TromboneChat

Hello.
I play a Michael Rath R9. Its specifications are an independent ROTAX valve system, a 9-1/2" red brass bell, and a parallel bore lightweight nickel silver slide.
I'm struggling to choose a new mouthpiece and would appreciate any recommendations you might have.
Currently, I use a Griego Markey 85. Before that, I used models like the YEO, the Marcinkiewicz Reichenbach model, and JK.
I am now considering the W.C. Schmidt USA1-1/4. What are your thoughts on this choice?

You seen to have gone through multiple mouthpieces. What exactly did the mouthpieces you tried previously not do that you wanted them to? The ones that you mentioned are WAYYY different in how they play. I don't know much about the JK 01BK-L or the EBT1 Reichenbach model, but the Yeo has a huge cup volume compared to most mouthpieces.

What is the Markey 85 not doing that you want it to? Also, what leadpipe are you using with the Rath? I would think most mouthpieces would work well with a Rath horn, but I don't know what your sound concept is. For myself, I tend to use different mouthpieces based on the horn and also based on the repertoire.

Markey 85 should be a great match.

Maybe ask Tim at Rath's? Mind, they will probably recommend one of theirs!

Rath R9s are pretty mouthpiece tolerant. Most sizes can be made to work. There are some good mouthpieces in the Rath line-up , some of which I designed. Leadpipes are another way of fine tuning your setup. You can spend a lot on pipes and mouthpieces and in the end practice is the most important element of all.

I remember in the early days of Rath players like Blast and others who were involved in the "testing phase" were playing 1 and 1/2G size pieces and the horns worked great with that size mouthpiece. Not sure if there have been any design changes through the years that might have affected that way that size piece works as many players have moved away from that size.

My R9 plays pretty well with large mouthpieces but it really seems to light up with a 1 1/2G. I really like my Greg Black 1 1/2G with my R9.

Just thinking about this....I currently have three different Rath basses, and with the mix n match possibilities I have many combos to work with. Any and all combinations work well with anything from a MV 2G through to the big beasts presently in fashion. Leadpipes however, can make a big difference.

hashkz wrote: Fri Sep 26, 2025 9:03 am I am now considering the W.C. Schmidt USA1-1/4. What are your thoughts on this choice?

I've never heard of it, and I suspect it's a generic mouthpiece made for a low-cost stencil instrument. Who knows? Maybe it's great.

What don't you like about the Markey 85?

I currently use a GP6 in my R9. Not the biggest mouthpiece out there but a lot bigger that a 1 1/2 size piece. I’ve tried different size pipes (all brass) in the brass single bore slide, and personally have settled on the standard 9 brass pipe. I have a Griego Deco 1.5 that I occasionally use but for me that plays bigger than a ‘standard’ 1.5 if that’s even a thing anymore.

GabrielRice wrote: Mon Sep 29, 2025 9:09 am

hashkz wrote: Fri Sep 26, 2025 9:03 am I am now considering the W.C. Schmidt USA1-1/4. What are your thoughts on this choice?

I've never heard of it, and I suspect it's a generic mouthpiece made for a low-cost stencil instrument. Who knows? Maybe it's great.

What don't you like about the Markey 85?

Werner Schmidt is anything but a generic brand. It's a German made 1-1/4.

https://www.schmidt-brass.de/englisch/m ... mbone.html

JonTheCadet wrote: Mon Sep 29, 2025 10:12 am Werner Schmidt is anything but a generic brand. It's a German made 1-1/4.

https://www.schmidt-brass.de/englisch/m ... mbone.html

Good to know, thank you!

Did I just see the Schmidt hit the fan ?

Better 'Klier' that up before it gets too 'LOUD'

I use a Long Island Brass Eon series currently and it is fantastic. I have their new Symphonic series on order and am expecting it to be quite good… I have one for my tenor and it is fantastic.