Hi everyone. I`d like to ask what sort of instruments people here are playing. What brand, model, whether it has an F attatchment or not, and whether it is silver, lacquer, gold, or raw brass. And also, what mouthpieces do you play? Thanks a lot.

currently playing:

YSL-354 Yamaha (small bore, no attachments)
Mouthpieces: Yamaha 47 (doubt anyone uses that system anymore, equal to a 1 G) and a 1 1/2 G.

I also have experience on the bass trombone (2 years) but can`t afford to own one.

It was also a Yamaha but I can`t remember the model number (it was a school owned). I know I used a 6 1/2 A mouthpiece, and it had F and Gb attachments...that thing rocked.

I miss it.

For my concert work I use an Olds Opera which is a solid nickle silver horn. The only brass used is in the rotor valve. The f attatchment section is stuffy, but I love the sound of the open horn. I guess I cannot have everything.

I recently switched from a Bach 5G to a Schilke 51. With the 51 I had a much more open sound with an easier high range. Also, I can play louder so it`s easier to cover up the french horns.

My jazz horn is a Bach 16LTM lacquer finish. Although the slide was horrible when I got the horn my alignment job brought it into great specs. I usually use a 7C but last week I tried a Schilke 50 with great success. For starters it fits the receiver properly (why my Bach mouthpiece never fit my Bach trombone is a mystry outside of possible tool wear that was not attended to at the factory) and it has a much more open sound.

My rule of thumb on mouthpieces is that anything you try is always going to sound great at first, it`s only after a couple of weeks will you know if it works. So, I guess I have to get back to the practice room and try it on stage a few times.

I forgot to add to my instrument and mouthpiece info that I also use ToneLure Braces on both of my horns. I know I am not supposed to pimp products on these forums, but you did ask what I use. A full description of them is available on my website www.emersonsmusical.com