Description
From solo literature to orchestral performance, Denis Wick tuba mouthpieces meet the requirements of every musical style. All models have great flexibility, produce a rich sound and have clear overtones.
| Weight | 0.27 kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 5 × 5 × 11 cm |
| Size | 1, 1XL, 2, 2XL, 3, 3XL, 4, 4L, 5, 5L, 2L, 2SL, 3SL, 3L, 1L |
Is bigger better? The 1XL tuba mouthpiece…
In the case of the 1XL I really believe so! The Denis Wick 1XL tuba mouthpiece is one of the largest in the range (along with the 1CC) and is a fantastic tool to get the best out of large BBb and CC tubas. I’ve had the opportunity to put it through it’s paces on my Nirschl 6/4 CC and Rudolph Meinl CC however the most fantastic results were achieved when I was confronted with some rather tricky parts to be played on Sousaphone and British style BBb bass. Certainly the latter is a notoriously unwieldy instrument and finding a mouthpiece that gave me an opportunity to make a sound I was happy with and the confidence to cover the entire range with ease was a revelation. I had used a 1L (also good) previously to play larger tubas however the change of rim shape for the 1XL not only felt more comfortable but also gave the feeling of ease of air movement and ‘slotting’ of notes especially in the low register. Whether playing in a jazz ensemble, band or orchestra the tuba (or bass) player is expected to be the fundamental low voice one moment and perhaps a soloist the next, therefore mouthpieces can often feel like a compromise. I have found the 1XL within the situations I have described to give the very best of sound, range and flexibility results. When one feels confident in the tools being used, the results are more reliable and pleasing, both in terms of feel and sound achieved.
Listen to Andrew Kershaw playing the 1XL here
Andy Kershaw
Tuba and related historic instruments, conductor and teacher
25/08/20
Micky Wrobleski on the Denis Wick 3L Classic Tuba mouthpiece
I put the 3L in my Miraphone Firebird and the Besson EEb as well as my Nirschl 6/4 CC. You can consider my mind blown! On the bass tubas, it really opens up the sound in all ranges, especially in the low register.
The rim is very comfortable and truth to be told, doesn’t give me the feeling of playing on a mouthpiece. It is as if there is almost nothing between me and the instrument!
To say that I am impressed would be quite an understatement. Thank you for opening my eyes! This mouthpiece far exceeds all expectations.
Micky Wrobleski
Principal Tuba of the Beijing Symphony Orchestra
Professor of Tuba, China Conservatory of Music
Studio Artist
