Denis Wick 1AL vs Denis Wick 5ABL

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

Overall Comparison Cup Diameter Cup Depth Rim Width Throat Diameter Backbore Finish Material
Mouthpiece A
    Denis Wick 1AL
    • Trombone
    Cup diameter27.11 mm / 1.0673 in
    Cup depthVery deep
    Rim width6.09 mm / 0.2398 in
    Throat diameter7.45 mm / 0.2933 in
    Backboreopen
    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 5ABL
      • Trombone
      Cup diameter25.73 mm / 1.0130 in
      Cup depthMedium
      Rim width6.64 mm / 0.2614 in
      Throat diameter7.00 mm / 0.2756 in
      Backboremedium
      Finish
      Material
      Best suited for
      📣High-volume projection — open throat for power

      Cup Diameter

      The Denis Wick 1AL has a cup diameter of 27.11 mm / 1.0673 in compared to 25.73 mm / 1.0130 in on the Denis Wick 5ABL — a difference of 1.38 mm / 0.0543 in. A wider cup generally produces a fuller, darker tone but requires more air support.

      Cup Depth

      The Denis Wick 1AL has a very deep cup while the Denis Wick 5ABL 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 1AL has a wider throat (7.45 mm / 0.2933 in vs 7.00 mm / 0.2756 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 Denis Wick 1AL details Denis Wick 5ABL details Denis Wick 1AL equivalents Denis Wick 5ABL equivalents