Denis Wick 3 vs Giardinelli 17C
The Denis Wick 3 has a wider cup diameter, the Denis Wick 3 features a deeper cup.
Mouthpiece A
Denis Wick 3
• Cornet
Cup diameter16.75 mm / 0.6594 in
Cup depthVery deep
Rim width5.05 mm / 0.1988 in
Throat diameter4.57 mm / 0.1799 in
Backboreopen
Finish—
Material—
Best suited for
High-volume projection — open throat for power
vs
Mouthpiece B
Giardinelli 17C
• Cornet
Cup diameter15.00 mm / 0.5906 in
Cup depthDeep
Rim width—
Throat diameter—
Backbore—
Finish—
Material—
Cup Diameter
The Denis Wick 3 has a cup diameter of 16.75 mm / 0.6594 in compared to 15.00 mm / 0.5906 in on the Giardinelli 17C — a difference of 1.75 mm / 0.0689 in. A wider cup generally produces a fuller, darker tone but requires more air support.
Cup Depth
The Denis Wick 3 has a very deep cup while the Giardinelli 17C has a deep 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.