TubaForum.net

A Year ago, a bought a new 5/4 Bb tuba and now I am looking for a new mouthpiece that can help me get better lower and higher notes. I've researched a lot but still have doubts about wich one i choose. I heard well about Conn Hellenberg 120s and Laskey 30h. I am more prone to Laskey, but would like to know what u guys think about. I'm also accepting suggestions of other ones.

I like the RT-88 / 88+ for lower playing.
High range is more work in a large mouthpiece like that, but I still find it accessible.

.

MiBrassFS wrote: Mon Aug 25, 2025 12:11 pm The used to be a saying that was popular for a while along the lines of “small tuba, big mouthpiece, big tuba, small mouthpiece.”

Very large tubas can sometimes benefit from the clarity a smaller mouthpiece provides.

This. Sometimes, even just switching from a funneled cup (Helleburg shape) mouthpiece to a more bowl-shaped one can work dividends. See if you can get your hands on a Laskey 30G. It's not so deep (like the 30B) that you lose clarity and ease in the upper register, and it's got an excellent low end. It's also a clear-sounding mouthpiece in general.

If you're set on Laskey, you might also want to try a 30K (mid shallow bowl) or 30F (mid shallow funnel, a model they recommend for 6/4 York style tubas) as well.

What model of tuba do you have?

This is like asking someone what their favorite basketball shoes are. That said, I like the Hammond Design 30L on my Martin.

The Perantucci AMH "Paul der Große" is one of my(!) absolute favourites for a large Bb. Both low and high range speak far easier (and faster) than the PT/RT88 for me, also compared to the other big Perantucci PT/RT50. I also found (again: for me) that the 88 or 50 did not enable the full sound capabilities of a 5/4 aka Kaisertuba. It is a very light and thinwalled mouthpiece given it's size.

@Gabriel TB7 , I'll jump in and say "try @bloke 's stuff. Currently I'm playing his OG Ultimate, but I like his Sellmansberg II as well.

This may simply be due to his facial structure and embouchure being similar to mine, but they work very well for me.

On all my tubas, I have been surprised at how the Mike Finns play the entire range without favoring one end to the detriment of the other. They go both high and low. What I don't like is the too-sloped inner rim because I can't tell where my lips are, but that may not be a detriment to others.

Gabriel TB7 wrote: Mon Aug 25, 2025 9:38 am A Year ago, a bought a new 5/4 Bb tuba and now I am looking for a new mouthpiece that can help me get better lower and higher notes. I've researched a lot but still have doubts about wich one i choose. I heard well about Conn Hellenberg 120s and Laskey 30h. I am more prone to Laskey, but would like to know what u guys think about. I'm also accepting suggestions of other ones.

What are you using now? Do you want something bigger or smaller, and if so do you know how (okay if you don't).

What horn do you have?

Do you prefer certain rim / cup shapes or types?

You might get more clear options, with some more info.

Both the MP's you mention are fine ones. Best way to "know" is to try stuff.

Yamaha Jim Self. Great all-around mpc, especially suited for contrabass tubas

Still best to try or have an idea what you are looking for.

A few years ago I was looking for a new MP and had read a whole lot of stuff about Stainless Steel and benefits. I found a bunch of good content re: Giddings & Webster's products. So, I got hold of Ivan Giddings and picked his brain.

During our conversation he mentioned that Boston Brass was coming to my area for a concert at Yuba College in Marysville/Linda, Calif. and he would set up my meeting Sam Pilafian. This was so he could play my small 3/4 Mirafone 184 and test his prototype 'Sam Pilafian' model Boston Brass MP in it. [Yes, I know, you want a well playing MP for a 5/4 horn... I'll get to that.]

Well, he played his modified Hellegerg prototype MP into my horn.
HUGE sound.
GIANT sound.
Can you spell Bigliest than any other Gidding Stainless MP I've owned/played and much more Biglierest than any brass MP I've ever played? It was AmAzINg


I ordered one of Sam's MPs as soon as it showed up on Gidding's website, the first day it was available to order. I've never looked back.

A few years later I got my Wessex 5/4 Luzern. I did NOT like the way it played with the supplied Wessex 'Chief' that came with the horn AT ALL. Bleah. Got rid of it.

But: This horn plays SO Well with Sam's MP.
Loud and Tasty Long Tone BBBb pedals jump out. I am able to play a smooth 4th valve pedal (F) with a bit of practice. Low Register Notes just plain POP. High Register is also enhanced over brass. Articulation? Easy Peasy.

If you get this MP you must buy the HEAVY Weight. $55 extra. It makes a huge difference. I have all three weights and have played all three weights. Get the Heavy.

Just in case you are interested in finding one...
https://www.gwmouthpieces.com/collectio ... mouthpiece

FYI: I've shared this MP during rehearsals with a bunch of tuba players. The last three shares? Ivan Giddings had 3 orders from 3 players. They are that good.
(I have two - one Titanium that I special ordered on a whim, which I found through use is really no better than SS but is my regular - and one of Stainless Steel that I share)