Benge 165F/190F Mouthpiece choice

[Trav1s]

Since I am new to the world of Benge large bore trombones, I am curious to know what others are playing.

I've tried a Faxx 6.5 AL-L and Bach 5G without much success. I have a large shank Schilke 51B that worked much better than either of the Faxx or Bach pieces but ended up with a DE LT102/F+/G8 combo that brings my sound to life. The first two lacked focus and clarity for me. When I tried these horns in the 90's I found the Marcellus mouthpiece sound similar.

[Trav1s]

I relocated these quotes from a sale thread.

What mouthpiece did you find that works well with the 190? I have a 165 that feels a bit dull and I think it is a leadpipe or backbore issue.

I plugged in a Schilke Symphony M5.2. Previously I’ve been trying to use my Greg Black, to no avail (it felt dull in this horn). With the Schilke, I’m able to get the bright, compact and colorful sound that I’ve been looking for.

[Klimchak]

I am currently using a DE XTN103/G/G9 and it is not working, just dull sounding. Downsizing cup and backbore may be the way to go. Doug also makes a King/Benge large shank backbore that may work.

[DCIsky]

Especially in comparison to the Shires and Edwards horns that I was testing it against, my 190F is a mouthpiece-sensitive instrument. I think my mistake was seeing all-brass construction and approaching it as part of the Bach 42 diaspora (sound world, mouthpieces, etc): trying to plug in my Greg Black with the expectation of a big, broad sound. It’s much more along the Conn 88H spectrum than I initially thought, so approaching it from that angle and using a Schilke solved all of my sound and playability issues.

[Trav1s]

I first tried the LT102/H/H9 combo that I have and it defintely was lacking - lacked clarity, focus, and sounded wide. I think the G9/H9 shank is too much for these horns and IIRC Doug's site says the 9 shank is geared for .547/.562 dual bore horns.

After talking to Doug and confirming my 165F did not require the King/Benge shank, I was curious about two options: LT102/F+/G8 or LT102/G/G8, both of which Doug said would work. Since I favor shallower cups (LT102/D/D4 on .522/.525), I opted for the F+ option and I am happy with the choice. My sound is Conn-like but on steroids. I can push this horn and it will not break up, it is nimble, and very responsive over the entire range. I'm hooked!


Before the 165F, I spent most of my playing time on my 79H and know I favor Conns. I appreciate what the Benge design brings to the Conn sound. I am still wondering about a nickel slide crook...