Denis Wick 5ABL vs Schilke 51D
The Denis Wick 5ABL has a wider cup diameter, the Schilke 51D has a larger throat opening.
Cup Diameter
The Denis Wick 5ABL has a cup diameter of 25.73 mm / 1.0130 in compared to 25.55 mm / 1.0059 in on the Schilke 51D — a difference of 0.18 mm / 0.0071 in. A wider cup generally produces a fuller, darker tone but requires more air support.
Cup Depth
Both mouthpieces share a medium cup depth, so the sound character from depth alone will be very similar.
Throat Diameter
The Schilke 51D has a wider throat (7.04 mm / 0.2772 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.