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Thread: The Original SM Mouthpiece

  1. #1

    The Original SM Mouthpiece

    This may seem like an ordinary mouthpiece, but its significance in what it represents cannot be overstated. Rewind to 1997 as a sophomore in high school, and I had a very limited concept of what the euphonium was capable of as an instrument. A family friend told us about a gentleman, Steven Mead, from England who would be playing with the Motor City Brass Band. That Sunday afternoon we went to a local synagogue where the concert would take place. I had a seat with my mom, grandmother, and little brother Evan, and I had no idea what to expect. The concert began, and this gentleman entered the stage to play with the brass band. The very first note that he played completely changed the trajectory of my music life and career. My mind was blown away with the sound, precision & technicality with which the euphonium could play. Needless to say, I didn’t quit playing, and my desire to work hard and progress has never been more burning.
    Fast forward to September 19, 2022, and I received a package from the UK with something that dates back to that very day I first heard him play. I now own the very first “SM” mouthpiece every produced. This is the very mouthpiece he was playing on that day, and he used from 1995-2006. Thank you Steven for being a tremendous encouragement, mentor, friend & artist. Your impact is immense. I will treasure this memory forever. Click image for larger version. 

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    Ben Dawley
    Music Director
    Solo Euphonium, Five Lakes Metro Brass Band

    Besson Prestige 2052 (Gold)
    Shires Q41S (Medium Shank)

  2. #2
    That's a pretty cool story, I'm sure you will treasure this mouthpiece. Do you plan on playing with this mouthpiece or just having it as a keepsake? Also, looks like this is just marked "SM", no SM3, SM4, etc... What sort of specs is this mouthpiece similar to? Something like an SM3?

  3. #3
    Quote Originally Posted by aroberts781 View Post
    That's a pretty cool story, I'm sure you will treasure this mouthpiece. Do you plan on playing with this mouthpiece or just having it as a keepsake? Also, looks like this is just marked "SM", no SM3, SM4, etc... What sort of specs is this mouthpiece similar to? Something like an SM3?
    The only marking on the mouthpiece is "SM". It is an SM3. I did indeed play on it a little bit. I blows a little different than the mass produced SM3s (I used to own one). It is quite nice, but it will be a keepsake for the most part. I will be playing a solo on it with our brass band in the Spring. The solo is "Varied Mood" the first solo I ever heard him play. I am so grateful.
    Ben Dawley
    Music Director
    Solo Euphonium, Five Lakes Metro Brass Band

    Besson Prestige 2052 (Gold)
    Shires Q41S (Medium Shank)

  4. #4
    Best of luck on your performance, I'm sure you will do great. I had one more thought on these photos that you shared, which is that this mouthpiece was played on from 1995-2006, and it looks like it! I love all the scuffs and wear on it. It inspires me to try spending the next 11 years improving as much as I can through practice instead of mouthpiece changes.
    Last edited by aroberts781; 09-21-2022 at 12:24 PM. Reason: typos

  5. #5
    Quote Originally Posted by aroberts781 View Post
    Best of luck on your performance, I'm sure you will do great. I had one more thought on these photos that you shared, which is that this mouthpiece was played on from 1995-2006, and it looks like it! I love all the scuffs and wear on it. It inspires me to try spending the next 11 years improving as much as I can through practice instead of mouthpiece changes.
    Yeah, you can tell that it's been through its paces, and been played on a TON. Keep working hard and be consistent!
    Ben Dawley
    Music Director
    Solo Euphonium, Five Lakes Metro Brass Band

    Besson Prestige 2052 (Gold)
    Shires Q41S (Medium Shank)

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