*
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    


British Open

Livestream broadcasts brought in-house for Spring Festival and British Open

April 16 • The 2026 Spring Festival and British Open Championships will be broadcast in a new link between the organisers and Red Shell Productions.


NYBBGB

NYBBGB ready to add to plaudits in Manchester

April 16 • The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain will head to the RNCM in Manchester this weekend.


BBE Young Leaders

Brass Bands England to help new youth leaders

April 16 • A course aimed at enhancing specialised skills to inspire the next generation of brass band players is launched with increased capacity by BBE.


Field of the Cloth of Gold

Wright & Round: Field of the Cloth of Gold (Philip Harper)

April 16 • An exciting concert work that recalls a historic summit of superpowers...


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Spring Concert

Saturday 18 April • Hathersage Methodist Church . Main Road. Hathersage S32 1BB


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 1 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 3 May • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - FiveBy5 Trumpet Quintet

Tuesday 5 May • Charlton House and Gardens. Charlton Road, . London. . SE7 8RE


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 8 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Waterbeach Brass

April 16 • Waterbeach Brass are seeking a talented and confident solo (tutti) cornet player to join our friendly and ambitious band. We offer a welcoming and social environment with a diverse and challenging musical repertoire playing at regular concerts and contests


Chinnor Silver

April 15 • With the dust settling after the areas we are looking for Bb BASS & PERCUSSION players to join us as we look to consolidate as a 1st Section Band.. Varied but realistic diary for the coming year and possible foreign trip in 2027. Rehearsals on a Wednesday


Linthwaite Band

April 15 • We are a welcoming 4th section band with a vacancy for a kit player. Our calendar is filling up with various contests and engagements to fulfil through the year.


Sam Fisher

BA (Hons), PGCE, Dip.ABRSM
Conductor, Adjudicator (AoBBA), Composer/Arranger, Cornet & Flugelhorn Soloist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd