Robert Tucci undertook development of mouthpieces in the early Seventies. At that time selection was limited to a few standard models or something passed down by a teacher or colleague. Typical tuba mouthpiece diameters centered around 31.5 mm, medium-size cups predominated. Good F-tuba mouthpieces were non existent. Great Sound and Efficiency were the prerogatives. Fundamental output combined with comprehension and use of the overtone appearance factor were of great significance. Recognizing sound quality is important, determining the means to obtain this vital. Early Perantucci mouthpieces reflect the philosophies of the time. Rims slightly rounded on the outer edge while sharper on the inner. Cups had moderate volume, funnel-shaped, tapered to produce a healthy centered sound. Throat bores made for good control, large enough to provide acceptable volume.
Mouthpieces with greater diameter and cup volume were developed. These departed in several respects from conventional design. Rims became narrower with clearly defined inner edges. Cup philosophy was oriented toward healthy acoustical function to provide massive volume, fast response and scintillating sound. Various aspects of the design were adjusted and balanced to provide remarkable flexibility, excellent high range and projection. Perantucci mouthpieces broke new round in mouthpiece design and musical performance.
1990 saw two major changes to Perantucci tuba mouthpieces. A new numbering system based on progressive cup volume, separation into general cup-style categories and a new shells were introduced. These have rims with the weight necessary for strong tonal stability and cup wall thickness carefully adjusted to the volume of the respective cups. Effectively, a balance of acoustical power.
PT-64 and PT-65. Developing the ultimate definition of professionalism for F-tuba:
considerable research and experimentation was necessary before a revolutionary F-tuba mouthpiece, PT-64, was introduced in 1973. PT-64 was the first F-tuba mouthpiece to combine acceptable diameter with cup, throat and back-bore balanced for fast response, good intonation and high range accessibility. PT-64 was an instant success and quickly established itself as one of the world’s most popular F-tuba mouthpieces. It signature is ease of use, brilliant live sound and great projection.
The PT-65, introduced in 1996, further developed these preferred characteristics while reflecting new trends in F-tubas and tonal qualities. PT-65 provides strong center and great accuracy in all registers. The sound is clear and dominating yet dark in character. Response, accuracy, flexibility and the tonal nature of this new model accommodate modern large bore instruments.
The newest mouthpiece for F-tuba, PT-62, builds upon those characteristics basic to the success of our products: Sound Energy built on strong fundamental, rich vibrant core and solid response. The PT-62 has a diameter of 32.50 mm so that more embouchure surface can be utilized. PT-62 makes a large sound in the middle and low register of F-tubas possible. Tonal Presence, a deciding factor for F-tubas, dominates. PT-62 is ideal for instruments of Far Eastern manufacture, adding depth of sound and increased low register resonance.
PT-50 and PT-88. A new generation of dynamic tuba players dictated the need for even larger mouthpieces:
the Perantucci PT-50, 33 mm cup and 8.3 mm throat bore and PT-88, 33.5 mm and 8.1 mm throat bore, were designed after considerable research and testing in demanding orchestral environments. Both offer large deep cups with narrow rims. The challenge of such dimensions was indeed great yet it was possible to develop mouthpieces with excellent response and acceptable high register performance. Not only were power players given the tools they needed, many medium and medium- large tubas were given a new lease on life. As with the PT-64 for F-tuba, the PT-50 and PT-88 provide benefits never before possible.
Success is built upon success:
PT-36, PT-40, PT-44, PT-45 and PT-48 benefit from the same philosophy. The elegance of PT cup designs integrated into perfectly balanced rims, shells, throats and backbores is unique.
Heavy Shell series:
the Models PT-24+, PT-48+, PT-50+, PT-83+ and PT-88+ feature a new outside shape which incorporates modified cup and bore specifications as well as additional weight for unprecedented stability and projection of the sound. The Perantucci tuba mouthpiece design concept does not stop at the end of the shank. These mouthpieces are carefully engineered to give every tubist “The Right Response” with any good instrument.
Medium-size mouthpieces:
Model PT-83 is a highly-refined classic funnel design with all the characteristics preferred in this style. The sound can be modulated in any direction to provide a full spectrum of colors, projection is excellent without being strident, and the response is even and smooth with additional support and emphasis in the low range. The PT-83, a highly desirable mouthpiece for medium-large and large BBb and CC-tubas, is available in regular and heavy shell versions.
Model PT-84 is medium-size mouthpiece with ideal sound characteristics. Rim,response and flexibility are comfortable, sound has beautiful resonance and character This versatile and successful standard mouthpiece is ideal for young players and works well on Eb, CC-and BBb-tubas.
Model PT-72 uses the same rim as the PT-84 with a shallower cup. Intended for large BBb and CC-tubas, it works well on F-tuba when an especially broad and powerful orchestra sound with unprecedented power and weight in the low register is the objective. Please note the increased cup, 32.5 mm, and throat, 8.1 mm, diameters.
In recent years new models have been developed:
Model PT-24, a true classic, offers a moderately deep cup well rounded at bottom combined with a wide cushion rim. This is an excellent general purpose mouthpiece for F, Eb, CC and BBb tubas featuring a comfortable rim and a large throat bore for depth of tone and volume.
Model PT-40, an F-tuba solo, ensemble and orchestra mouthpiece with a deep cup and large throat.
Model PT-45, a unique realization of funnel cup design. Wide cup, 32.50 mm and large bore 8.50 mm.
SOUSAPOWER SP-3, SP-4, SP-5 and SP-8: World leading Heavy Shell Technology for strong fundamental high volume projection in open-air venues.
Perantucci tuba mouthpiece design concept does not stop at the end of the shank:
these mouthpieces are carefully engineered to give every tubist “The Right Response and Sound Energy” with any good instrument.
Those attributes responsible for the success and recognition of the above mouthpieces apply to all mouthpieces of our manufacture.
PERANTUCCI Mouthieces rely on: Musical Quality, Product Integrity, Affordability. Benefits for the player.
We thank you for your many ideas and suggestions and for the time and effort taken to evaluate these products. The world-wide success of these models is yours as much as it may be ours.