TromboneChat

Because of the ensembles I play in (brass band and big band) I have been leaning toward a brighter sound for the last few years. I've tried a number of smaller than 60 sized mouthpieces. The three that seemed to work best were the GP6, 6.0M, and recently the Markey 87. At NABBA this year I talked to Ivan Giddings and told him I liked the feel of his pieces but explained I needed a brighter sound. He listened patiently and then had me try several pieces. I picked the NY-S and have been playing it exclusively since. I didn't pay any attention to specs and instead just picked the one that felt the best and had the right sound. It's a smaller (than 60) mouthpiece but not a 1 1/2G size. I really like it and it works very well for what I do on an everyday basis. If you're looking for smaller you would be wise to check out the NY-S. Thanks Ivan for the advice and attention.

I've owned most of his bass pieces at some point. Really loses its core at soft volumes, but can cut well when it's pushed.

Interesting you ended up with steel on your search to something brighter. Oddly enough, one thing all Giddings mouthpieces I tried had one thing in common: They darkened my sound A LOT.

When I spoke with Ivan at NABBA I told him that exactly. I loved the feel but they were too dark. He had me try several pieces and the NY-S was precisely what I was looking for. I've been using it since.

I like to have two examples of the mouthpiece I'm currently playing so after settling on the NY-S I ordered another a couple weeks ago. I have played both extensively since and really can't tell them apart. My initial observations haven't changed and now I have a back-up should I need it. Thanks Ivan!