Bach 6½AL (large shank) vs Denis Wick 9BL

The Bach 6½AL (large shank) has a wider cup diameter, the Bach 6½AL (large shank) features a deeper cup, the Denis Wick 9BL has a larger throat opening.

Overall Comparison Cup Diameter Cup Depth Rim Width Throat Diameter Backbore Finish Material
Mouthpiece A
    Bach 6½AL (large shank)
    • Trombone
    Cup diameter25.40 mm / 1.0000 in
    Cup depthDeep
    Rim width
    Throat diameter6.63 mm / 0.2610 in
    Backbore
    Finish
    Material
    Best suited for
    🎻Orchestral playing — large cup for full, dark tone
    📣High-volume projection — open throat for power
    vs
    Mouthpiece B
      Denis Wick 9BL
      • Trombone
      Cup diameter25.00 mm / 0.9843 in
      Cup depthMedium
      Rim width6.46 mm / 0.2543 in
      Throat diameter6.66 mm / 0.2622 in
      BackboreV-type
      Finish
      Material
      Best suited for
      📣High-volume projection — open throat for power

      Cup Diameter

      The Bach 6½AL (large shank) has a cup diameter of 25.40 mm / 1.0000 in compared to 25.00 mm / 0.9843 in on the Denis Wick 9BL — 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 Bach 6½AL (large shank) has a deep cup while the Denis Wick 9BL has a medium cup. Deeper cups favor a darker, richer sound; shallower cups provide more brightness and easier upper register.

      Throat Diameter

      The Denis Wick 9BL has a wider throat (6.66 mm / 0.2622 in vs 6.63 mm / 0.2610 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.

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