Bach 14½D vs Denis Wick SM5
The Denis Wick SM5 has a wider cup diameter, the Denis Wick SM5 features a deeper cup, the Denis Wick SM5 has a larger throat opening.
Cup Diameter
The Denis Wick SM5 has a cup diameter of 25.73 mm / 1.0130 in compared to 24.50 mm / 0.9646 in on the Bach 14½D — a difference of 1.23 mm / 0.0484 in. A wider cup generally produces a fuller, darker tone but requires more air support.
Cup Depth
The Denis Wick SM5 has a medium cup while the Bach 14½D has a shallow cup. Deeper cups favor a darker, richer sound; shallower cups provide more brightness and easier upper register.
Throat Diameter
The Denis Wick SM5 has a wider throat (7.30 mm / 0.2874 in vs 5.85 mm / 0.2303 in). A wider throat allows more air through, increasing volume and projection but reducing resistance.
Which is better?
Neither mouthpiece clearly dominates the other — the right choice depends on your embouchure, playing style, and the sound you're after. Try both if possible.