*
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    


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


Stephen Phillips

MA, BA (Homs), PQSI, NPQH, PGCE
Conductor, Band Trainer, Educator, Compere


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd