Dr. Young Mouthpiece

Tubas, euphoniums, mouthpieces, and anything music-related.
Forum rules
This section is for posts that are directly related to performance, performers, or equipment. Social issues are allowed, as long as they are directly related to those categories. If you see a post that you cannot respond to with respect and courtesy, we ask that you do not respond at all.
Post Reply
User avatar
tobysima`
Posts: 245
Joined: Wed Aug 19, 2020 8:32 pm
Location: Connecticut
Has thanked: 5 times
Been thanked: 7 times

Dr. Young Mouthpiece

Post by tobysima` »

I saw some threads on the old place about Dr. Fred Young's mouthpiece(s). I saw there were two types, both highly unique, and @Rick Denney said that the mouthpiece is the opposite of the PT-48, if I recall correctly. Just curious about something "different," I guess. :tuba: :teeth:


Toby Simard
M&M 5V CC Tuba - Bach 18
Mack EU1150S - SM2U
User avatar
Jperry1466
Posts: 374
Joined: Thu Aug 13, 2020 8:13 am
Location: near Fort Worth, Texas
Has thanked: 306 times
Been thanked: 125 times

Re: Dr. Young Mouthpiece

Post by Jperry1466 »

I own one of his mouthpieces. The man has to have lungs of steel to play it. It looks like and plays like a funnel. For me, it was about the same as blowing in a goldfish bowl I met him many years ago and remember him talking about not liking "resistance" and boring out the throat and backbore until he was happy with it. Here it is pictured between an old Bach 18 and a Helleberg clone.
Attachments
Dr Young mpc.jpg
Dr Young mpc.jpg (29.26 KiB) Viewed 1921 times
User avatar
tobysima`
Posts: 245
Joined: Wed Aug 19, 2020 8:32 pm
Location: Connecticut
Has thanked: 5 times
Been thanked: 7 times

Re: Dr. Young Mouthpiece

Post by tobysima` »

Jperry1466 wrote: Fri Oct 30, 2020 8:34 pm I own one of his mouthpieces. The man has to have lungs of steel to play it. It looks like and plays like a funnel. For me, it was about the same as blowing in a goldfish bowl I met him many years ago and remember him talking about not liking "resistance" and boring out the throat and backbore until he was happy with it. Here it is pictured between an old Bach 18 and a Helleberg clone.
It's massive!! It's basically a sized up french horn mouthpiece? I do want to get myself one, if that's the case!
Toby Simard
M&M 5V CC Tuba - Bach 18
Mack EU1150S - SM2U
User avatar
Mithosphere
Posts: 128
Joined: Thu Aug 13, 2020 1:26 pm
Has thanked: 40 times
Been thanked: 13 times

Re: Dr. Young Mouthpiece

Post by Mithosphere »

I have one of the newer models, from a batch made in the early 2000s. Dr. Young didn't like what Reynolds did to his design, so he made some of his own and found it to be better. I think Wessex Tubas had a run of his mouthpiece as well.

User avatar
tobysima`
Posts: 245
Joined: Wed Aug 19, 2020 8:32 pm
Location: Connecticut
Has thanked: 5 times
Been thanked: 7 times

Re: Dr. Young Mouthpiece

Post by tobysima` »

Mithosphere wrote: Fri Oct 30, 2020 9:17 pm I have one of the newer models, from a batch made in the early 2000s. Dr. Young didn't like what Reynolds did to his design, so he made some of his own and found it to be better. I think Wessex Tubas had a run of his mouthpiece as well.

The Wessex 4y is a Dr. Young euph mouthpiece, correct? Where could I find a Dr. Young?
Toby Simard
M&M 5V CC Tuba - Bach 18
Mack EU1150S - SM2U
User avatar
Mithosphere
Posts: 128
Joined: Thu Aug 13, 2020 1:26 pm
Has thanked: 40 times
Been thanked: 13 times

Re: Dr. Young Mouthpiece

Post by Mithosphere »

tobysima` wrote: Sat Oct 31, 2020 11:39 am
Mithosphere wrote: Fri Oct 30, 2020 9:17 pm I have one of the newer models, from a batch made in the early 2000s. Dr. Young didn't like what Reynolds did to his design, so he made some of his own and found it to be better. I think Wessex Tubas had a run of his mouthpiece as well.

