Mouthpiece choice in 1.5 range

[claf]

Hello,

I am currently using a Marcinkiewicz 3 on my bass trombone.
I would like to try a mouthpiece in the 1.5 range and have pre-selected a few models :
- Stork 1.5 (Light and Heavy)
- Bob Reeves Mr. Bass Trombone
- Griego GP
- Symington 1.5
- Schilke Bill Reichenbach (which I can't find it for now in Europe)
- Bach Artisan 1.5G

The three that interest me the more are Reeves, Griego and Symington.

Any advice/info (comfort, ease of play, anything) on these mouthpieces would help me a lot, so do not hesitate to share your views on them !
Thanks

[tmarco97]

Hello!

About a year ago I was playing a standard Bach 1.5G, but decided to buy a Griego GP to try out and it was a very welcome change for me. It did not feel like a huge transition, but it did feel a little bigger in terms of rim size, so there's that.

I haven't tried any of the other mouthpieces you listed, but I'd love to try the Symington as I have read great things about it!

[RoscoTrombone]

The Reichenbach specs put it at 1.25 not 1.5.

The Symington is a great piece, I use his 2. I tried the 1.5 but couldn't settle on it. His 2 is bigger than a standard Bach 2.

Bill Symington is on here (islander) & is a lovely guy so will happily answer any questions you have & has a generous returns policy.

Chris Stearn (fossil) let me have a quick blow on the Artisan in a lesson a couple of years ago & it wasn't great - he wasn't a fan either.

There is someone on here selling a Mr Bass - you'd have to search the mouthpiece for sale section to find it. He's in Hong Kong so it may take a while to be delivered.

Ross

[Rusty]

The Reeves Mr. Bass is bigger than a Bach 1.5, I’d say it’s even closer to the 1 1/4 range. I had one that I’ve since sold, and liked it, but always found it too big. I play the Symington 2 and love that.

[WGWTR180]

The Symington pieces are great!

[WGWTR180]

The Reichenbach specs put it at 1.25 not 1.5.

The Symington is a great piece, I use his 2. I tried the 1.5 but couldn't settle on it. His 2 is bigger than a standard Bach 2.

Bill Symington is on here (islander) & is a lovely guy so will happily answer any questions you have & has a generous returns policy.

Chris Stearn (fossil) let me have a quick blow on the Artisan in a lesson a couple of years ago & it wasn't great - he wasn't a fan either.

There is someone on here selling a Mr Bass - you'd have to search the mouthpiece for sale section to find it. He's in Hong Kong so it may take a while to be delivered.

Ross

Ross which version of the Symington 2 do you use?

[RoscoTrombone]

I initially had the brass then as I tend to do I got curious...I've been on the zirconium one for a few months now with no regrets.

Been on that since and recently sold the brass to one of Chris's students.

I'm trying really hard to not stray again but once the madness sets in keeping the beast in check is difficult!!

[dukesboneman]

Try a Schilke 58 or a Yamaha 59

[PSJ]

If you are wanting something a little bigger than the 3, why not try the Marcinkiewicz 1 1/2? Same rim with a deeper cup. Or go to the 1. It is listed as an oversize 1 1/2g. My go to.

[Mv2541]

The GP is in no way a 1.5 sized piece. It is a good 1 1/4/59 size. Also the Reichenbach is a 1 1/4 rim on a shallow cup and small throat/bore. In the 1.5 range I would say look into a Griego 2. It is actually a little bigger than a Bach 1.5 but still fits into that family.

[Doug Elliott]

I apologize in advance for this little rant relating to the previous few posts here.

I've noticed a lot of pieces described as "1-1/2G size" or "5G size" aren't at all. Lots of times people don't know the difference, but like the way they play BECAUSE THEY'RE LARGER. The "on steroids" label in reviews is a clue. The purchaser was deceived by the incorrect description and sometimes incorrect specs too. This even extends to Bach's own specs - almost all of those mouthpieces are actually bigger than they say.

[FOSSIL]

Very fair point Doug. The Symington 1.5 started out as a simple copy of one of my Mt Vernon 1 1/2Gs but the shop messed up the rim. At Bill's requwst I reworked that piece back to the original profile but it ended up a fraction wider inside the rim. I still think it is a 1.5 but it does feel a tiny bit bigger than my favourite Bach, though that is on the small side. It came out as it's own character and a fine character at that...I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it, though I can also say that the SB series Elliotts are very fine too.

Chris

[Fridge]

I have the Schilke Reichenbach mouthpiece. Terrific piece. It’s very efficient. Dillon Music sells them, I think.

Eddie Clark

[walldaja]

I use a Bach 1.5 when I have to go below F just under the staff. Gets the job done.

[mrdeacon]

Both Doug and Chris give amazing advice in their posts. (Of course they do!)

Like Doug said... Most of the pieces on your list are larger if not much larger than a true 1 1/2G mouthpiece. Of the list, the Symington 1.5 and the Bach are the only ones even close to a true 1 1/2G, all of the others are either closer to 1 3/8 or 1 1/4 size.

In my experience, if you're looking for a solid 1.5 the Symington and an Elliott MB J cup setup are the best 1.5 sized pieces on the market. Both of these though are just a smidge bigger than a true 1 1/2G but they still retain the best qualities of a Bach 1 1/2G while being much easier to play. The Symington is the closest you can get to a Bach Mount Vernon 1.5 without spending $400+.

The Hammond 19BL and Greg Black 1 1/2G are both great but are much more modern takes on the 1 1/2G. I like the Elliott and Symington more.

I'll add this... because there isn't much info on the Mr.Bass pieces out there. The specs on the Mr.Bass call it a 1.5 sized piece but it's really much closer to a 1 3/8 sized piece. The inner diameter of the rim is larger and the rim is very round and feels larger on the face than the specs would make you think.

[claf]

Thank you for all your answers.
As I expected, it seems I'll be getting a Symington 1.5.
I was considering Doug's mouthpieces as well, but the shipping cost (and potential taxes) to Europe is a little dissuasive.