Bach 18 vs Denis Wick 1

The Denis Wick 1 has a wider cup diameter, the Denis Wick 1 features a deeper cup, the Bach 18 has a larger throat opening.

Overall Comparison Cup Diameter Cup Depth Rim Width Throat Diameter Backbore Finish Material
Mouthpiece A
    Bach 18
    • Tuba
    Cup diameter32.10 mm / 1.2638 in
    Cup depthMedium
    Rim width
    Throat diameter9.00 mm / 0.3543 in
    Backbore
    Finish
    Material
    Best suited for
    📣High-volume projection — open throat for power
    vs
    Mouthpiece B
      Denis Wick 1
      • Tuba
      Cup diameter32.50 mm / 1.2795 in
      Cup depthVery deep
      Rim width7.48 mm / 0.2945 in
      Throat diameter8.43 mm / 0.3319 in
      Backboreopen
      Finish
      Material
      Best suited for
      🎻Orchestral playing — large cup for full, dark tone
      📣High-volume projection — open throat for power

      Cup Diameter

      The Denis Wick 1 has a cup diameter of 32.50 mm / 1.2795 in compared to 32.10 mm / 1.2638 in on the Bach 18 — a difference of 0.40 mm / 0.0157 in. A wider cup generally produces a fuller, darker tone but requires more air support.

      Cup Depth

      The Denis Wick 1 has a very deep cup while the Bach 18 has a medium cup. Deeper cups favor a darker, richer sound; shallower cups provide more brightness and easier upper register.

      Throat Diameter

      The Bach 18 has a wider throat (9.00 mm / 0.3543 in vs 8.43 mm / 0.3319 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.

      Open in interactive tool + Add third mouthpiece Bach 18 details Denis Wick 1 details Bach 18 equivalents Denis Wick 1 equivalents