Mouthpiece Recommendations

[bayoung36]

I’ll be going into grad school for music this coming fall, and recently upgraded my horn to an Adam’s E1! For years I’ve been playing on a SM4U on my old Yamaha 642S. However, on the Adams, it doesn’t translate quite into the sound I want. I tried out a Griego BB1, and while I loved the sound and tone it offered, it wasn’t comfortable. Every time I would have cuts on my lips, and it was painful to play anything above the middle register.

So my question is, what mouthpieces are there that offer the ease, comfort, and flexibility of the SM4U, and the tone of the BB1? I’ve been tempted to try out the Doug Elliot mouthpieces or the K&G, but I do not know a lot about them. If anyone has any advice or recommendations, I would love to discuss what options are available!

[mbrooke]

I’ll be going into grad school for music this coming fall, and recently upgraded my horn to an Adam’s E1! For years I’ve been playing on a SM4U on my old Yamaha 642S. However, on the Adams, it doesn’t translate quite into the sound I want. I tried out a Griego BB1, and while I loved the sound and tone it offered, it wasn’t comfortable. Every time I would have cuts on my lips, and it was painful to play anything above the middle register.

So my question is, what mouthpieces are there that offer the ease, comfort, and flexibility of the SM4U, and the tone of the BB1? I’ve been tempted to try out the Doug Elliot mouthpieces or the K&G, but I do not know a lot about them. If anyone has any advice or recommendations, I would love to discuss what options are available!

What about a 51D? It is similar to the BB1, but its rim isn't as sharp. Also, Parker makes a 51D version.

Mike

[davewerden]

I'm using the Alliance DC mouthpieces and find them very comfortable. I use the DC4 now, which is the teeniest bit smaller than your Ultra. The DC3 is about the same amount larger than your Ultra. Here I'm talking about comfort.

The 4, being smaller, makes high range a bit easier. The 3 gives a larger sound.

[bayoung36]

Core and sound wise, do you think the Alliance is better for Adams?

Searching for a mouthpiece feels like a never ending journey especially now that I joined the Adams club!

[bayoung36]

Good point, but it doesn’t offer quite the same flexibility as the SM4U. I don’t like how thick the rim is on the 51D. I think it’s a bit too clunky for my face/lips!

[MarChant]

Ah, yes. Searching for the perfect mouthpiece is like the Quest for the Holy Grail. It is also a very personal quest, as everyone has their own preference.

I was very happy with my Wedge.

[bayoung36]

Ah, yes. Searching for the perfect mouthpiece is like the Quest for the Holy Grail. It is also a very personal quest, as everyone has their own preference.

I was very happy with my Wedge.

No kidding! It feels like the Monty Python movie with how many different opinions and options there are for players!

[franz]

Ah, yes. Searching for the perfect mouthpiece is like the Quest for the Holy Grail. It is also a very personal quest, as everyone has their own preference.

As far as I'm concerned, I found the Holy Grail of the mouthpieces when I decided to try the K&G.

[daniel76309]

I have an E1, and for ME, Giddings GW=102 is way better than anything else I have tried. IMO the sound quality, and the feel (and other advantages) of stainless steel make it worth the extra investment.

[bayoung36]

Doug Elliot recommended me a combination which I'm tempted to try. I've only played the Giddings once, and it is a fun mouthpiece to play on, I think it is just a tad too bright for me though!

[dsurkin]

Doug Elliot recommended me a combination which I'm tempted to try. I've only played the Giddings once, and it is a fun mouthpiece to play on, I think it is just a tad too bright for me though!

What did Doug Elliott recommend for you? Just curious.

[bayoung36]

What did Doug Elliott recommend for you? Just curious.

N103 J8 EUPH series, but I wanted to ask him the benefits of different rim sizes because the 103 is a little larger than than the SM4U.

[BrandonJones]

If you like the clarity and sound of the BB1, I’d highly recommend trying the new Mercer and Barker MB51. There’s a standard and solo model. We based them off of a best of both worlds scenario of the Schilke 51D and Bowman BB1. The rim is incredibly comfortable and is super clear-sounding and resonant. Check them out!

[vegastokc]

Doug Elliot is a good place to start and probably finish.
It goes without saying that "he knows his stuff".
If you do not like his first recommendation, he will work with you to fine tune it.

[Magikarp]

In my time I have played on:

Yamaha 51D
DW 4AM
DW 4AL
DW SM4
DW SM3.5
DW 2AL
DW SM3
DW SM4U
Bach 4G
Bach 4GB
Randelfalk RW3
Alliance DC3

I currently have an AR Resonance custom gubbins in Phosphor Bronze with gold plate on order. (26.00, large backbore)

I have had a look at the Mercer & Barker gob irons, and they look interesting, especially the Glyn Williams signature models. I don't especially like his playing or his sound, but something that tempted him away from the mouthpiece he'd used for years, must be worth investigating. I find it interesting that the mouthpiece willy-waving competition over using the largest possible model seems to have died away, thankfully. There will always be someone who claims they play best on a 1G or Wick 00AL, but most players seem to have settled on a diameter between 25mm and 26.4mm.