New Greg Black 1G

ttf_anonymous · Post by **ttf_anonymous** » Wed Feb 22, 2017 6:32 am

On the recommendation of Gabe Langfur I ordered a GB 1G Regular with a .312 throat and #2 back bore. Greg confirmed that this will be a standard offering in his catalogue. This mouthpiece centers very well, has plenty of core, has quick articulations, and is generally easier to play than the standard 1G I had been trying. Ive only spent a couple hours on it so far and I'm looking forward to using it this week and weekend for a few things I have coming up. It is not a huge departure from the GP6 Ive been using, it does stay darker and more centered in the high range which is a problem I had with the GP6. I will report back after spending some more time on it. Thanks Gabe and Greg for the recommendation and working with me to get me this piece.

ttf_Gabe Langfur · Post by **ttf_Gabe Langfur** » Thu Feb 23, 2017 6:36 am

Enjoy!

ttf_HouBassTrombone · Post by **ttf_HouBassTrombone** » Sun Feb 26, 2017 1:15 pm

That is the ticket! Everyone that tried the .312 #2 at TMEA left with it.

ttf_fwbassbone · Post by **ttf_fwbassbone** » Sun Feb 26, 2017 7:42 pm

I'm not surprised Zach. I played a church gig, 10 piece gig, and a brass band concert with it this weekend and it really does work well. Thanks again to Gabe and Greg.

ttf_Burgerbob · Post by **ttf_Burgerbob** » Sun Feb 26, 2017 11:18 pm

If I've been very happy with a stock 1 1/8GM, should I try the new version?

ttf_Gabe Langfur · Post by **ttf_Gabe Langfur** » Mon Feb 27, 2017 6:22 am

If you've been very happy? Maybe not. There are certainly people and horns that work very well with Greg's original designs.

If you have any sense that it's needing more air than you really want to give, if you have any feeling like you'd like a little more focus to the pitch center, if you would like the high register to be a little easier and more focused, then yes.

I liked the medium weight with his standard throat and backbore. With these I like to go lighter - regular or custom in between regular and light.

ttf_fwbassbone · Post by **ttf_fwbassbone** » Mon Feb 27, 2017 11:03 am

I second everything Gabe mentioned and will add the articulations are a little quicker on this version.

ttf_trombonehawaii · Post by **ttf_trombonehawaii** » Tue Apr 25, 2017 4:04 pm

Loving this mouthpiece! I just received the medium weight version of the OP and also just came from a Griego GP6. I third the comments of this mouthpiece. I'm very impressed with the response in the upper register, it sings and centers much easier. The lower register has a lot of meat to the sound while still being responsive and flexible.

Thanks to Zac for putting me in touch with Greg!

ttf_slideorama · Post by **ttf_slideorama** » Tue Apr 25, 2017 4:35 pm

In a blind study, this was the preferred mouthpiece of the three dachshunds that tolerate my noise making in the house.

ttf_Burgerbob · Post by **ttf_Burgerbob** » Tue Apr 25, 2017 9:10 pm

Been using mine for a couple days.

I like it a lot so far-

Better response, especially at lower dynamics
More highs in the sound- less tubby
Clearer articulations
Better high range, even with larger rim

However, coming from the 1 1/8GM, the new piece will take some getting used to. I can't just dump air at my horn and get volume upon volume, especially down low. A combination of the normal weight and smaller throat, I'm sure. Also, it put my horn a little out of balance- I started using a smaller leadpipe to tame the 1 1/8GM, but it feels a little too small with the 1G .312 #2.

ttf_fwbassbone · Post by **ttf_fwbassbone** » Wed Apr 26, 2017 7:32 am

I am using the 2 leadpipe and was using a 3SS before. Playing loud is easier in one sense because you don't have to work as hard but it does take some adjustment. As others have said the high range and articulations are easy and there is plenty of core in the sound. The other thing I've noticed is that I play "pretty" better. I realize that might mean different things to different people but it's they only way I can think of to describe it.

ttf_Gabe Langfur · Post by **ttf_Gabe Langfur** » Wed Apr 26, 2017 7:04 pm

Quote from: Burgerbob on Apr 25, 2017, 09:10PMI started using a smaller leadpipe to tame the 1 1/8GM, but it feels a little too small with the 1G .312 #2.