The Wessex 4y is a Dr. Young euph mouthpiece, correct? Where could I find a Dr. Young?
This must have been a year or two ago, but they had them temporarily on their website for the tuba.
User avatar
tobysima`
Posts: 245
Joined: Wed Aug 19, 2020 8:32 pm
Location: Connecticut
Has thanked: 5 times
Been thanked: 7 times

Re: Dr. Young Mouthpiece

Post by tobysima` »

Mithosphere wrote: Sat Oct 31, 2020 1:27 pm This must have been a year or two ago, but they had them temporarily on their website for the tuba.
How good are they?
Toby Simard
M&M 5V CC Tuba - Bach 18
Mack EU1150S - SM2U
User avatar
LargeTuba
Posts: 777
Joined: Thu Aug 13, 2020 11:08 am
Has thanked: 97 times
Been thanked: 136 times

Re: Dr. Young Mouthpiece

Post by LargeTuba »

There was one on eBay about a month ago. I think I remember it selling for $300.
Pt-6P, Holton 345 CC, 45slp
User avatar
Rick Denney
Resident Genius
Posts: 1032
Joined: Thu Aug 13, 2020 8:24 am
Has thanked: 57 times
Been thanked: 335 times

Re: Dr. Young Mouthpiece

Post by Rick Denney »

Fred Young designed different mouthpieces, but his fundamental question was common to all of them—why have a backbore at all?

Well, I can think of a few reasons. Without any mouthpiece resistance, the instrument’s input impedance drops so low that it requires a higher “current” to drive it. That means more air power to sustain a buzz—like free buzzing.

Rick “whereas the PT48 and most of Joe’s mouthpieces provide useful resistance, improving clarity and efficiency” Denney
User avatar
tobysima`
Posts: 245
Joined: Wed Aug 19, 2020 8:32 pm
Location: Connecticut
Has thanked: 5 times
Been thanked: 7 times

Re: Dr. Young Mouthpiece

Post by tobysima` »

Rick Denney wrote: Sun Nov 01, 2020 6:20 pm Fred Young designed different mouthpieces, but his fundamental question was common to all of them—why have a backbore at all?

Well, I can think of a few reasons. Without any mouthpiece resistance, the instrument’s input impedance drops so low that it requires a higher “current” to drive it. That means more air power to sustain a buzz—like free buzzing.

Rick “whereas the PT48 and most of Joe’s mouthpieces provide useful resistance, improving clarity and efficiency” Denney
Which of his mouthpieces would be the "best?" I want to play a lot of different mouthpieces so I can experience all of the different things between them. Also on my list are the Loud LM-12 and the PT-48. I'm all set on the PT-50, as the Wessex Chuck is like a combo of that and a Helleberg (from what I've heard, at least). I just bought one and I can't wait to play it.
Toby Simard
M&M 5V CC Tuba - Bach 18
Mack EU1150S - SM2U
grayax
Posts: 29
Joined: Sun Sep 20, 2020 6:09 pm
Has thanked: 0
Been thanked: 1 time

Re: Dr. Young Mouthpiece

Post by grayax »

Which is the best? Which ever works best for your instrument and you. I use a Conn 7B Helleberg for my small Eb, a RT-36 for my 1241, and a JC Custom Ultra 35 (i.e. a 35 mm) for the 6/4s I mess around with a work. Is playing three different sized mouthpieces a good idea? Probably not, but I'm bot a professional and I am not in any ensemble, so it doesn't matter to me. You should find the one that works best for you with your instrument.
User avatar
bort2.0
Posts: 5259
Joined: Thu Aug 13, 2020 9:13 am
Location: Minneapolis
Has thanked: 336 times
Been thanked: 1001 times

Re: Dr. Young Mouthpiece

Post by bort2.0 »

I tried one a few years ago, when I visited Paul Mayberry (how is HE doing? Haven't heard from him in a long time!)

I did not like this mouthpiece at all. No exaggeration, I didn't like a single thing about it.

Spend your money on something modern and more useful. I don't personally like stainless steel mouthpieces, but bloke has designed a heckuva mouthpiece, and that would easily be worth more than a Dr. Young whatever...

"Rare for a reason..."
humBell
Posts: 2065
Joined: Thu Aug 13, 2020 11:25 am
Has thanked: 220 times
Been thanked: 165 times

Re: Dr. Young Mouthpiece

Post by humBell »

Note to self...

Post something here.

I have played a bit with a Dr. Young mouthpiece. It was unbranded. I don't know what it says about it or me as a player, but the most telling comment i got on a large sousaphone when i was futzing around before a parade was that it sounded like a synth. So, rock steady and invariant, or perhaps expressionless. My impression also with that one in particular is that i could get a very similar tone despite jumping octaves.

It did draw an awful lot of breath early on, but i think one gets better at dealing with it. Not really sure what i mean, so i'll think about it...
"All art is one." -Hal
User avatar
tobysima`
Posts: 245
Joined: Wed Aug 19, 2020 8:32 pm
Location: Connecticut
Has thanked: 5 times
Been thanked: 7 times

Re: Dr. Young Mouthpiece

Post by tobysima` »

humBell wrote: Fri Nov 06, 2020 8:09 pm Note to self...

Post something here.

I have played a bit with a Dr. Young mouthpiece. It was unbranded. I don't know what it says about it or me as a player, but the most telling comment i got on a large sousaphone when i was futzing around before a parade was that it sounded like a synth. So, rock steady and invariant, or perhaps expressionless. My impression also with that one in particular is that i could get a very similar tone despite jumping octaves.

