Steven mead Signature Mouthpieces
SM2
The biggest euph m.p. in the range , used by some professional wind band players and players who have occasion to double on bass trombone. Produces , predictably, a massive low range tone and v.rich and sonorous middle register. Popular also with tuba players who teach euphonium and like to play along with students.
SM3
The famous SM3 is the choice of many top soloists including the designer Steven Mead, as it makes a rich full sound and, given the right air use, is still able to soar majestically into the higher register with a full tone. Quite deep cup. Whilst some players find the SM4 or SM3.5 just a little more accommodating the players who like this m.p. won't hear a bad word said about it. The 'ultimate' m.p. if you can handle it.
SM3M
Same as SM3 but with medium ('European') shank.
SM3.5
A relatively new m.p. being made as a result of popular request: a m.p. that is a cross between the SM3 and 4. So it has the cup depth of the SM4, (slightly shallower than the SM3) with the rim diameter of the SM3. Proving to be very popular and supplied with all new Besson Prestige euphs. Seems to satisfy the demands of the good player and has a great balance between the tone and ease of playing asked for by a large number of top band player and soloists.
SM4
The most popular m.p. in the range and played by a large number of the top euphonium virtuosi around the world including the majority of championship section brass band solo euphonium players in the UK today. Similar in size to the Shilke 51D has made many fans in the USA too in the last couple years. Has comfort, sound, range, flexibility that woos event the sceptic. Medium cup depth. Also supplied with the new Besson Prestige euphs. Works with all other euphs too!
SM4M
NEW January 2001 , due to popular request. As for SM4 but with medium ('European' shank) Very popular with German-style Bariton players who want a big full sound on their instruments.
SM5
Smaller in some dimension but still quite deep. Popular with many players who prefer their rim size a little smaller yet who still want quite a deep cup and the sought after SM m.p. tone. Has proved popular with many Japanese players. Preferred also by younger players who may find the SM4/3.5/4 a bit big to handle.