Denis Wick 4L vs Yamaha BB-64

The Denis Wick 4L has a wider cup diameter, the Denis Wick 4L features a deeper cup, the Yamaha BB-64 has a larger throat opening.

Overall Comparison Cup Diameter Cup Depth Rim Width Throat Diameter Backbore Finish Material
Mouthpiece A
    Denis Wick 4L
    • Tuba
    Cup diameter30.50 mm / 1.2008 in
    Cup depthVery deep
    Rim width6.89 mm / 0.2713 in
    Throat diameter8.27 mm / 0.3256 in
    Backboremedium
    Finish
    Material
    Best suited for
    🎻Orchestral playing — large cup for full, dark tone
    📣High-volume projection — open throat for power
    vs
    Mouthpiece B
      Yamaha BB-64
      • Tuba
      Cup diameter30.45 mm / 1.1988 in
      Cup depthMedium
      Rim width
      Throat diameter8.35 mm / 0.3287 in
      BackboreStandard
      Finish
      Material
      Best suited for
      📣High-volume projection — open throat for power

      Cup Diameter

      The Denis Wick 4L has a cup diameter of 30.50 mm / 1.2008 in compared to 30.45 mm / 1.1988 in on the Yamaha BB-64 — a difference of 0.05 mm / 0.0020 in. A wider cup generally produces a fuller, darker tone but requires more air support.

      Cup Depth

      The Denis Wick 4L has a very deep cup while the Yamaha BB-64 has a medium cup. Deeper cups favor a darker, richer sound; shallower cups provide more brightness and easier upper register.

      Throat Diameter

      The Yamaha BB-64 has a wider throat (8.35 mm / 0.3287 in vs 8.27 mm / 0.3256 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 4L details Yamaha BB-64 details Denis Wick 4L equivalents Yamaha BB-64 equivalents