TUBA SHANK SIZES (primer)
In the world of tuba mouthpieces, it seems there
are five (5) general shank sizes and that, can
lead to confusion. The Standard American and
European Shank sizes, followed by the Large
Shank, are the most common sizes that fit modern
production tubas. From smallest to largest, we
offer the following information to shed a little
light on the subject.
EUROPEAN SHANK: This is an
increasingly popular shank size of about
.530" diameter at the small end of the
shank. It is found in mouthpieces like the JK
Exclusive, Perantucci, Laskey "E"
shank, and of course our wonderful Sheridan
Series of mouthpieces. Most every European and
American tuba built these days, will accept this
shank size.
STANDARD AMERICAN: The reference
point for this size of about .520" at the
small end of the shank. A good example would be
the Bach, and Conn Helleberg tuba mouthpieces.
This is the most common size here in the United
States. In the Dennis Wick line, you need to make
sure it has the "L" in the model number
to get this standard size. Our regular size shank
Dillon Mouthpieces are also of this size. Besides
American built horns, many European horns like
Miraphone can use this size.
LARGE SHANK: This is a larger
size that measures about .550" diameter at
the small end of the shank. It works well on the
larger European tubas. Especially horns with
large diameter leadpipes like the
"York" copies and most Alexander model
163 CC tubas. This is the size of our Dillon
Music "L" shank mouthpiece and the new
Wick 2XL.
SMALL EUROPEAN: Having a
diameter of .490" at small end of shank,
this size is offered by Dennis Wick in the sizes
1 through 5. Just make sure you order the one
without the "L" in the model number.
This size is most commonly used on old Besson
tubas and old American Eb tubas. I hear this
referred to as the Eb tuba size. Some old German,
etc. 3/4 size BBb tubas have also shown up with
that receiver size. If you are having trouble
figuring out what small size shank your old tuba
needs, it is about the same size as a large shank
trombone mouthpiece. Borrow one from a trombonist
and see for yourself. You can order a Denis Wick
mouthpiece, or to have a wider variety of
mouthpieces to choose from, consider replacing
the receiver for about the price of a mouthpiece.
KAISER SHANK: With a measurement
of about .585" in diameter at the small end
of the shank, this truly is a "Kaiser"
size. It fits the largest Alexander model 164, a
few ‘one off’ model 163's, and some
original York receivers we've come across. Anyone
needing this size shank will need to get a custom
built mouthpiece, or have an adapter made.
I hope this explanation will be of help to you.
Matt Walters |
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