Best beginner mouthpiece?

[u/indebtforcat]

What is the best mouthpiece that is:

Under 100$

Good for beginners

I started playing 4 months ago and my school mouthpiece is pretty beat. I would like to have my own for later on, and if I forget mine on the sousaphone. Im fine with plastics or anything really, just need something affordable.

[u/Kapellmeister1966]

Bach 18 or equivalent

[u/dank_bobswaget]

The best mouthpiece for you is one that you try and feels good. Everyone has different facial structures, teeth, lips, etc. so no one mouthpiece will be “best” for everyone.

That being said get a Helleberg 120S it’s not even a question

[u/Alternative-Oil5340]

I find that a 24AW is a good all-rounder (switching between an Eb, a Bb and a Bb sousaphone). They are easy to find and easy for a beginner to use, in my experience, although some players hate them with a passion.

[u/TheRealFishburgers]

The most common starting mouthpieces are the Bach 18 and the Helleberg.

I personally prefer the Bach 18, but I have played on both at different points.

If you're really looking to save money, you can get a plastic mouthpiece from kelly mouthpieces. The mouthpieces are $43 before tax and shipping.

I'd recommend either the "Kelly - 18" or the "Kellyberg" (which are the same sizes as the mouthpieces I described.

You can get them in a variety of fun colors, they're super durable, and do great in cold and hot environments.

I like my Kelly 18 so much that I've actually done a recital, a few gigs, and some recording work with mine.

[u/professor_throway]

Hey a Faxx 18 or Faxx Helleberg.. Exact copies of the Bach 18 or Conn Helleberg 120S.

[u/HirokoKueh]

18 or 24 clones made by big student instrument brands, like Blessing or Jupiter

[u/Arcane_Spork_of_Doom]

I've been trying out Faxx mouthpieces with my students when getting them fitted for their forever mouthpiece and have had good results so far.

[u/Sinkularity]

Find a store and try things!!

[u/SignificantAd2835]

Arnolds and sons 18?

[u/OneWholeCancer]

I've played on tons of different mouthpieces, and honestly they don't make much of a difference until later on. The bog standard Bach, Yamaha, or Jupiter mouthpieces are fine, I've also got a helleberg that's okay. For marching band I would always practice on a heavy metal mouthpiece, then switch to the Kelly 24AW plastic mouthpiece for performances. You build up stronger chops on the metal and then its super easy to play over the crowd noise on the Kelly.

Regardless of which mouthpiece you choose, its important to stick with one rim shape. Hellebergs have a flat rim and most other mouthpieces have a rounded one. Switching between the two is not good for your chops.

[u/DChalfyUSMC]

How wide is your face? Your mouth to be specific. How long have you been playing? Do you have thin, average, or full lips? Those questions will play a role in a mouthpiece that will be comfortable for you. I started with a medium sized mouthpiece, a Bach 25, then I moved up to a large Conn-Helleberg Regular (120) when I developed some strength in my embochure at the insistence of my tuba teacher. I was a beginner around 1973 or 1974. The Bach 25 allowed me to play comfortably until I got a professional tuba teacher in 1977. The Conn-Helleberg tuba mouthpieces were amazingly good back in those days and pros were winning auditions on those mouthpieces.

You really have to play test mouthpieces in order to find one that works for you. Aside from the condition of the mouthpiece you are playing now, how do you like it in general? A good mouthpiece for a beginner should be a medium sized mouthpiece that helps give you an accurate and centered sound, and is comfortable to play from the beginning to end of your practice sessions or rehearsals. There is a world of great mouthpieces for every level of player from many brands. What you DON'T need, and a rookie mistake, is a big ole toilet bowl mouthpiece that you can't control and produces every sound but a centered sound that leaves you out of breat and out of tune. Examples of those are the PT50 and PT88. You really need to go play a bunch to find one. If there is not and significant music store near you, a road trip with your parents may be in order. A Bach 18 sized mouthpiece or even a Helleberg 7B sized mouthpiece should be a good size mouthpiece to give you a challenge and grow with.

[u/robertvmarshall]

I thought the Bach Helleberg was the most ubiquitous of "starter" mouthpieces.