Posted by Rick Denney on January 30, 2001 at 17:54:15:
In Reply to: miraphone 186 questions posted by Marcus on January 30, 2001 at 17:47:27:
When I want a dark sound on my 186, I prefer a Conn Helleberg. This is the same mouthpiece my friend and pro player Ray Grim uses on his 186 CC. The sound is darker than with the Rose Orchestra mouthpiece that I have used a lot, and also darker than the PT-48 which is my current favorite on that horn. The PT-48 has more focus, though, which some might say is too much of a good thing on that horn.
I also prefer the flat whole step configuration on a fifth valve. Making the change would not be that difficult--you remove all the tubing for the current fifth valve, and replace it with a tubing parts needed for a first valve on a BBb tuba, or thereabouts. It still stick up quite a ways above the top bow, or you can fold it over ala Rudy Meinl. All it takes is money--the parts are readily available. Whether or not its worth it depends on how much money is worth to you.
Rick "still pondering adding a flat-whole-step fifth on my 186 BBb" Denney