Posted by Rick Denney on March 31, 2003 at 14:50:58:
In Reply to: Yet another MPC question posted by Keith C. on March 31, 2003 at 13:26:05:
Toothpaste works--it is a very mild abrasive.
The regular Wick 2 might actually be too small. I had that problem on my York Master until I had the receiver taper redone.
It sounds as those the Sonora does indeed have an American-size receiver. Parantucci mouthpieces have an S shank that should fit, plus two sizes smaller than that, in addition to their larger standard shank. They have two shank sizes between the Wick 2 and the Wick 2L. A PT-36 might be a good place to start. Doug Elliott also lists a small shank that is bigger than the Wick small shank.
You should also try a Conn Helleberg, which will have the same shank as the Back 18 but which is a different concept and which has a completely different sound.
Rick "who would suspect a better sound from a Helleberg-type mouthpiece on this tuba" Denney