Advice needed: change mouthpieces?

dfeheley · by **dfeheley** » 2019-05-10 8:14 p.m.

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?

Burgerbob · by **Burgerbob** » 2019-05-10 8:20 p.m.

Imo, the 6.5 is big on the 2B. As for what you should change it to... No clue!

BGuttman · by **BGuttman** » 2019-05-10 8:23 p.m.

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.

dfeheley · by **dfeheley** » 2019-05-10 8:26 p.m.

Thanks Bruce. Coming into high season here on Cape Cod. Hope all is well in the Merrimack Valley.

sterb225 · by **sterb225** » 2019-05-10 8:46 p.m.

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 · by **BGuttman** » 2019-05-10 8:59 p.m.

[quote="dfeheley"]Thanks Bruce. Coming into high season here on Cape Cod. Hope all is well in the Merrimack Valley.[/quote]

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.

Kingfan · by **Kingfan** » 2019-05-10 9:39 p.m.

I play a Bach 5 on my 2B and 3Bs. Works for me.

Posaunus · by **Posaunus** » 2019-05-10 10:06 p.m.

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 <I>lots</I> 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. :idk:

Good luck.

baileyman · by **baileyman** » 2019-05-10 10:26 p.m.

[quote="dfeheley"]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?[/quote]

Sure. Get an 11c. It'll work. But if you don't like it, get something else.

Doug_Elliott · by **Doug_Elliott** » 2019-05-11 2:46 a.m.

If a 6-1/2AL woks well for you on a 3B if will also work well for you on a 2B.

Pre59 · by **Pre59** » 2019-05-11 10:28 a.m.

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.

Specialk3700 · by **Specialk3700** » 2019-05-11 10:38 a.m.

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.

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Advice needed: change mouthpieces?