It did draw an awful lot of breath early on, but i think one gets better at dealing with it. Not really sure what i mean, so i'll think about it...
You could maybe use it for subwoofer effect or something then! I'll probably get one eventually for fun then.
Toby Simard
M&M 5V CC Tuba - Bach 18
Mack EU1150S - SM2U
User avatar
Mithosphere
Posts: 128
Joined: Thu Aug 13, 2020 1:26 pm
Has thanked: 40 times
Been thanked: 13 times

Re: Dr. Young Mouthpiece

Post by Mithosphere »

bort2.0 wrote: Thu Nov 05, 2020 7:59 pm I tried one a few years ago, when I visited Paul Mayberry (how is HE doing? Haven't heard from him in a long time!)

I did not like this mouthpiece at all. No exaggeration, I didn't like a single thing about it.

Spend your money on something modern and more useful. I don't personally like stainless steel mouthpieces, but bloke has designed a heckuva mouthpiece, and that would easily be worth more than a Dr. Young whatever...

"Rare for a reason..."
Was that one of the Reynolds Dr. Young mouthpieces, the comically large french horn version? Those are the ones that play the worst.

...I'd still like to get one... :bugeyes:
User avatar
bort2.0
Posts: 5259
Joined: Thu Aug 13, 2020 9:13 am
Location: Minneapolis
Has thanked: 336 times
Been thanked: 1001 times

Re: Dr. Young Mouthpiece

Post by bort2.0 »

Oh gosh, I don't know. Maybe the French Horn one...? It was about 6 years ago, so...
User avatar
tobysima`
Posts: 245
Joined: Wed Aug 19, 2020 8:32 pm
Location: Connecticut
Has thanked: 5 times
Been thanked: 7 times

Re: Dr. Young Mouthpiece

Post by tobysima` »

Mithosphere wrote: Sat Nov 07, 2020 9:36 am
bort2.0 wrote: Thu Nov 05, 2020 7:59 pm I tried one a few years ago, when I visited Paul Mayberry (how is HE doing? Haven't heard from him in a long time!)

I did not like this mouthpiece at all. No exaggeration, I didn't like a single thing about it.

Spend your money on something modern and more useful. I don't personally like stainless steel mouthpieces, but bloke has designed a heckuva mouthpiece, and that would easily be worth more than a Dr. Young whatever...

"Rare for a reason..."
Was that one of the Reynolds Dr. Young mouthpieces, the comically large french horn version? Those are the ones that play the worst.

...I'd still like to get one... :bugeyes:
Where could I find a good playing one? I definitely think I could have a use for it.
Toby Simard
M&M 5V CC Tuba - Bach 18
Mack EU1150S - SM2U
humBell
Posts: 2065
Joined: Thu Aug 13, 2020 11:25 am
Has thanked: 220 times
Been thanked: 165 times

Re: Dr. Young Mouthpiece

Post by humBell »

My accumulation of Dr. Young mouthpieces:
Image

Left to right: Wessex Young 1R, Reynolds Dr. Young Model, unmarked.

I have had the unmarked longest and actually performed with it. I really like the evenness throughout my range it gives. As i said, i been called a synth on it (and a Martin Mammoth sousa) which i take as a compliment. I don't know that it carries loudly for playing loudly, as i recall one parade using it, and having the leader kept asking for more bassline. I also like it for its weight as it is on the heavy end of mouthpieces, despite not being sure it makes a difference, and for sharper inner rims. Hey, Linus likes his blue balnket...

Anyway, i got 'em out, and only laziness will keep me from comparing them somehow and sharing thoughts about them... But boy am i lazy!
"All art is one." -Hal
User avatar
tobysima`
Posts: 245
Joined: Wed Aug 19, 2020 8:32 pm
Location: Connecticut
Has thanked: 5 times
Been thanked: 7 times

Re: Dr. Young Mouthpiece

Post by tobysima` »

humBell wrote: Tue Nov 10, 2020 1:07 pm My accumulation of Dr. Young mouthpieces:
Image

Left to right: Wessex Young 1R, Reynolds Dr. Young Model, unmarked.

I have had the unmarked longest and actually performed with it. I really like the evenness throughout my range it gives. As i said, i been called a synth on it (and a Martin Mammoth sousa) which i take as a compliment. I don't know that it carries loudly for playing loudly, as i recall one parade using it, and having the leader kept asking for more bassline. I also like it for its weight as it is on the heavy end of mouthpieces, despite not being sure it makes a difference, and for sharper inner rims. Hey, Linus likes his blue balnket...

Anyway, i got 'em out, and only laziness will keep me from comparing them somehow and sharing thoughts about them... But boy am i lazy!
I wonder which one gets the best "synth" effect!
Toby Simard
M&M 5V CC Tuba - Bach 18
Mack EU1150S - SM2U
Post Reply