Alternatives to a GP6

[MattR1]

I’m currently playing a GP6 that is a big improvement over the Schilke 60 and D6.0 I tried before it, but I find the rim too round. I’m looking at a Markey 87 or 90, or possibly a Griego 0.75 in NY blank. None are available for me to go and try out, so keen to hear any views. I fear the 90 may be a tad too deep, the 87 rim too narrow and the 0.75 throat too open.

I’m a competent player, playing bass semi-professionally on a Rath R9. I’ve changed in the last few years from mainly doubling to playing bass as my primary. I’ve got bigger mouthpieces over time to a size I’m comfortable on for the sound I want to produce, but the rim is far rounder than the bass pieces I’ve tried before, or the tenor rims I’m used to (LT and XT 103).

I will eventually end up on a DE LB or XB but Doug has a bit of a backlog at the moment so looking for an interim or permanent piece depending how I get on. I play orchestral, shows, big band and brass band.

Apologies this has probably been done to death but am fairly new to this forum, using Facebook since TTF demise.

[Burgerbob]

Markey 87 for sure

[GabrielRice]

The rim of the Griego GP6 I have feels exactly the same as my Elliott 114 rims. I think they are both copies of the Schilke 60 (which also feels identical to me), and I'm surprised you find it too round. Laskey mouthpieces have sharper inner rim contours, and the closest to that size would be the 90D.

You are correct that the Markey 90 is significantly deeper, and also that the 87 feels noticeably smaller at the rim.

Maybe by round you mean thin? Do you want more flat surface for your face? In that case, your best choice is probably an Elliott with a 114MW rim.

[mrdeacon]

If you’re sold on the Elliott setup I’d try to pickup a used LB or XB setup and then place a back order with Doug for a new one. If you’re wanting a deeper cup you can’t go wrong with the L or M cups. 8 or 10 shanks is what most people end up with.

Doug’s latest designs are really good but you can’t go wrong with his older setups either.

[paysonmcc]

I played a GP6 as my main mouthpiece on and off for 10 years. I would agree the rim is very round and a little wider/thicker than a normal GP.

I actually had the same thought as you and bought a Markey 90 to try and solve a few problems, however the inner rim was so sharp that I couldn’t play it without warming up on a different piece first. I think it’s a “me” problem with the shape of my teeth behind the rim, but it is something to keep in mind.

I actually own 2 of Gerry’s personal modified mouthpieces including one that is probably the beginning of the Griego GP. It shares the same rim shape, but is 29mm and a little thinner than the GP6. It fits DE rims, but whenever I switch to a 113/114 it is noticeably slower responding than the stock rim shape. The cup is very similar to a GP, but the throat is a .312 with a 60 long shank backbore. I’m guessing this was made by Laskey when he was a Schilke.

DE rims are a good medium ground and are a copy of the stock 59-60 rim shape. I have a 114/J+/K10 which is a very similar feeling piece to the GP6.