Ultimate Brass - Chris Bassett

[bassbonebuster]

I wanted to write a review of the Chris Bassett Signature Mouthpiece from Ultimate Brass, since reviews seem surprisingly scarce online—hopefully this helps others considering it! After 20 years on large 1+ size mouthpieces, about two years ago, I began downsizing with the goal of going as small as possible while still meeting my playing demands. I settled on a Greg Black 1 1/2 for about a year and really enjoyed it overall, but I wasn't completely satisfied with its versatility across different contexts, so I kept searching. That's when I discovered the Chris Bassett Signature series in the 1 3/8 range and decided to give it a try. It truly delivers on the "all-around flexibility" promised in its description. I'm currently playing a yellow brass Getzen 3062 with the #2 brass leadpipe, and I've never found a mouthpiece that synergizes so well with this setup—it's the best match I've had since playing a Doug Yeo Yamaha 622 with a Doug Yeo mouthpiece back in the day. This piece is powerful enough for large ensemble work in big venues, yet delicate and nuanced for solo and chamber music. It offers plenty of resonance and color while delivering the stability and fundamental lock-in that low brass sections need to blend seamlessly. The only minor downside I've noticed is that it demands a bit more consistent practice to stay in top shape compared to some other pieces in this size range. But honestly, it plays so well and feels so rewarding that putting in that extra practice time is easy and enjoyable. I highly recommend the Chris Bassett Signature for anyone exploring options between a 1 1/2 and 1 1/4. If you're looking for a versatile, high-performance bass trombone mouthpiece that handles everything from orchestral power to chamber subtlety, this one is worth trying—it's become my go-to.

[Rusty]

Sounds like a nice piece! Did you get a chance to compare it to the Greg Black 1 3/8G or 7/16G?

[bassbone1993]

Or better yet, one of the Griego Markey pieces? I wouldn't be surprised if he was playing on a Markey before developing his Ult brass model.

[GabrielRice]

AFAIK, Chris was playing a Griego GP previously.

[bassbonebuster]

Sounds like a nice piece! Did you get a chance to compare it to the Greg Black 1 3/8G or 7/16G?

No, I haven't tried the 1 7/16" yet—still curious about it though. I did spend some time on a 1 3/8", and while the blow felt nice and open, the overall balance wasn't there compared to my 1 1/2". It gave me this kind of woofy, slightly unfocused version of my normal sound—so I switched right back. The Bassett really hits that perfect sweet spot for me right now: tons of zing and color up front, a solid fundamental down low, great section blend, nice grace for the soft/lyrical stuff, and enough power when you need to open up. Super satisfying all-around without feeling like a compromise. As for the Markeys, I haven't touched them since I downsized my setup. Back when I was on bigger gear—like the GB Lone Star and the Brian Hecht Audition 0—they felt way too constrained and locked-in for what I was after at the time. Downsizing probably changed how they'd feel now, too, but I haven't revisited. Bassett's piece caught my eye because it is a signature piece designed especially for the smaller range, not a downsized or upsized version of someone's signature piece.