*
banner

Neish becomes latest Mercer & Barker signing

Tuba star Les Neish is the latest high profile signing for the Mercer & Barker mouthpiece brand.

Neish
  Les Neish has gained acclaim as a performer and teacher

The celebrated tuba soloist and teacher Les Neish has become a Principal Performing Artist with Mercer & Barker Mouthpieces.

He is the latest high profile signing for the brand and sees him move to the manufacturer after enjoying a 10-year relationship with Alliance mouthpieces.

Different variations

Speaking about the move, Les told 4BR: "Since the return to performance opportunities following Covid-19 I've been keen to explore different variations to my playing.

I have enjoyed a wonderful relationship with Alliance with the 'Signature' mouthpiece, but I feel the time was right to look at something new. Mercer & Barker offers that chance to develop an extensive range to help both myself and fellow players."

Since the return to performance opportunities following Covid-19 I've been keen to explore different variations to my playingLes Neish

Thank you

He added: "I would like to say a huge thank you to the team at Alliance for their help and support over the years and I would like to wish them all the best for the future.

I have been using the Mercer & Barker mouthpieces for the last few months and have found them excellent throughout. I am currently using the MB3 and MB4 depending on the performance situation I'm in."

It is understood that the Alliance signature mouthpiece will still be available on various websites but will no longer be in production or available from Alliance directly.

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    


NYBBGB

Tynan becomes NYBBGB Young Conductor winner

January 17 • The Black Dyke Band solo Eb tuba player shines his light to claim the title honours with the baton in Tidworth.


Chinnor

New direction at Chinnor

January 17 • Chris Andrews takes the baton alongside a trio of new signings as the band looks forward to making its First Section debut at Stevenage.


webster

Wonderful response to charity concert

January 17 • A concert to help raise funds for a young family man with a close connection to the old banding world has already gained a wonderful response of support.


Review

4BR Review — Episode 14

January 16 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox is joined by Chris Thomas and special guest Dr David Thornton to preview the 2026 RNCM International Brass Band Festival in Manchester.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


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


East London Brass

January 16 • CORNET PLAYER - looking ahead to the 2026 contest season, ELB are looking for a cornet player to complete our line up. The band is ambitious and keen to further our successful 2025 season of winning the areas and promotion at spring festival.


Enderby Band

January 16 • Following our 2nd place finish at the LBBA winter contest and recent promotion to the Senior Cup for the 2026 Spring Festival, we are looking for a SOLO CORNET, a BBb BASS and PERCUSSIONISTS to complete our friendly and hardworking team.


Petworth Town Band

January 15 • Petworth Town Band have vacancies for CORNETS, BASS TROMBONE and TUBA. We are a very active band with concerts and engagements planned throughout the year.


Craig Roberts

BA (Hons), MA
Conductor / Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd