TromboneChat

A subject I haven't seen broached: What would you consider good *inexpensive* bass trombone mouthpieces? I'm thinking either for having around in a teaching studio or steering a student towards when the inevitable safari bug bites. I would start with a Bach 2G, Faxx 1-1/2G, Bach 1-1/4G, Schilke 59, and maybe a Yamaha 60B.

What are your ideas for a reasonable selection to try while not sending anyone after a $400 boutique creation?

The Yamaha 60B is a weird piece, really intended for German style bass trombones. I would recommend having a Douglas Yeo Replica around as the big mouthpiece in your sample kit.

Your other choices there are great options. Maybe add a Schilke 58 if you see a good deal on one. I used to have a couple of Benge 1-1/4H mouthpieces around, which was a really interesting mouthpiece - kind of a slightly oversized 1-1/4G.

The Stork mouthpieces are not overly expensive - I see $80.99 on Mouthpiece Express - and are good designs that are beautifully made. The 1.5 compares well to a Bach 1-1/4G but with more mass that tends to make it easier to center and make a thick sound on. The 1.25 compares to a Schilke 59, and the 1 is the big boy.

I've had good success with the Yamaha 58. 2G sized, very good sounding, easy to play, works with a lot of horns, crazy cheap.

I would also add the Yamaha 59, which is just a bit larger than a Bach / Faxx 1 1/2G, with a somewhat more modern throat.

I also agree on having the Doug Yeo "replica", which is not gold plated, as a "big" piece, and yeah it is big on the inside. I also see it in lots of pictures of people playing, and I wouldn't doubt that it is one of Yamaha's most popular mouthpieces.

Might also want to maybe look at a Denis Wick 2AL or something similar.

"The Kit" thus far...

Bach 2G,
Yamaha 58,
Faxx 1-1/2G,
Schilke 58,
Yamaha 59,
Bach 1-1/4G,
Schilke 59,
Yamaha Doug Yeo Replica

I had originally included the Yam 60B because it worked so well on an Olds S-20, and weaponized a Duo Gravis in interesting (not necessarily musical) ways. I tentatively decided against the Wick 2AL due to all complaints about the Wick rim shape, but might revisit that decision. I'm still thinking about the Storck offerings. Thank you for your input. Your experience is invaluable.

GabrielRice wrote: ↑Fri Oct 11, 2024 9:04 am The Stork mouthpieces are not overly expensive - I see $80.99 on Mouthpiece Express - and are good designs that are beautifully made. The 1.5 compares well to a Bach 1-1/4G but with more mass that tends to make it easier to center and make a thick sound on. The 1.25 compares to a Schilke 59, and the 1 is the big boy.

Yes, but they're becoming more difficult to get. Stork seems to have been dialing back (for a couple of reasons) in recent years, and their bread and butter is in the trumpet and French horn mouthpieces. I'm not sure what the future holds for them. If you can get a Stork for trombone that's in stock at Mouthpiece Express, then that's a good route, but not all models are.

Marcinkiewicz 3 is a good small bass mp. Has a rim size the same as the Marc 1 1/2 G-- originally the George Roberts model, but shallower cup and tighter backbore. I use both so switching back and forth is a good feel.

heldenbone wrote: ↑Fri Oct 11, 2024 9:37 am I tentatively decided against the Wick 2AL due to all complaints about the Wick rim shape, but might revisit that decision.

It is good to have because it seems to be one of those "some people love it some people hate it" types of things. I know some trombone players who only use Wick mouthpieces. They love the rim, and anything else they don't like. I finally got a 4AL for use with Euphonium, and honestly it is not nearly as sharp of a rim bite as I thought it would be. I find it much more comfortable than something like a Bach 1G or Schilke 60, where the rim is barely there.

Kelly 1.5 is actually a pretty decent piece in my experience. I don't like any of their small bore offerings at all but I can get a good sound out of the 1.5.

I had forgotten about the Kelly 1.5G, and I even will use one in cold weather when Red Kettling for the Salvation Army. The only misgiving I have about including it is that even though it can still be had without too much trouble, Kelly appears to have replaced it with two others, neither of which I've tried.

heldenbone wrote: ↑Fri Oct 11, 2024 9:37 am I'm still thinking about the Storck offerings.

Stork mouthpieces are GREAT, in my opinion. I played them in all sizes from small bore tenor to bass for several years. Then, I reluctantly tried some Greg Blacks a couple years ago. I was hesitant because I was afraid I would like them (and I really, really did) because you can buy 3 new Storks for the price of one GB.

The 1.5(S) in particular is a wonderful option in the "modernized" or slightly upsized 1.5G range which is where I live.

I have a few Stork 1.5's which I need to list for sale. Included there are two (one heavy and one light blank) which I sent out to Bob Reeves, along with the actual Duo Gravis slide you now own, for them to modify the shanks for proper fit in the odd Duo Gravis receiver taper.

Drop me a line if you're interested and we can talk some more.

I‘d add the Rath B1.5 to the list, at £128 it isn’t exactly cheap but is still very far from $400. The Rath mouthpieces I‘ve owned have been excellent quality and sufficiently different in design to the Bach/Yamaha etc. equivalents that I really appreciate having the choice.

There are some good options from JK (Klier) also, very reasonably priced for the choice of different cup depths with each rim. I can‘t think of any other manufacturer, other than systems like DE, which offer that many options.

To summarize, it appears best to divide this group into two tiers. The first tier is mouthpieces that are generally inexpensive, widely available, and representative of other offerings in its size range. It also includes some similar sizes with alternative rim shapes, none extreme.

tier 1
----
Bach 2G,
Yamaha 58,
Faxx 1-1/2G,
Schilke 58,
Yamaha 59,
Bach 1-1/4G,
Schilke 59,
Yamaha Doug Yeo Replica

The second tier includes entries that may not be as easy to get due to geography or production volume. They may also be love-it-or-hate-it like Wick, recently out of production, or favored by certain teachers and styles.

tier 2
----
Wick 2AL
Rath B2
Rath 1.5
Kelly 1.5G
Stork 1.5
Stork 1.25
Marcinkewicz 3

Thanks to all who freely gave of their knowledge and experience.

I would probably add Schilke 57.