cloudnine

Hi there! Big lurker here, not so much poster.

I've been playing for about a year and a half now, and I think it's time to switch out of the ol' 7C. I've decided to try out a 3C, but as I read more about Bach mouthpieces I get a little more confused and unsure, as I'm gathering that Bach manufacturing standards over the years haven't exactly been consistent. I'm gathering that the Mount Vernon era-pieces seem to be the "golden age" of Bach mouthpieces.

I'm also seeing that tons of manufacturers offer their takes on the 3C. Bach, Curry, Kanstul, Laskey. Of course, probably none are exactly equal and can't be necessarily compared, but I'd love to hear some experiences or opinions.

I'm not really a gearhead and prefer to play rather than shop (as a former guitar player, I've chased the dragon and had my playing suffer for it), so I'm looking for something solid that'll see me through. I'm sure any of the manufacturers could give me a decent 3C-size mouthpiece that would work, but I thought I'd ask for some opinions and recommendations here first.

Much obliged!

rettepnoj

I will recomend you to try a GR66M or GR3M! Very nice pieces! The Blackburn 3C is also very good, but looks like crap! Schilke is a more afordable choice, and you should try a Schilke 15 or 14B size If you don't have the chance to try before you buy, then buy a few, and sell the ones that don't fit you!!

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Jon Petter

Hub Van Laar B4
Yamaha 6310Z flugel
GR64M
Flip Oaks Wild Thing Xtreame 5

Brian H. Smout

Hi,
I would second the GR choice. If you are seeking a legit sound then the 66MX cup with the #3 BB is the way to go IMHO.
Cheers,
Brian

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"Swift Current - where we're neither swift nor current"

cloudnine

I'm actually a jazz student, so I guess I'm looking for a "jazz" sound, whatever that means.

The GRs look like great choices. One of my teachers, Chase Sanborn, has a signature mouthpiece with them so I guess I can't go wrong that way. I see the minor differences between the 3M and the 66M, not sure which one I should be looking at. I definitely can't afford two $170US mouthpieces, though. =(

Jarrett

If you've only been playing a year and a half, I'd just stick with what you have, unless you feel it's limiting you in some way. I think all those mouthpiece manufacturers make great products, and I've bought a few mouthpieces in my 20+ years of playing, but, at this stage in your development, I think consistency would have a better effect than any size change could possibly have. If you feel the mpc is limiting your development, get a regular ol 3c cheap from somewhere and forget about new mouthpieces for a couple years...

Just my .01 cent :)

Also, for some context, I started on a 3c, been playing for 20+ years, spent a crapload of money on mouthpieces (Hundreds at least) and still play a bach 3c. I've got lots of money in MPC 's laying around here tarnishing from all those manufacturers you mentioned... not saying they don't make good product, just saying it's HIGHLY subjective.

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Bach 37
4MC/NY BB

EdMann

Your best bet on all counts may be the Yamaha Shew Jazz piece. It's a 3C with a more vibrant sound than most 3C's I've tried and a softer bite on the rim. It's my favorite piece for jazz and legit, by far and costs no more than your average Bach.

Ed

veery715

But what a nice ambiance they create in your studio! as they say in the ads - PRICELESS!

So cloudnine, what does your teacher suggest? That's the first place to look for advice.

veery

Jarrett

yes, I hang them from my house during christmas :)

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Bach 37
4MC/NY BB

ewetho

The Kanstul 3C (not there bach clone of whatever era their 3c) is actually the CG3 in a Bach like exterior. Very cool piece. Nice easy blowing but plenty bright and colorful. Lent mine to a friend and he would not give it back. I had to get a replacement. OOps!

The CG3 is is a 3C cup with a rounder (much more comfy) Del Staiger Rim and a 22 throat and more of a Schmidt type backbore. Best 3c I ever played.

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Kanstul Chicago 1001 w/ Schilke 20D2d 22 throat
Conn 80A w/ CG Personal GP

cloudnine

I definitely understand. It's not that I feel that the 7C is horrible for me or anything like that, I just think that a slightly larger diameter mouthpiece would suit me better.

I'm not out to go nuts and I want to pick a mouthpiece and stick with it for the foreseeable future.

I've been advised to try as many mouthpieces as possible, but that a 3C is a natural progression for someone like me who has a little more confidence in their playing. I could definitely go to Long & McQuade to try a bunch, but I don't know how much difference I would as a) a few minutes on each piece probably isn't enough to make a value judgement for someone with my level of experience and b) I think I'd get confused and not really know WHAT I was feeling after going through 5 mouthpieces.

While L&M stocks a whole bunch of different pieces, I don't think I could try everything that I'd want to. But I suppose it's better to put lips to the mouthpiece rather than throw my hat in over the 'net.

Interesting choice! My first mouthpiece with my ol' first rental was a Yamaha 11C4, and when I bought a "real" Bach 7C I found the latter to be better. But I'm sure the Shew is a better piece. I'll keep it under consideration, thank you.