I did exactly the same thing when I was playing a 1-1/8GM, going to a Shires B1.5 from the B2 I had played for years. The B2 is better with the .312 #2 combination, but now I'm really enjoying the Brass Ark MV50, which feels sort of in between but with a more elastic slot, if that makes any sense.

ttf_CG2198 · Post by **ttf_CG2198** » Fri Apr 28, 2017 6:34 pm

I have this mouthpiece and I love it, thinking about taking it down to lightweight though.

ttf_HouBassTrombone · Post by **ttf_HouBassTrombone** » Fri Apr 28, 2017 7:20 pm

Before you take it to lightweight try the "*" weight. It is in between the regular and light and works really well!!

ttf_Burgerbob · Post by **ttf_Burgerbob** » Fri Apr 28, 2017 11:05 pm

So far the normal weight feels great. I played Shostakovich 11 last night and the piece worked everywhere. 11 has some very soft, exposed moment and many loud, exposed moments (and not much in between). The soft stuff was actually possible on the 1G, and the loud stuff was easier.

ttf_fwbassbone · Post by **ttf_fwbassbone** » Sat Apr 29, 2017 6:38 am

As Burgerbob points out this mouth piece does respond in soft dynamics well. It is easier to blend well in brass band and big band both. One piece to do both easily is a big bonus.

ttf_trombonehawaii · Post by **ttf_trombonehawaii** » Sat Apr 29, 2017 3:30 pm

I'm on a medium weight and you guys are tempting me to get a regular weight.........

ttf_HouBassTrombone · Post by **ttf_HouBassTrombone** » Sat Apr 29, 2017 4:56 pm

I have a 1 1/8G and a 1G coming in .312 #2. I am playing a lot more and I am finally feeling like I can play this larger sized piece.

ttf_fwbassbone · Post by **ttf_fwbassbone** » Sat Apr 29, 2017 5:44 pm

Quote from: HouBassTrombone on Apr 29, 2017, 04:56PMI have a 1 1/8G and a 1G coming in .312 #2. I am playing a lot more and I am finally feeling like I can play this larger sized piece.

Let us know what you think. I predict that you'll like it.

ttf_Burgerbob · Post by **ttf_Burgerbob** » Wed May 03, 2017 3:49 pm

Finally made the switch to my more open slide today. Definitely better with the smaller backbore and throat.

Funnily enough, it was the Brassark NY50 that feels too tight.

ttf_bigbassbone1 · Post by **ttf_bigbassbone1** » Wed May 03, 2017 4:51 pm

Quote from: Burgerbob on May 03, 2017, 03:49PMFinally made the switch to my more open slide today. Definitely better with the smaller backbore and throat.

Funnily enough, it was the Brassark NY50 that feels too tight.

Damn.... really? Might not be for me then.... Im very happy with how my brassark pipe is going.

ttf_Burgerbob · Post by **ttf_Burgerbob** » Wed May 03, 2017 6:24 pm

You're on an Eddie dual bore though, not a stock "who knows how well this was built in the first place" Bach slide. I'm sure the NY50 would feel better to me on a different slide.

ttf_bigbassbone1 · Post by **ttf_bigbassbone1** » Wed May 03, 2017 7:00 pm

Quote from: Burgerbob on May 03, 2017, 06:24PMYou're on an Eddie dual bore though, not a stock "who knows how well this was built in the first place" Bach slide. I'm sure the NY50 would feel better to me on a different slide.

Ha! Didn't think of it like that. Thats a good bach slide description

ttf_wgwbassbone · Post by **ttf_wgwbassbone** » Thu May 04, 2017 4:36 am

Quote from: HouBassTrombone on Apr 29, 2017, 04:56PMI have a 1 1/8G and a 1G coming in .312 #2. I am playing a lot more and I am finally feeling like I can play this larger sized piece.

Didn't you have Greg make a special mouthpiece for you that was THE piece?

ttf_HouBassTrombone · Post by **ttf_HouBassTrombone** » Thu May 04, 2017 8:56 am

Yep and that is what I still prefer

. I am just not a bigger mp guy.

ttf_fwbassbone · Post by **ttf_fwbassbone** » Thu May 04, 2017 4:59 pm

I have found over the years that "THE" mouthpiece is only "THE" mouthpiece until something that plays better comes along.

ttf_wgwbassbone · Post by **ttf_wgwbassbone** » Fri May 05, 2017 5:32 am

Quote from: HouBassTrombone on May 04, 2017, 08:56AMYep and that is what I still prefer

. I am just not a bigger mp guy.

