Frequently Asked Questions

Are CHI Mouthpieces made in China?

CHI does not stand for China! It stands for Chicago where we are based. CHI mouthpieces are made and plated in the USA of the highest quality materials with the highest quality craftsmanship.

What shank size do I need?

This should help but if not please reach out to us for advise:

CHI Brass Shank Guide

CHI Brass offers multiple shank sizes on many models to allow a more precise match between mouthpiece and instrument receiver.

A Shank — approximately .525"
Designed for smaller receivers commonly found on instruments such as Yamaha F and EEb tubas, Besson tubas, Eastman small-receiver instruments and similar designs.

Standard Shank — approximately .530"
Appropriate for many B&S, Eastman, Yamaha, Nirschl, Miraphone, Meinl Weston F and older BBb/CC receivers.

E / Euro Shank — approximately .540"
Designed for larger receivers such as Yamaha York-style instruments, large-receiver Nirschl tubas, newer large Meinl Weston CC/BBb instruments, newer Eastman 6/4 tubas and similar instruments.

Because receiver dimensions vary between manufacturers and even between production periods, dealers should encourage players to consider both the mouthpiece design and proper shank fit when selecting a model.

Do you allow returns?

We do allow returns on new mouthpieces; however they must be in like new condition no dings dents or scratches. We reserve the right to charge a $25 cleaning and polishing fee if needed.

Where can I go to try them in person?

If you are in the Chicago area you can make an appointment to come try them in person. Otherwise look at our dealers page on the site or come vist us at one of the confrences we attend each year.

I am not getting the results I want from my mouthpiece. What shoudl I get?

Reach out to us with some details and we woudl be happy to help you find a solution.

I am looking for that one special mouthpiece that will allow me to do all the things I need to.

It is very rare that a player uses one mouthpiece for every situation they perform in. Mr. Jacobs famously carried a bag of mouthpieces around and suggested you use different mouthpieces to change the tone quality for different music and halls.

What are your top selling F tuba mouthpieces?

Top seller for Rotor F Floyd Cooley 1

Others:

Jacobs 1

JR Helleberg

Tucci Vinatge 64

Tucci Vintage 80

Paul

RT 65

RT 64

Schilke Lyric

Schilke HII F

Top seller for Piston F Floyd Cooley 3

Others

IR 1

RT 65

Vinatge Tucci 64

RT 64

What do you recommend for 6/4 York tubas?

The Jacobs 2 is our top seller for this.

Others:

4023

JS

JCS

MB 50

RT 50

Tucci Vintage 50

Schilke HII

Schilke HII CLE

AT 3U

Canadian Brass Arnold Jacobs

Paul the Great or PTG Pro

What do you recommend for EEb tuba?

IR 1 is our top seller for EEb

Others

JR Helleberg

Jacobs 1

Alliance 3A

Wick 3L

R Helleberg for large front action Piston EEb

Or check out our EEb collection page for more