Man Plays a Small-Bore horn with a Schilke 51D, and Lives!

[JTeagarden]

This seems shocking, given the general consensus expressed on this site regarding the Schilke 51D's suitability for use on a trombone (in my case, A small-shank 51D on a King 2B SS): It's the sound I want, the deep cup, while odd, doesn't result in a flat upper register, all is well, except that the rim is just too narrow, especially relative to the cup depth.

My other small-bore MP is a DE LT N 104/LT F/F4, but while it is a good size at the rim, I definitely prefer both the overall resistance and sound from the Schilke 51D.

Ignoring your general thoughts on whether the 51D is always, sometimes, or never suitable for a small-bore trombone for the time being: any suggestions for something very much like it, just with a wider rim?

My current location makes trying out a bunch of pieces hard, so trial and error via online purchases is about the best I can do as a practical matter.

[harrisonreed]

I could make you a mouthpiece like that. PM me if you'd like.

[Burgerbob]

2Bs can be really, very seriously NOT mouthpiece picky. I've played one with a small shank 2G and it was great. And obviously some people played them with 15Ds! One of the best designs ever made in that regard.

[Posaunus]

I think King 3Bs may be even less mouthpiece-picky / more mouthpiece flexible than 2Bs.
(Though I'd never use a Schilke 51D!)

[Kbiggs]

A good friend (who sadly passed away a few years ago) played a 51D on a Blessing, .500 and a 7 1/2” bell. He had studied with Byron Peebles and Robert Marstellar, but then tuned in, turned on, and dropped out. He sounded so big on such a small horn.

[MahlerMusic]

A lot of teachers back in the ’90s seemed to push the 51D for some reason. I used one when I played 2nd trombone in my amateur orchestra, especially when we downsized for certain works—switching to an alto, .500 tenor, and an 88H setup.

[dwcarder]

I also had a small-bore 51D. Was it a fad? This must have been the mid to late 90's because I didn't even have a small bore horn between then and only a few years ago.

[cmcslide]

I have a small shank 51D that I use on my Yamaha 321 euphonium. Tried it on my 2b, liked the sound but hated the way it used up my chops! No endurance! I have a Griego 5M that I use on the 2b now, gives me the sound I want without being taxing on my face.