Advice needed: change mouthpieces?
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Advice needed: change mouthpieces?
I have been playing King 3B with a Bach 6 1/2AL mouthpiece for a long time. That combination works well (or well enough) for me.
I recently acquired a King 2B.
Should I consider using a different mouthpiece with the smaller bore horn?
If so, would you kindly offer some suggestions around what I should be looking for?
I recently acquired a King 2B.
Should I consider using a different mouthpiece with the smaller bore horn?
If so, would you kindly offer some suggestions around what I should be looking for?
- Burgerbob
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Re: Advice needed: change mouthpieces?
Imo, the 6.5 is big on the 2B. As for what you should change it to... No clue!
Aidan Ritchie, LA area player and teacher
- BGuttman
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Re: Advice needed: change mouthpieces?
I wouldn't change unless you notice a problem. I know people who use a 6.5 AL on a 2B. Or you could try something smaller if that's what you want.
FWIW, I played a King 2B with a Bach 4C, which is a larger rim than your 6.5 AL but a somewhat shallower cup and smaller aperture. Then again, I used the 4C for almost all my small bores.
FWIW, I played a King 2B with a Bach 4C, which is a larger rim than your 6.5 AL but a somewhat shallower cup and smaller aperture. Then again, I used the 4C for almost all my small bores.
Bruce Guttman
Merrimack Valley Philharmonic Orchestra
"Almost Professional"
Merrimack Valley Philharmonic Orchestra
"Almost Professional"
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Re: Advice needed: change mouthpieces?
Thanks Bruce. Coming into high season here on Cape Cod. Hope all is well in the Merrimack Valley.
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Re: Advice needed: change mouthpieces?
Change if the combo won't work ... hopefully during a time when you can afford to sound like garbage for a little while. FWIW I am using a 6-1/2A as my alto mouthpiece at the moment and am very happy with the results. My opinion is that too many people equate the rim size with bore size and also assume that smaller is better for high register playing. The chops/mpc/leadpipe/horn work together as a system (add your lungs and air path as well as an additional resonant cavity) and the synergy is hard to predict.
- BGuttman
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Re: Advice needed: change mouthpieces?
Summer concert band season starts in about a month and goes until about the end of August. I would assume it's pretty much the same across the US. Most gigs are free or for a very small honorarium. Not too many professional bands. Too bad the Air Force Reserve Band on the Cape got trashed.
Bruce Guttman
Merrimack Valley Philharmonic Orchestra
"Almost Professional"
Merrimack Valley Philharmonic Orchestra
"Almost Professional"
- Kingfan
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Re: Advice needed: change mouthpieces?
I play a Bach 5 on my 2B and 3Bs. Works for me.
I'm not a complete idiot, some parts are still missing!
Greg Songer
King 606, DE LT101/LTD/D3
King 4B-F: Bach 5G Megatone gold plated
Greg Songer
King 606, DE LT101/LTD/D3
King 4B-F: Bach 5G Megatone gold plated
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Re: Advice needed: change mouthpieces?
I can make the 6½AL work on a King 3B, but I find it a little large for high-range playing (e.g., lead trombone in a big band) and (if you want to stick with Bach) have had better luck with a 6½A (same cup, smaller throat) or 6¾C (smaller, shallower cup). Of course there are lots of other options - from multiple manufacturers - that are a little smaller than the 6½AL; it all depends on your anatomy, playing style, and ultimately your preferences.
Good luck.
Good luck.
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Re: Advice needed: change mouthpieces?
Sure. Get an 11c. It'll work. But if you don't like it, get something else.dfeheley wrote: ↑Fri May 10, 2019 6:14 pm I have been playing King 3B with a Bach 6 1/2AL mouthpiece for a long time. That combination works well (or well enough) for me.
I recently acquired a King 2B.
Should I consider using a different mouthpiece with the smaller bore horn?
If so, would you kindly offer some suggestions around what I should be looking for?
- Doug Elliott
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Re: Advice needed: change mouthpieces?
If a 6-1/2AL woks well for you on a 3B if will also work well for you on a 2B.
"I know a thing or two because I've seen a thing or two."
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Re: Advice needed: change mouthpieces?
In some ways a 2B plays more open than a 3B, you could try a Wick 9BS with it? My K+H is a smaller bore than a 2B and I can get the requisite sound from it with the Wick.
Cup diameter: 25.2mm.
Rim width: 6.36mm.
Throat: 6.66mm.
Backbore: V-Type. Small shank.
Cup diameter: 25.2mm.
Rim width: 6.36mm.
Throat: 6.66mm.
Backbore: V-Type. Small shank.
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Re: Advice needed: change mouthpieces?
You you're happy with how it sounds and plays then I don't see a reason unless you happen to have a stack of cash sitting around to spend on mouthpieces.
Engineering student with a trombone problem.
Edwards B454
Shires Bravo
Yamaha 354
Edwards B454
Shires Bravo
Yamaha 354