Originally Posted by
XtremeEuph
Hello folks. I have played on a Hirsbrunner euph for the past few years, and have used whatever mouthpiece worked for me at the time. I have been having an OK time with everything I try, but I believe I can get closer to what I want. (This is of course everybody's mouthpiece adventure).
My current full time horn is an Adams E3, which reacts quite similarly to the HB when it comes to mouthpieces. Regardless, the horn is nearly negligible.
I have narrowed down what I believe I do and do not like in the mouthpieces I have played. I have addressed Mr. Werden's chart and have come up with some possibilities that may fit. any input from those who have gone through the rounds on these mouthpieces is appreciated.
Ideally what I am looking for is a:
Bach 4G, with a rounder, bowl like (Yamaha 53) cup, and a slightly less flat, but cushy (Schilke 51D like) rim. That is to say likely a 26.00mm diameter, ~7.11 Throat, rounded cup
My opinion(s):
Yamaha 53H My most played mouthpiece currently. I like everything about it except that the diameter is ever so slightly too narrow. The rim is very sensitive to pressure. Endurance is great but soft starts flexibility take a LOT of concentration. This is me being very picky. Otherwise -great mouthpiece. I love the presence in the sound. The change in size to the Yamaha 54 could ease up some of the sensitivity with the rim and tendency for the lips lock up at inconvenient times.
Bach 4G I like the diameter. It fits my embouchure well. I always have issues with intonation pushing sharp with this piece, regardless of which horn I am playing. The tone feels a little thin - almost as though it is very bright with no worthy brilliance to the brightness. I believe it may be the semi-funnel shape of the cup. The rim feels OK.
Doug Elliott 104mm J8 I played this mouthpiece for a long time- even won a full time gig with it. That doesn't mean I love it. I could never get any mid to high overtones from this piece. Low overtones and thats it. It's a bit odd. The diameter is simply too wide, a 103 would have been a better fit. No complaints about the standard rim. It sounds a bit hollow to me. Perhaps the cup is also too large/deep.
Denis Wick SM4U I have tried this mouthpiece off and on just out of curiosity as a lend. I have a mental bias against Wick pieces simply because I have never liked playing them. The SM4U is free blowing, but feels extremely fluffy and 'dead' to me. By dead I mean a lack of presence. I believe the throat to be quite large. At least that is my perception. If I go from this to the 53H, the room suddenly explodes with sound. The flexibility and articulation on this piece is unbelievable. The rim feels thinner and flatter than I'm used to, but those results are great.
Anyway, all that said, I am trying to find a compromise. Suggestions?
Some ideas from reading the chart are:
Yamaha 54 - But the rim?
Rath L4 & L4 B.B
Hammond 11?
Perhaps a Schilke?
Sorry for the lengthy post.
Cheers,
XE