What is the primary benefit of the Bach 6.5AL Large Shank?

It allows a performer to use a large-bore trombone while maintaining the physical feel and resistance of a smaller-bore instrument. This is ideal for players who find larger cups too fatiguing or lacking in focus.

What does 'Large Shank' mean?

Large shank refers to the diameter of the mouthpiece stem. It is designed to fit into large-bore tenor trombones and bass trombones, rather than standard student or jazz small-bore trombones.

Is this mouthpiece suitable for a beginner?

No, the manufacturer specifies that a well-developed embouchure from an intermediate or professional player is required. Beginners may find it difficult to control the intonation and tone without established facial strength.

What is the typical price for this mouthpiece in the UK?

The Bach Classic 6.5AL Large Shank typically retails for approximately £80. Prices may vary slightly based on the specific retailer and current stock levels.

What finish is applied to this model?

This specific model features a high-quality silver-plated finish. This is the industry standard for Bach mouthpieces, providing a comfortable feel on the lips and good durability.

Can I use this mouthpiece on a Conn 52H trombone?

Yes, because the Conn 52H is a large-bore tenor trombone, it is compatible with large-bore mouthpieces like the Bach 6.5AL. It provides an excellent balance for this specific dual-bore instrument.

How does it compare to the Denis Wick 2AL?

The Denis Wick 2AL is a bass trombone mouthpiece and is significantly larger than the Bach 6.5AL. The 6.5AL is intended for tenor trombone players, whereas the 2AL is for those playing lower orchestral parts.

What is the significance of the 'AL' in the model name?

In the Bach numbering system, the 'A' typically signifies a deep cup, and the 'L' refers to the backbore style. Together, they create the specific resistance and tone characteristic of this model.

Will this mouthpiece fit a Grassi STB850 School Series trombone?

It depends on the leadpipe of the STB850; if the trombone is a small-bore student model, this large shank mouthpiece will not fit. You would need a small shank version of the 6.5AL instead.

Is the 6.5AL good for high register playing?

Yes, many players find the 6.5AL offers better support for the high register than larger symphonic mouthpieces because of its medium rim and cup size. It provides the compression needed for upper notes while remaining resonant.

Does Bach offer a similar mouthpiece for Tuba?

Yes, Bach produces the Classic Tuba Mouthpiece 12 in a similar silver-plated finish. However, that model is significantly larger to accommodate the requirements of a tuba rather than a trombone.

Is this mouthpiece compatible with a Neotech Tuba Harness?

While the Neotech Tuba Harness is used for supporting heavy brass instruments, it does not directly affect the mouthpiece. You can use the Bach 6.5AL on any compatible large-shank trombone regardless of the harness used.

Gear article

Bach Classic Trombone Mouthpiece Large Shank 6.5AL Silver Plated

The Bach Classic 6.5AL is a professional-grade large shank trombone mouthpiece designed to provide the feel and response of a small-bore instrument for players using large-bore trombones. Finished in silver plate, it is a versatile standard in the industry, favoured by intermediate and professional players with well-developed embouchures.

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Overview

The Bach Classic 6.5AL Large Shank mouthpiece is a specific configuration within the Vincent Bach catalogue, designed to bridge the gap between different instrument specifications. While large-bore trombones typically require a more robust air supply and a broader mouthpiece, the 6.5AL is engineered for performers who prefer the resistance and tactile feedback associated with smaller-bored instruments. This makes it a popular choice for symphonic players who want a more focused, compact feel without sacrificing the projection required for large-bore tenors.

Design and Functionality

The 'AL' designation refers to the specific cup depth and backbore combination, which in the case of the 6.5AL, provides a medium-deep cup depth. The large shank fitting is compatible with modern symphonic tenor trombones, such as the Conn 52H Bb/F. Because this mouthpiece demands precise control to manage its specific resistance and airflow characteristics, the manufacturer recommends it for players who have already developed a strong embouchure through consistent practice.

