purchasing the MB4F to try it out, and as I play more with it I can provide additional comments.
Overall, I felt both mouthpieces made the horn sing more than either a Wick SM Ultra (haven’t played the X series or XR) or an Alliance mouthpiece. Both models are a great mouthpiece for brass band players or anyone wanting a warm sound that also has great core and presence.
I highly recommend you try them out! Brian Dobbins is handling US orders and is a pleasure to work with!
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