Which has a bigger cup — Denis Wick 1AL or Kelly 12C?

The Denis Wick 1AL has a cup diameter of 27.11 mm / 1.0673 in compared to 24.13 mm / 0.9500 in on the Kelly 12C — a difference of 2.98 mm / 0.1173 in. A wider cup generally produces a fuller, darker tone but requires more air support.

How does cup depth compare between Denis Wick 1AL and Kelly 12C?

The Denis Wick 1AL has a very deep cup while the Kelly 12C has a shallow cup. Deeper cups favor a darker, richer sound; shallower cups provide more brightness and easier upper register.

Denis Wick 1AL vs Kelly 12C

Name: Kelly 12C
Brand: Kelly

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

Overall Comparison Cup Diameter Cup Depth Rim Width Throat Diameter Backbore Finish Material

Surface plating or treatment (e.g. silver plate, gold trim). Affects feel, durability, and appearance.

Mouthpiece A

Denis Wick 1AL

• Trombone

Finish—

Best suited for

🎻Orchestral playing — large cup for full, dark tone

📣High-volume projection — open throat for power

Mouthpiece B

Kelly 12C

• Trombone

Lead

Finish—

Best suited for

📋Lead trombone; smallest cup

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 Kelly 12C details Denis Wick 1AL equivalents Kelly 12C equivalents

Denis Wick 1AL vs Kelly 12C

Playing Characteristics

What Do These Model Names Mean?

What Changes If You Switch?

Which is better?

Compare Denis Wick 1AL with others

Compare Kelly 12C with others

Popular Trombone comparisons

Denis Wick vs Kelly

Browse by specification