The tuba is one of the prime instruments in the brass family and is always present during orchestral performances. Just as with any instrument that requires a mouthpiece, it is important that you have a mouthpiece that can enhance the quality of your performances.
Since the tuba is a prominent instrument in the brass family, it’s important to make sure that your mouthpiece is kept in perfect condition as well as giving you the quality you need whether you are part of a small brass band or large full orchestra.
The tuba is a hugely popular instrument because it is easy to handle and easy to get the basic techniques perfected. It should come as no surprise then to see how many mouthpiece variations there are on the market but you needn’t worry about that. We have compiled this guide so you don’t have to look any further to find out which one is perfect for you.
With various mouthpieces of all shapes, sizes and materials on the market, it’s important to make sure you are picking the right mouthpiece for your ability.
In this article, we’ve listed the top 5 tuba mouthpieces on the market, a Buyers Guide which gives you a closer look into what you need to consider and an FAQ answering all of those burning questions you may have.
Once you’ve read our full guide, you’ll have a better understanding of what to look for when carrying out your research.
OUR TOP PICK
The Conn-Selmer 120S is the best tuba mouthpiece on the market because it has been designed with the tubist in mind.
Created with the knowledge that the performer may be marching in bands while playing, the Conn-Selmer 120S fits perfectly into most tubas for extra comfort whilst also creating an organ like tone for a stronger performance.
Whether you are in a small band or large orchestra, you can play with the knowledge that the mouthpiece is contributing to a richer tone that can easily reach the high and low notes.
The Conn-Selmer 120S has been loved by those who are experienced players as well as beginners. Able to fit different kinds of tubas, you can be assured that you are performing with the richness and volume needed from a tuba.
Easy to break in and immediately improving the sound, it’s an easy mouthpiece to get used to and can provide comfort for longer periods of time which is important for tubists when they are partaking in long orchestral concerts or marching bands where they are moving as they perform.
Pros:
- Made from silver-plated brass for richness in tone
- Wide rim provides improved clarity of sound
- Ideal for players of any level
Cons:
- High price point
EDITORS CHOICE
Our second pick is the Glory Standard Tuba Mouthpiece 22 model. An ideal pick for all players at any abilities, the Glory 22 has been praised for its comfortability making it great for those who are members of marching bands.
Its silver plated brass exterior is the best quality material that helps to produce a stronger sound when performing. The exterior is also easy to maintain as well making it hugely convenient for players who perform regularly.
The Glory 22 is the perfect option for students who are beginning to partake in orchestral and band performances. Its comfortability and rich tone are fantastic at a brilliant price point as well.
Designed with the learner in mind, this is a reliable and durable model suitable for all players as it can reach the full range of notes.
Pros:
- Great price point
- Durable and reliability
- Great for all abilities, especially students
Cons:
- Can be difficult to clean
BEST VALUE
Our third pick is from another reliable brand and is Cecilio’s Size 22 Mouthpiece. The wide rim is perfect for those who take part in marching bands as it will assist in producing a loud volume.
Made from silver-plated brass, this mouthpiece fits into most tubas and is suitable for players of any ability who wish to play the full range of the instrument with ease.
Easy to maintain and break in, this is a hugely convenient mouthpiece that is great for those who use their tubas regularly so you won’t have to spend too much time taking care of it.
The Cecilio is a brand often recommended by teachers for its reliability and consistency for bringing out strong performances.
With its size making it hugely accessible to those who are learning to play as well as advanced players who are looking for a reliable product that won’t need replacing after a short while, this is the mouthpiece for you.
It comes packaged securely so you can be assured that it won’t have any damage on arrival.
Pros:
- Great for players of all abilities
- Ideal for marching bands
- Reliable and durable
Cons:
- A bit heavy but you will get used to this after using the product a few times
RUNNER UP
Our penultimate pick is one of the most durable on our list.
EastRock’s Standard Mouthpiece is another beautiful silver-plated brass piece that is resistant to all conditions, making it perfect for those who perform in marching bands as it can withstand all weather conditions and still be in top condition.
Made for players of any ability, this mouthpiece is hugely reliable and durable thanks to its acid and alkaline resistant exterior.
This also makes it easy to clean and maintain which is convenient for those who perform in bands a lot. Its professional aesthetic allows it to fit in whatever the performance and it also physically fits into the majority of tubas.
This mouthpiece is often looked at as a cheaper alternative to the Conn-Selmer 120S, our top pick.
The mouthpiece comes with a one year warranty to ensure that you can have the lasting quality of the product without worrying about any further expense should it get unexpectedly damaged.
Pros:
- Great price point
- Acid and alkaline resistant exterior
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Comes with one year warranty
Cons:
- Can become a bit stiff after a while
RUNNER UP
Our last recommendation is from Vikii and makes an ideal gift for the budding tuba player. It comes packaged in a lovely gift box and has a cleaning cloth so you don’t have to worry about spending any extra money on cleaning products for it.
