Product Overview
The 101GS is similar to the Bach 5GL, which is a somewhat obscure mouthpiece resembling a Bach 5G, but with a slightly shallower cup, splitting the difference between the 5G and 5GS. It is a bit deeper than the Bach 5GS. Although the Bach 5GS and Schilke 51B are sometimes equated, the 51B is actually more similar to a Bach 6.5AL. The 101GS is also similar to the Remington mouthpiece.
This is an excellent choice for large bore tenor when the player wants great projection and ease in the upper register without going as shallow as the Bach AL cup.
Another similar mouthpiece is the Bach 5, which is less common than the 5GS and has a more bowl shaped cup.
Material - These mouthpieces can be made in either Delrin or Acrylic plastic. Here is a comparison of their characteristics:
- Delrin:
- Feels softer on the chops because it has more give than metal. This is a great advantage for players with braces.
- Not as slippery as silver, giving more grip.
- Added grip makes Delrin mouthpieces feel smaller than their metal counterparts with the same size designation.
- Not as smooth as metal, so some players may feel slight chop irritation for the first day or two while they adjust.
- More comfortable to play in cold weather because they feel warm on the chops.
- Plastic mouthpieces are more responsive than brass, making soft entries more secure.
- Articulation less crisp with less point at the front of the note compared to brass.
- Darker sound than brass.
- Less core in the sound compared to brass.
Acrylic:
- Feels softer than brass but less soft and Delrin on the chops.
- Less slippery than metal but more slippery than Delrin.
- Grip intermediate between Delrin and silver.
- Feel slightly smaller than the metal counterparts.
- Smoother than Delrin, very similar to silver.
- Comfortable to play in cold weather.
- Responsive to soft articulation.
- Articulation is clearer than Delrin, very similar to metal.
- Sound is slightly darker than brass and brighter than Delrin.
- More core in the sound than Delrin, but not as much core as metal.
