Are all tuba shanks the same? Over the past couple years, I have had increasing people ask this same question. Isn't there just a general shank size? Generally, yes, but depending on what brand instrument you play, you might buy a "standard" tuba mouthpiece, but then find that your instrument is suddenly playing flat. Why is this?
Stephen Wick recently shared some images and thoughts that demonstrate the difference between our
Denis Wick Ultra tuba mouthpieces (designed by Aaron Tindall), with specific focus to the Y and U shank options.
"In these two photos you can clearly see the difference between U shank and the Y shank mouthpieces in the Aaron Tindall range. The U is a Euroshank and the Y is an American shank suitable for Yamaha tubas and some American brands. The American shank goes in much further in this 1980’s Graslitz F tuba. The U fitting sticks out by an extra 1cm (.394”) making the instrument flat overall and out of tune with itself.
The ATU8Y works perfectly in this small F tuba producing a ringing tone perfect for high orchestral parts and for solo pieces. Denis Wick Ultra tuba mouthpieces were developed using mouth pipes from B&S and Melton. The U shank (AT1U etc) works perfectly with these European instruments. Older European instruments sometimes have a smaller receiver and the Y fitting (AT1UY etc) fits these instruments, such as this Czech F, perfectly". -Steven Wick
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How do you choose?
Your best tool in choosing the correct shank will be your tuner. However, Aaron Tindall provided some good advice for a place to start. The shank of the Aaron Tindall Ultra mouthpieces has been very carefully engineered to fit all tubas with the standard ‘Euroshank’-type fitting (marked U) and the standard American shank fitting (marked Y). Original lead-pipes from Meinl-Weston, B & S, Yamaha, Eastman, and Miraphone were used in this process. The exact matching of mouthpiece and instrument receiver and leadpipe is vital to achieve the correct response from modern tubas. Use the below specifications to help direct your search.
ATU- European shank Suggestions
Meinl Weston Tubas
Alexander Tubas
Hirsbrunner Tubas
Eastman York 836 Tuba (if desired)
Miraphone 1293 CC tuba fitted with the Euro shank receiver
ATUY- American Shank Suggestions
For most all F tubas
B&S Tubas (CC and F)
Yamaha Tubas
Miraphone Tubas
Eastman Tubas (632, 832, 836 CC and F tuba models too)
Besson Eb Tubas
View more information about Aaron's full line and product specifications.
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