With an extra smooth inner wall, the Vikii Standard Model has no resistance to airflow making for a comfortable performance and a richer sound. Made from silver-plated brass with a copper interior, the Vikii Standard is a great purchase for beginners wanting to expand their skill set.
The Vikii Standard has become a trusted pick for beginners and students who are learning the basic techniques and advancing their skills. If you have initially learned on a plastic mouthpiece and need to advance to a good quality brass mouthpiece then this is the one for you.
The smooth design and standard size makes it ideal for those studying all kinds of music.
Creating a nice well-rounded sound that will immediately improve your performance and increase your confidence, you can rely on the Vikii Standard Mouthpiece to provide you with the advancement needed to progress in your music career.
Pros:
- Great price point
- Smooth interior prevents any airflow resistance
- Comes packaged in a gift box and equipped with a cleaning cloth
Cons:
- Not suitable for advanced and professional players
Best Tuba Mouthpiece Buying Guide
After having an initial browse on the internet for which tuba mouthpiece is best suited to your needs, you may still have some further questions and queries making it seem impossible to reach a final decision.
As there are different kinds of tubas as well as different shaped mouthpieces catered to what kind of performance and music you are performing, you want to make sure that you are going to get your money’s worth before splashing out the cash.
That is why we have curated this Buyers Guide giving you everything you need to look for when carrying out your research.
So whether this is a replacement or upgrade that you plan to use for a long time or a spare in case of emergencies, there are so many tuba mouthpieces to choose from to get what you need out of them.
When selecting your tuba mouthpiece, you want to consider what level you are at and where you would like to be as well as what kind of tuba you play, what kind of music and performances you partake in and finally the budget you have.
Once you’ve considered all of the aforementioned aspects, you’ll be able to make a well informed decision as to which mouthpiece is going to get you to the next level.
Level and Ability
The first area to acknowledge is your level and ability when it comes to playing the tuba. Certain mouthpieces work best for certain levels for example a wider rimmed mouthpiece is easy to break in and provides extra volume whereas smaller rims are more difficult to play but give clear tones and better clarity of sound.
Although there are plastic mouthpieces available which are recommended for beginners, it’s always best to start with a brass mouthpiece as you will become adjusted to using it quicker than advancing from plastic to brass.
Also, plastic mouthpieces do not provide the same level of comfort as brass as they are sharper and prone to break easily. A size 22 is the basic size that is recommended for players of all abilities who dip into the majority of types of music.
In terms of the size of the tuba mouthpiece you should be playing, your teacher will probably give you more specific guidance if you are unsure.
What kind of tuba you play
Secondly, the type of tuba you play is equally important. Although most of the mouthpieces given in this list can fit any tuba, always double check that the mouthpiece you are looking at will definitely fit into your tuba as some models are only designed for certain brands or types.
Whatever key tuba you have, always make sure to read the description or ask the customer service for the brand to make sure it will definitely fit your tuba.
As the thickness of the mouthpiece can vary as well as the tuba models themselves, its best to know the measurements of your tuba before researching as you will already know whether the mouthpiece will fit or not.
Music and Performances
The next thing on the list to check is the kind of music and performances you are going to be taking part in.
For example, if you are a member of a marching band and the majority of your performances will be with them, you need to make sure that the mouthpiece you purchase is one that has comfort at the forefront of its design.
This will assure that there will be minimal movement as you play as well as ensuring that you will be able to play for longer periods of time without having to worry about any discomfort.
Budget
Lastly, always bear in mind your budget. Consider what the mouthpiece will be for particularly if it is a direct replacement or upgrade or if it is acting as a quick spare in case your current one breaks.
If it is the former, then you want to take into account the investment as you want to get years of use from the mouthpiece whereas if it is the latter, you are probably thinking of a more cost-effective option.
Despite this, there are mouthpieces of all prices available whether you have a budget or not that don’t compromise on the quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are tuba mouthpieces made of?
Tuba mouthpieces are usually made of brass with most mouthpieces available made from silver-plated brass which has become the traditional and professional aesthetic.
For beginners, there are plastic mouthpieces which are easy to break in and to learn the basics on but the sound is not as good.
Therefore, it is always recommended to purchase a brass mouthpiece as you will be able to get more use out of it than a plastic one.
How big is a tuba mouthpiece?
The size of a tuba mouthpiece completely depends on what kind of mouthpiece you want for your performance.
A lot of jazz musicians prefer a smaller rimmed mouthpiece for sharp and clearly concise notes whereas the traditional wider rimmed model has a wider rim which is perfect for classical music and marching bands.
If you are a student learning all kinds of music, you will probably be best with a 22 model that can handle the full range of notes with improved clarity.
How do I choose a tuba mouthpiece?
Choosing your tuba mouthpiece needn’t be a strenuous exercise. Simply follow our Buyers Guide above and you’ll be able to have a clearer understanding of what to look for when researching.
If you are still in doubt as to which one to go for, always consult with your teacher as they will be able to point you in the right direction.