Yes but you stated that you have 2 bigger mouthpieces that what you play on order. Why waste the money? Or is your in between size larger than a 1???

ttf_HouBassTrombone · Post by **ttf_HouBassTrombone** » Fri May 05, 2017 8:16 am

I bought them...got them, and didn't like them as much as my 1 5/16ths... Was that hard to understand via the context?
I wanted to try a good bigger mp and see if it worked. It didn't. So I sold them. I lost no money in the deal.

ttf_wgwbassbone · Post by **ttf_wgwbassbone** » Fri May 05, 2017 9:31 am

Unless I misunderstood here's what I got. First you spent time with Greg making a piece specifically for your needs as he didn't offer anything in his mouthpiece line that would fit your chops. You received the mouthpiece, sent it back for an adjustment, received and back and proclaimed that it was just what you wanted! Did all that was needed. THEN you order 2 more mouthpieces of different sizes to "check them out." If I have the sequence correct that just seems puzzling to me. Not a big deal just always curious when one proclaims to have THE horn or THE mouthpiece only to find out they've been checking out other things.

ttf_HouBassTrombone · Post by **ttf_HouBassTrombone** » Fri May 05, 2017 9:53 am

Quote from: HouBassTrombone on Apr 29, 2017, 04:56PMI have a 1 1/8G and a 1G coming in .312 #2. I am playing a lot more and I am finally feeling like I can play this larger sized piece.
This is why I was trying something new....

ttf_Gabe Langfur · Post by **ttf_Gabe Langfur** » Fri May 05, 2017 7:41 pm

Quote from: wgwbassbone on May 05, 2017, 09:31AMNot a big deal just always curious when one proclaims to have THE horn or THE mouthpiece only to find out they've been checking out other things.

Seems like the owners of MV 1-1/2Gs are always checking out other things too...

ttf_Joe Stanko · Post by **ttf_Joe Stanko** » Fri May 05, 2017 8:38 pm

Quote from: Gabe Langfur on May 05, 2017, 07:41PMSeems like the owners of MV 1-1/2Gs are always checking out other things too...

Yet like the swallows to Capistrano....

ttf_wgwbassbone · Post by **ttf_wgwbassbone** » Fri May 05, 2017 9:51 pm

Quote from: Gabe Langfur on May 05, 2017, 07:41PMSeems like the owners of MV 1-1/2Gs are always checking out other things too...

Touché. However if I'd taken the time to design a mouthpiece and proclaim it to be the one I'm not sure I'd try something outside of that range.

ttf_Rockymountaintrombone · Sat May 06, 2017 9:30 am

I've got a shelf full of mouthpieces that were "the one"! Such is life - it's only money. It's not like I have any of that anyway! The search continues!

Jim Scott

ttf_SethMatrix · Post by **ttf_SethMatrix** » Sat May 06, 2017 10:18 am

Why are some people so concerned with what other people are doing? We should worry about ourselves.

ttf_wgwbassbone · Post by **ttf_wgwbassbone** » Sat May 06, 2017 12:34 pm

Quote from: SethMatrix on Yesterday at 10:18 AMWhy are some people so concerned with what other people are doing? We should worry about ourselves.

I'm very concerned about you.

ttf_HouBassTrombone · Sat May 06, 2017 11:11 pm

I didn't know that my proclamations were so important. Remind me to keep my mouth shut.

ttf_blast · Post by **ttf_blast** » Sun May 07, 2017 12:32 am

Quote from: Gabe Langfur on May 05, 2017, 07:41PMSeems like the owners of MV 1-1/2Gs are always checking out other things too...

Not all of them

There is a difference between a great mouthpiece and THE mouthpiece... I've been lucky enough to own many great mouthpieces and now I'm stuck on THE mouthpiece.
It owns me as much as I own it.

Chris Stearn

ttf_fwbassbone · Post by **ttf_fwbassbone** » Sun May 07, 2017 10:33 am

Right now of the 50 plus models of mouthpieces I own this Greg Black is THE mouthpiece. I had a Mt. Vernon 1 1/2G back in the day that I loaned to someone and never got it back (sure wish I could remember who). I remember that it was different than the other two that I had but it was never THE mouthpiece for me. With that said, we all certainly do evolve as players and many times with that evolution comes changes in equipment. No matter how you find THE mouthpiece don't limit yourself by refusing to try anything else as you may miss something that lets you make music easier.

ttf_Burgerbob · Post by **ttf_Burgerbob** » Sun May 07, 2017 5:48 pm

Playing the 1G in all sorts of situations lately, including my recital prep (1 week from today!). So far, and of course it's too soon to tell, I'm having a hard time finding any real downsides like I have with my last few pieces. The high range is more natural, the low range is more natural, and my sound blends with tenors to a higher level (just played a few hours with the quartet this weekend).

Can't wait for those downsides to crop up

ttf_CG2198 · Post by **ttf_CG2198** » Wed May 17, 2017 9:46 pm

Quote from: HouBassTrombone on Apr 28, 2017, 07:20PMBefore you take it to lightweight try the "*" weight. It is in between the regular and light and works really well!!

I'll have to ask him about that, I'm going to be driving up to his shop in a couple weeks.

ttf_fwbassbone · Post by **ttf_fwbassbone** » Wed May 24, 2017 5:00 pm

In the spirit of full discloser I have gone back to the Griego GP6. The Greg Black is a great mouthpiece but for me I like the rim and middle register on the GP6 more. Certainly either is worth a look if you're in the market for a new piece.

ttf_Burgerbob · Post by **ttf_Burgerbob** » Wed May 24, 2017 6:00 pm

I'm still using mine. It is only getting better with practice. I can get a good snap out of it in all registers when needed, but not if I don't want. That's hard to find in the average piece.

ttf_trombonehawaii · Post by **ttf_trombonehawaii** » Wed May 24, 2017 9:56 pm

I've moved into a 0GM, .312", #2. Never thought I'd be able to play a large piece but it works for me without much sacrifice (or nothing that practice can't restore

)

ttf_anonymous · Post by **ttf_anonymous** » Fri May 26, 2017 7:59 pm

Can somebody tell me how I can get one of these bad boys?

ttf_HouBassTrombone · Post by **ttf_HouBassTrombone** » Fri May 26, 2017 9:56 pm

^contact Dillon, Virtosity (in Boston), or one of his other dealers to see if they have one in stock. If not contact Greg or me if you can't get a hold of him and I will get it ordered for you.
Facebook is a good way to contact him.
I think he just shipped a bunch of stuff to Dillons and Virtosity for ITF.

ttf_jwebster · Post by **ttf_jwebster** » Tue May 30, 2017 8:35 pm

I got a regular weight 1G .312" #2 and a regular weight 1 1/4 .312 #2 on trial a week ago (I've been playing a Pickett 1.75 recently, and played a Minick L before that).

While I realize that no mouthpiece will be the magic mouthpiece that will fix all of my problems, I am a BIG fan of the 1G.

I always liked the sound of standard Greg Black pieces, but never felt I was able to supply the air to fuel these and make them sound right consistently (and I am a big guy... 6'4"). The .312"/#2 combo seems to maintain the Greg Black sound I love while also not requiring quite the same volume of air to get consistent results.

The 1 1/4G is also very nice, but I think I'll be sticking with the 1G.

I strongly second the recommendation to check out Virtuosity in Boston. Really nice store, and Steve the owner is a great guy I am happy to support. When I called a week ago, all of the larger Greg Black mouthpieces they had were .312"/#2.

ttf_Gabe Langfur · Post by **ttf_Gabe Langfur** » Wed May 31, 2017 6:24 am

Quote from: jwebster on May 30, 2017, 08:35PMI always liked the sound of standard Greg Black pieces, but never felt I was able to supply the air to fuel these and make them sound right consistently (and I am a big guy... 6'4"). The .312"/#2 combo seems to maintain the Greg Black sound I love while also not requiring quite the same volume of air to get consistent results.
My experience exactly.

QuoteI strongly second the recommendation to check out Virtuosity in Boston. Really nice store, and Steve the owner is a great guy I am happy to support. When I called a week ago, all of the larger Greg Black mouthpieces they had were .312"/#2.

Yes, Steve Johnson and his crew at Virtuosity are making the effort and investing the money to do it right, with good, well-chosen stock and excellent customer service. Now that Rayburn has closed their retail store (I believe they still do school rentals out of a warehouse), Virtuosity is the only place in the city of Boston to buy brass instruments and accessories. They carry Bach, Conn and Edwards new, and have a pretty good used stock as well (though it's impossible to compete with Dillon's on that front). You still have to go to the factory to try any new Shires, but that's just an hour outside the city.

And they just placed a second order with Greg

ttf_Dan Hine · Post by **ttf_Dan Hine** » Wed May 31, 2017 6:28 am

From a Pickett 1.75 to a Black 1g? That's a huge jump. Not sure I could handle such a move.

ttf_Matt K · Post by **ttf_Matt K** » Wed May 31, 2017 6:41 am

Quote from: Dan Hine on May 31, 2017, 06:28AMFrom a Pickett 1.75 to a Black 1g? That's a huge jump. Not sure I could handle such a move.

You may be surprised! A big rim with an efficient underpart doesn't always feel big, at least to me. I mixed up an MB111 with my EUPH104N last night (played the 111 thinking it was the 104) because of how efficiently the Elliott underpart works for me. YMMV of course!