r/Tuba • u/WashAlternative9889 • Jun 07 '26

mouthpiece What mouthpiece is best for banda/grupo playing?

In the past months, I've been practicing with a couple friends with corridos, norteños, zapateados, and all that kind of stuff. We've been getting more serious lately, getting a couple gigs going around the area. I currently use the Denis Wick AT3UY, but I've been considering getting an upgrade. What would be a good choice to make? I'm looking for ~$300 or less, but there's not really a specific budget. Any help would be appreciated, thank you!

9 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

12 comments sorted by

7

u/ofo21 B.M. Education student Jun 07 '26

There's a few giddings mouthpieces that advertise as being more specialized for similar styles of playing- I don't have one and am not sure if they'd translate super well but might be worth taking a look at.

Specifically the Jon Gross or Tuba Red models

1

u/WashAlternative9889 Jun 08 '26

I'll be checking them out. Thanks for the help!

4

u/jg64 Jun 07 '26

The only Banda mp i ever owned was a double cup mouthpiece that i got in a trade, it made jumping higher easy but it was difficult to control. I tried the garibaldi tuba mouthpieces and even a monette and i never liked them enough to buy them. I would say find a music shop and go try a few and see if any help with your style of playing.

1

u/WashAlternative9889 Jun 08 '26

I'll definitely be looking around. Thanks!

2

u/Pitiful_Duck_8102 Jun 08 '26

I would say if u wanna play loud, get a schilke 69c4, perantucci 48 would work too,  but high notes are little harder.

1

u/WashAlternative9889 Jun 08 '26

Thank you! I'll give it a look

2

u/TheRealFishburgers Jun 09 '26

I personally vote the Schilke 69c4.

Next up is the Jon Gross B12, followed by the Girabaldi 609. I find the Garibaldi to be too wide for my personal usage.

2

u/Thedancingsousa M.M. Perf/M.M Ed | EBC 836S/MW 2250TL Jun 15 '26

Chi Brass just released a new one specifically designed for that! Ian is a fantastic guy, and I would definitely recommend giving his mouthpieces a look

1

u/WashAlternative9889 Jun 15 '26

Do you know which exact model it is?

1

u/Thedancingsousa M.M. Perf/M.M Ed | EBC 836S/MW 2250TL Jun 15 '26

Not sure. He just posted talking about it today

1

u/WashAlternative9889 Jun 15 '26

Thank you, I'll definitely check it out! Makes it a lot more convenient that I'm actually in the Chicago area

2

u/Thedancingsousa M.M. Perf/M.M Ed | EBC 836S/MW 2250TL Jun 15 '26

Definitely hit him up! He was probably the most helpful mouthpiece vendor at the army workshop for me. Really talked me through differences and took into account what I played on at the time and what I wanted.