[Wilbur]

For Christmas I have asked Santa for a new tenor mouthpiece (although the MC Gregory (Rico)I have is all I really need). I play a Buescher Big B Aristocrat 309,xxx. Since I don't have one to try, I am wondering if anyone has any experience with the Brilhart Hard Rubber #5, or any "size" for that matter.

The other possible choice is a Theo Wanne Brahma Rubber 7.

My main reed has been a Java Jazz 2.5 but I am finding they get a little soft after an hour and am gradually working toward the Java Jazz 3. I also like the Rigotti gold 2.5 strong and find the 3.0 light a bit stiff, although quite playable. I use the Rovner "dark" ligature.

I am a very amateur player but do work at it and play at least an hour or so every single day. BUT, I am interested in how these mouthpieces may sound on my horn.

Thanks for any insight or experience you may have with either of these pieces.

 

[Jacques5646]

After having played an Ebolin for some times, and tried a Brahma 7 rubber, now on a Brilhart Hard Rubber (10Mfan). Go for it ! Fantastic complex sound, simultaneously fat and edgy. Brahma is easier to play, appealing at first sight/sound but seems - to me - a bit dull after extensive playing. Brilhart is THE sound !

 

[lhoffman]

I know what you're saying. I worked with a guy once that played Brilharts, John Salzano. He had one of the biggest sounds I've heard in person. He kept two in his case, a hard rubber and an Ebolin, I believe they were original 4's. He said there wasn't much difference between the two. You can get an idea of his sound here:

 

[bruce bailey]

If you find any Brilhart, give it a try. I have a Tonalite (clear) that is one of the best tenor pieces I have owned. If you want to try an Ebolin, I have a bunch cheap in 4*,5 and 5*. Not in the same league as the HR or Tonalite or Streamlines but nice for the money.

 

[paulwl]

Brilhart (any) + Buescher = Bodacious!
I particularly like the round chamber rubber pieces.
Do select carefully, because the numbering is not at all consistent.
(Either that or everyone monkeyed with the openings after the fact.)

 

[MojoBari]

Since you say you are an armature, be aware that most Brilharts are made of plastic, not hard rubber. There is a somewhat rare vintage hard rubber Brilhart that are very nice but usually pricey. Some of the posts above are probably referring to this one.

Also other vintage ones, like the Great Necks in 4-digit serial numbers, can be priced high. The inexpensive ones have good designs but are very inconsistent in facing work and tip openings. You can find 3* sizes that measure larger than 5* sizes. Try before you buy if you can.