Posted by Matt G on November 07, 2001 at 14:30:38:
In Reply to: "starter" tuba mouthpiece posted by Graham Smith on November 07, 2001 at 11:36:23:
I personally would try a Bach (or a copy) 24AW. This is a very comfortable mouthpiece to get reaquainted to the tuba with. The rim is a very effective cushion rim and is not such a huge inside diameter that it you may "fall" into the horn. The cup is fairly deep, so that the horn will retain a full sound. Also, the troat is fairly large, which can actually help a "starter". If the mouthpiece coming with the horn is a C4, it actually won't be that bad either. If your situation allows, go to a nearby retailer and try a few mouthpieces and see what works best. The Bach 24AW, Bach 18, and the Conn Helleberg are usually stock type mouthpieces. Use the one you choose until everything starts to feel "normal" again and then maybe consult a specialty shop and get there opinion on some mouthpieces or contact a mouthpiece maker directly like Terry Warburton or Doug Eliiot and get their info. I would try the 24AW first, as it seems to work for most people right off the bat, plus the Bach and its copies (Faxx, Blessing, etc..) can be had for very little money, in comparison.
Good Luck,
Matt G