Les Neish Signature Tuba Mouthpiece – silver plated body with gold cup and rim

Review from Brass Band World

Cory Band’s principal tubist, Simon Howell, puts the Les Neish Signature Alliance Mouthpiece series for Eb tuba through its paces, with pleasing results

Having been sent a tuba mouthpiece to review, I was very keen to get it open and have a good look, and I was pleased to see that it was the Les Neish Signature Series by Alliance. My initial thoughts were great; the standard of packaging complemented the classy finish of the mouthpiece and there was the added bonus of a free leather mouthpiece pouch.

This specific mouthpiece was silver-plated with a gold rim and cup, aesthetically pleasing to say the least. Whilst trying the mouthpiece, it became immediately apparent that it was very comfortable to play with a fantastic tone quality, which was rich and full in all ranges. I found it very responsive and agile, especially playing in the high register, as well as having great projection.

The ‘LN Alliance’ Mouthpiece resembles many of the good features of my mouthpiece of choice for many years – the Vincent Bach 24AW, including having the same cup diameters of 31.25mm and similar depths. This is certainly a versatile mouthpiece that could cope in many settings – I personally would feel comfortable using it in a band, in an orchestra in a chamber ensemble or for solos on E flat tuba. Overall, this is an extremely well-presented, versatile and comfortable mouthpiece with a great quality finish and a very streamlined look, which lays in the same price bracket as many other leading tuba mouthpieces.

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I have been playing the LN Signature Mouthpiece since late December, and I am loving it. The sound quality is lovely and mellow, and it has certainly helped my range, especially the high stuff. I am sure that I will feel even better with it given some more time and practice. Would highly recommend.

~ Peter Birch 26/1/2012

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I tried the Les Neish mouthpiece a few months ago, with him being my tutor, it kind of helps if we play the same mouthpiece. I thought it was great, and I bought one today as a matter of fact. The mouthpiece helps me produce a note more direct and it gives the tuba a more sonorous (spelt correctly?) sound in the higher register. It has also helped with my range – all in one day! Definitely worth trying!

~ Tommy 25/2/2012

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I am going to go buy one of these! Should I get the gold plated or silver plated version?

~ 23/4/2012

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I think you should get one that contrasts with your tuba – if it is silver plated, get a gold mouthpiece, if lacquered get a silver one, in reality it will depend if you can make the extra cash for the gold bling.

I have had one for a couple of weeks now, and i really like it, it feels comfortable to play, and is great for high range playing, I would agree with the comment above about a more direct sound with more focus, but the plating won’t affect that, good luck with it, and I would recommend it too.

~ Peter Birch 23/4/2012