*
banner

Sonic launch for new Paul Richards mouthpiece

Mercer & Barker will give soprano players at Cheltenham the chance to try out the brand new MB1-PR 'Sonic' mouthpiece designed in collaboration with Paul Richards.

Paul Richards
  Paul Richards has developed two mouthpieces with Mercer & Barker

Leading mouthpiece makers Mercer & Barker will be in Cheltenham this weekend giving soprano players the opportunity to check out their latest additions to their range.

It will include the new MB1-PR 'Sonic' mouthpiece inspired by Flowers Band star Paul Richards, who last weekend claimed the Brian Evans Memorial Trophy as 'Best Soprano' at the British Open Championship.

Finest performers

Regarded as one of the finest performers in world banding, Paul has worked with Mercer & Barker to first launch the MB-PR1 has been incredibly popular.

It's combination of a sizeable cup with the comfortable signature M&B rim helps the player deliver a true shimmering soprano sound without losing range or stamina.

The partnership has now created the new MB1-PR 'Sonic' designed to be used in partnership with the MB PR1. It has been designed to provide the performer with the option to enhance the extreme range whilst not compromising sound.

Sonic option

Talking about the mouthpiece Paul said: "This is such an exciting option for a soprano player to have in their armoury. It certainly enables me to seamlessly swap in a mouthpiece which feels the same to play, is bang in tune, but provides more support to play at the highest register in comfort."

More information:


For more info on the new Sonic mouthpiece, go to: www.mercerandbarker.com

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    


Banding podcast

Podcast: That's Not Banding — Episode 15

February 4 • More musings and entertainment from the Brighouse pairing of Chris and Tom — from contest nerves to Norwegian contesting...


Cory

New tuba lead at Cory

February 4 • Cory confirm the permanent signing of Will Marston as their new principal Eb tuba.


City of Coventry

Shanks to lead masterclass in Coventry

February 4 • Chris Shanks will lead a great open day of masterclass playing and performing at Coventry City Salvation Army Band in April — so sign up.


Radio

Radio: Touch of Brass

February 4 • More great brass band and military band music to enjoy from Martin and Julie.


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


Gordon Eddison

B Ed (Hons). Member AoBBA.
Conductor and Adjudicator.


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd