Update from Ireland

I had a busy week on the 445 - Mendelssohn Midsummer Night's Dream and Pictures at an Exhibition (Bydlo done by solo euphonium player). Although I primarily use a Perantucci PT50 mouthpiece on the 445, I found it advantageous to switch to a Perantucci PT 72S for the Mendelssohn. This allowed me to blend more transparently into the orchestra and certainly made the higher register all the more accessible. Back on the PT50, Pictures was a joy to play as the 445 responded perfectly to all of the big tuba sections, as well as the colourful solo passages. I used a standard Humes & Berg bass tuba stonelined mute which was perfect for the 445 and required no main slide adjustment whatsoever. My Bydlo-playing euphonium colleague (2nd euph in Grimethorpe Colliery Band) was sat to my left and remarked on the massive sound that the 445 was generating, a true compliment given what he's used to from the GCB bass section! All the best as always & speak soon. Alex Kidston