halfnote

Hi everyone, I'm looking for a little help. I'm currently playing a Bach 1 1/2C, have been for years, and can play just about everything I need to on it. There are times though when I'd like something a little smaller but with the same rim contour. I've tried a lot of mouthpieces in the past three or four years and have yet to find something in a 3C diameter with a 1 1/2C rim contour. Is there such a beast, or does this sound like a custom job? Any help on this would be greatly appreciated.

Trombadave

I play a 1.5C. The Laskey 68C measures the same, but feels much smaller to me. You may also want to try the Kanstul copys of Bachs. I believe they are called the B series for Bach, or BMV for Bach Mt. Vernon.

halfnote

Thanks for the tip Dave. I was actually thinking about the Laskey 68. I've got a Laskey 70 for my flugel and it feels just like the 1 1/2.

One more follow up question for anyone who might know; what are the rims on Karl Hammond's pieces like?

Vulgano Brother

Don't forget Mark Curry -- he can stick whatever cup you want on a Mt. Vernon 1.5 rim.

BudBix

My experience is that there's not too much difference between a 3C rim and 1.5 rim size wise but the 3C cup is more shallow. You might want to try a 1.5 rim on a 3C underpart.

rowuk

Hi Halfnote,
what do you expect the "little smaller" to offer as an advantage? Are you looking for a brighter sound? More range? Easier job when you have been a bad boy and not practiced enough........................?

halfnote

Rowuk,
I'm looking for something smaller to add a little more focus to my sound for commercial/pops work and to help with endurance on more demanding jobs. Any suggestions?

rowuk

I used to switch between a 1 1/4C and a 10 1/2E with no problems. Now I switch between a B2 and B4L Monette with no stress. My reasons are the same as yours!

halfnote

Well, I decided to go ahead and order a couple mouthpieces from Karl Hammond. I bought a 4Mb and a 4ML. I 've got to say that these are the best mouthpieces I've ever played! The rim is super comfortable but with enough contour for good attacks and flexibility. Very similar to my Bach 1 1/2C but slightly wider. The 4Mb I use on Bb (Schilke S32) and it gives me that added focus to the sound and support above the staff I was looking for. The 4ML I'm using on C and the sound is just sublime. I may use the 4ML for small group jazz stuff on Bb, but for most applications I like the slightly brighter Mb on Bb. The pitch on both these pieces is outstanding! Very much like Monette's "constant pitch center" idea, I feel myself relaxing more as I play Karl's pieces and the sound just opens right up. Karl is great to deal with and will answer any questions you have. Anyone in the market for new stuff should contact Karl. I know he ended my safari, and threw in a free pen with my order!

richtom

You made an excellent choice.
I am fortunate to live about 8 minutes from Karl's shop and have 3 of the 5 series, which, size-wise, is like a 3C.
In my Schilke B1, I use the 5MLx or a GR e65m. The rims are different, but the size is the virtually the same. I use the GR when there is need for a slightly smaller sound and when playing above staff for an extended period of time. The Hammond 5MLx produces a huge sound on both the Schilke and my Bach 239C. I have two slightly different 5MVs which see action from time to time.
I have tried dozens of mouthpieces from the various manufacturers. All were good mouthpieces, but to me, the two that offer the best of newer ideas are GR and Karl Hammond. (I have little experience with Monette equipment and cannot comment on them with any type of authority).
For those looking for a high quality mouthpiece from a truly good guy and a terrific designer, call Karl.