Bob Reeves 43.5/FE vs Denis Wick 4F
The Bob Reeves 43.5/FE has a wider cup diameter, the Denis Wick 4F features a deeper cup.
Mouthpiece A
Bob Reeves 43.5/FE
• Flugelhorn
Cup diameter17.26 mm / 0.6795 in
Cup depthMedium
Rim width—
Throat diameter—
Backbore—
Finish—
Material—
vs
Mouthpiece B
Denis Wick 4F
• Flugelhorn
Cup diameter16.50 mm / 0.6496 in
Cup depthVery deep
Rim width5.17 mm / 0.2035 in
Throat diameter4.58 mm / 0.1803 in
Backboreopen
Finish—
Material—
Best suited for
High-volume projection — open throat for power
Cup Diameter
The Bob Reeves 43.5/FE has a cup diameter of 17.26 mm / 0.6795 in compared to 16.50 mm / 0.6496 in on the Denis Wick 4F — a difference of 0.76 mm / 0.0299 in. A wider cup generally produces a fuller, darker tone but requires more air support.
Cup Depth
The Denis Wick 4F has a very deep cup while the Bob Reeves 43.5/FE has a medium cup. Deeper cups favor a darker, richer sound; shallower cups provide more brightness and easier upper register.
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.