Posted by Will Traphagan on July 31, 2000 at 11:50:29:
In Reply to: B&S PT-3 posted by James on July 29, 2000 at 10:24:35:
James — That's good advice from Joseph! I use my PT3 for orchestra work, and it serves me well in all registers and at all dynamic levels. I would also second Joseph's suggestion concerning the PT88 mouthpiece as a good match for the horn. (It does like a deep cup along the lines of the 88 or the new PT88 Mega.) Another good possibility would be a Doug Elliott "T" cup, with a 5E or 6E shank and rim of your choice. In my experience, it takes a while to "learn" the PT3, i.e., how to direct the airstream and the amount of airstream intensity needed, particularly in the low register, but steady practice will pay off. I would highly recommend getting a copy of Wes Jacobs' "Low Register Studies" from Encore Publishers — "used as directec," the exercises it contains are great for opening up your sound. Bottom line? — the PT3 is an excellent instrument and certainly a very usuable orchestra tuba. Good luck!