Sound Character

The primary sonic characteristic of the 6.5AL is its ability to produce a brilliant and resonant tone that retains clarity across all registers. It offers a balance between the dark, heavy sounds of larger orchestral mouthpieces and the bright, cutting nature of small-bore jazz mouthpieces. This versatility allows the performer to maintain a consistent timbre while enjoying the ergonomic benefits of a slightly smaller rim diameter compared to larger alternatives like the Denis Wick 2AL.

Suitability and Player Requirements

This mouthpiece is not intended for beginners. Due to its specific design goals, it requires an intermediate or professional level of physical development in the facial muscles. Performers who transition from a small-bore student instrument to a professional large-bore trombone often find the 6.5AL to be an ideal transition tool, as it preserves a familiar 'feel' while adapting to the larger receiver of the new instrument.

Comparison and Market Alternatives

When compared to other options in the brass market, the Bach 6.5AL occupies a middle ground. For those seeking a budget-friendly entry for smaller instruments, the Gear4Music Coppergate 11C is a common choice, though it lacks the large shank required for symphonic horns. For bass trombone players, a larger option like the Denis Wick Classic 2AL is more appropriate. Within the Bach range, users might also encounter the Bach Classic 12 for Tuba, which shares the same manufacturing lineage and silver-plated aesthetic but serves an entirely different instrument class.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary benefit of the Bach 6.5AL Large Shank?: It allows a performer to use a large-bore trombone while maintaining the physical feel and resistance of a smaller-bore instrument. This is ideal for players who find larger cups too fatiguing or lacking in focus.
What does 'Large Shank' mean?: Large shank refers to the diameter of the mouthpiece stem. It is designed to fit into large-bore tenor trombones and bass trombones, rather than standard student or jazz small-bore trombones.
Is this mouthpiece suitable for a beginner?: No, the manufacturer specifies that a well-developed embouchure from an intermediate or professional player is required. Beginners may find it difficult to control the intonation and tone without established facial strength.
What is the typical price for this mouthpiece in the UK?: The Bach Classic 6.5AL Large Shank typically retails for approximately £80. Prices may vary slightly based on the specific retailer and current stock levels.
What finish is applied to this model?: This specific model features a high-quality silver-plated finish. This is the industry standard for Bach mouthpieces, providing a comfortable feel on the lips and good durability.
Can I use this mouthpiece on a Conn 52H trombone?: Yes, because the Conn 52H is a large-bore tenor trombone, it is compatible with large-bore mouthpieces like the Bach 6.5AL. It provides an excellent balance for this specific dual-bore instrument.
How does it compare to the Denis Wick 2AL?: The Denis Wick 2AL is a bass trombone mouthpiece and is significantly larger than the Bach 6.5AL. The 6.5AL is intended for tenor trombone players, whereas the 2AL is for those playing lower orchestral parts.
What is the significance of the 'AL' in the model name?: In the Bach numbering system, the 'A' typically signifies a deep cup, and the 'L' refers to the backbore style. Together, they create the specific resistance and tone characteristic of this model.
Will this mouthpiece fit a Grassi STB850 School Series trombone?: It depends on the leadpipe of the STB850; if the trombone is a small-bore student model, this large shank mouthpiece will not fit. You would need a small shank version of the 6.5AL instead.
Is the 6.5AL good for high register playing?: Yes, many players find the 6.5AL offers better support for the high register than larger symphonic mouthpieces because of its medium rim and cup size. It provides the compression needed for upper notes while remaining resonant.
Does Bach offer a similar mouthpiece for Tuba?: Yes, Bach produces the Classic Tuba Mouthpiece 12 in a similar silver-plated finish. However, that model is significantly larger to accommodate the requirements of a tuba rather than a trombone.
Is this mouthpiece compatible with a Neotech Tuba Harness?: While the Neotech Tuba Harness is used for supporting heavy brass instruments, it does not directly affect the mouthpiece. You can use the Bach 6.5AL on any compatible large-shank trombone regardless of the harness used.