*
banner

Cattanach joins tuba artiste team at Mercer & Barker

The respected BBb tuba player Andy Cattanach will endorse the new MB5 model for the tuba player looking for the all round package.

cATTANACH
  The respected tuba player will lend his name to the new MB5 model

Tuba mouthpiece manufacturers Mercer & Barker continue to make a significant mark with leading performers in the banding world with the announcement that the highly respected Foden's player Andy Cattanach has become a M&B Artiste.

He will now give his endorsement of the new MB5 'Cattanach' model which is currently in the final stages of production and will hopefully be launched at the National Finals in Cheltenham later this month.

New Model

Speaking about the development Andy said: "I've known Carl Mercer and George Barker (company founders) for some time and being local to them they asked me to critique their emerging range.

I certainly wasn't actively seeking a mouthpiece change, but with their responses to my findings on their mouthpieces for other players, it was a the next step to take. I'm now delighted with the feel and sound of the new MB5 'Cattanach' model."

This is a mouthpiece ideally suited to players who are used to a larger model, but still need it to provide the nimbleness and accuracy required with control through different registers, volumes and stylesAndy Cattanach

Ideally suited

He added: "This is a mouthpiece ideally suited to players who are used to a larger model, but still need it to provide the nimbleness and accuracy required with control through different registers, volumes and styles.

I think this is a great all-round mouthpiece. It performs so well at low dynamics with a full sound, and at the most robust dynamics.

All that and it is British designed and made by a local company run by two great players who understand the needs and requirements of tuba players at all levels."

Find out more

To find out more about Mercer & Barker mouthpieces go to: https://mercerandbarker.com/about-us/

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


New Zealand

New Zealand National bands face financial challenges

February 2 • BBNZ President says its National Secondary Schools Band, National Youth Band, and National Band of New Zealand are in need of financial support after grant bids fail.


4BR review

4BR Review — Episode 15

February 1 • Iwan Fox and Chris Thomas look back at a memorable RNCM International Brass Band Festival, as well as look forward to the Norwegian Championships and more...


Grimethorpe

Grimethorpe to support a Day to Remember

February 1 • Grimethorpe Colliery Band will add their musical sparkle to a concert that aims to raise funds for the Alzheimer's Society


UniBrass Championships

UniBrass Championships countdown now on

February 1 • There are now just a couple of weeks to go before the student banding world heads to Newport — so why not go along and enjoy the action.


Dobcross Silver Band - Whitburn Band

Sunday 1 February • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


West Wycombe Brass Band

February 1 • West Wycombe Brass Band are looking for Flugel and Horn players, any position. Rehearsals Wednesday 7.45-9.45pm in own band hall. Give us a call, or email.


Croy Silver Band

February 1 • Croy Silver Band currently has contest vacancies on Cornet and Percussion, but is always happy to accommodate enthusiastic new players in any section of the band.


Tintwistle Band

January 29 • We have a vacancy for a soprano cornet player, ideally able to join us long-term, but we are also looking to fill this position to compete in the 2nd section Midlands area contest in March 2026.. We enjoy all year round concerts, contests,and social events


David W. Ashworth

RSCM, ABBA Exec Member, NABBC PRO.
Conductor, Band Trainer and Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd