New Mouthpiece Adventure

[Tim Jackson]

On a whim and maybe a little tuba boredom, I decided to pick up the Giddings Jon Sass mouthpiece off eBay the other day.
Also, I couldn’t resist the description. (listed below) Not sure who wrote this, but what other mouthpiece can do all this?
Besides the boastful and over-the-top description, I just received it and like it very much. A medium (sort of shallow & on the small side) cup and a reasonably large throat do offer some nice playing qualities. Seems like a very nice fit for my 184. It does make a noticeable positive difference, and it will be my go-to for the next few weeks. I do seem to gravitate toward the well-engineered boutique mouthpieces, and this one does not disappoint.
Maybe it’s the dragon’s breath or the lightweight design, but this is one “firecracker” of a mouthpiece on our great 4th of July celebration day!
TJ

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/3a8AAeSw ... l1600.webp
https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/zc8AAeSw ... l1600.webp

Seller: Gently used Giddings John Sass tuba mouthpiece with Dragon's Breath finish. Great jazz mouthpiece, super fast player especially in the high register.

Giddings website: Jon Sass Signature Tuba Mouthpiece – Conquer Every Style with Unmatched Versatility

Rim Diameter: 1.295" | Throat: 0.314" | Cup Depth: Medium |

The ultimate all-terrain weapon for the modern tuba player — designed hand-in-hand with the legendary Jon Sass himself! This isn't just a mouthpiece; it's your ticket to fearless playing across every genre and gig imaginable. Jon, the genre-defying virtuoso who moves effortlessly from jazz grooves and rock energy to soaring classical lines and cutting-edge contemporary works, needed one mouthpiece that could handle it all — and now you can too. We took Jon's vision and engineered it with Giddings' signature stainless-steel mastery: lightning-quick response, crystal-clear articulation, effortless large-interval leaps, and a perfectly balanced rim & cup that lets every nuance, color, and dynamic bloom with ease. The result? Open, resonant tone that's clean and powerful, with incredible control from the softest whispers to stadium-shaking fortissimos — all while feeling comfortable and addictive through the longest sessions.

Why this mouthpiece will become your go-to versatility mouthpiece:

Limitless versatility — Jazz bands, rock outfits, recording studios, small chamber groups, massive orchestras, contemporary projects... you name the gig, this mouthpiece crushes it with the nuance and freedom Jon demands
Effortless response & control — Super-fast articulation, secure slotting, easy highs and lows, and wide-open overtones for expressive colors and killer dynamics in any register
Comfort & playability — Balanced rim for all-day comfort, hypoallergenic stainless steel that never needs replating, and a feel that's so intuitive it just disappears in your hand
Pro-level tone magic — Rich, centered, and projecting sound with clarity and depth — perfect for nailing subtle lyrical moments or unleashing raw power
Built for today's players — Whether you're channeling jazz legends, rocking stages, or recording the next big track, this mouthpiece gives you the confidence to go anywhere musically

If you're tired of swapping mouthpieces for every style and want one that truly lets your creativity run wild — this is it. Fun, responsive, reliable, and downright inspiring. Play it once, and you'll understand why Jon Sass trusts it for everything. Proudly crafted by Giddings — because the best players deserve the best tool for every adventure.

[prodigal]

Your old 186 is a great tuba!

[Schlitzz]

On a whim and maybe a little tuba boredom, I decided to pick up the Giddings Jon Sass mouthpiece off eBay the other day.

Ivan used to be up here in WA. But I'm fairly sure a viola player didn't write this description. Whomever that might be, they have better drugs than I do.