M/K makes 2 .525 leadpipes, described as follows:

“Our 525B is Bach like in characteristics and our 525C is geared more toward Conn characteristics.”

What are Bach characteristics? Conn characteristics?

In general, Bach pipes tend to be closer to a “1.5” taper and Conn pipes tend to be closer to a “2.5” taper in Shires lingo, or so I have been told. That’s at least been my experience on 547 pipes. Regardless what they are actually comparable to, the Bach style pipes tend to work well with horns that have one piece bells, and Conn style pipes tend to work well two piece bells. That is obviously super general.

I suspect that the 525B is based off of a Bach 36 pipe and the C is based off a 78H or similar.

The difference between the 2 pipes, essentially, is the point where the venturi is placed.

Bach pipes have a smaller minor diameter, further down the pipe, whereas Conn pipes have a larger minor diameter, closer to the top of the pipe.

MK Drawing sent me both models for sampling about 6 or 7 years ago. I do remember that the C model had the broader sound that I wanted, but I ended up buying the B model because I was more comfortable with how it articulated and slotted.

I am an equipment tinkerer, so I ended up opening the throat of the 525B about 4 or 5 thousandths of an inch and that was my primary leadpipe on my Bach 36B and my Yamaha 683 for a few years.

About 2 or 3 years ago, I discovered a leadpipe from a Bach Mercedes 836 (student/intermediate model) and it became my primary .525 leadpipe. Of all the bore sizes, I have found that .525 can be tricky to find right leadpipe. So many of them play too tight for me……the 525C was the exception. Sometime I would like to sample all of the various .525 Shires leadpipes……I’m sure there is probably one in there that would be my cup of tea.

Note: I’m sure that my criteria/expectations for a .525 are a little different than others. My sound concept is probably a little closer to a .547 bore than what many others are thinking.

Brian, when you wrap up my horns and I visit we should try some of my 525 pipes. I've got a few that you may find interesting. The Conn 52H pipe I picked up a few years ago for $20 off a forum member here is hands down the best 525 pipe I've ever played, on Shires, Edwards, Getzen, Wessex, and Yamaha. I don't know what makes it so magic.

[quote="Matt K"]Brian, when you wrap up my horns and I visit we should try some of my 525 pipes. I've got a few that you may find interesting. The Conn 52H pipe I picked up a few years ago for $20 off a forum member here is hands down the best 525 pipe I've ever played, on Shires, Edwards, Getzen, Wessex, and Yamaha. I don't know what makes it so magic.[/quote]

interesting! I'll keep that in mind.

[quote="Matt K"]Brian, when you wrap up my horns and I visit we should try some of my 525 pipes. I've got a few that you may find interesting. The Conn 52H pipe I picked up a few years ago for $20 off a forum member here is hands down the best 525 pipe I've ever played, on Shires, Edwards, Getzen, Wessex, and Yamaha. I don't know what makes it so magic.[/quote]
Hey Matt,

I would love to try that 52H leadpipe at some point. I would also like to try one of Brad Close’s MV36 leadpipes. I think that his MV36 is the most “open” of his .525 offerings.

I’ll get to your horns one of these days. Been doing a crazy amount of conducting in the past few months. Hoping to get better balance in my life (more playing and instrument tech work) in 2024.

I’ve got a MV36 with large shank for you to try, as a matter of fact! That’ll incentivize you!! :twisted: