Denis Wick 5AL vs Kelly 12C
The Denis Wick 5AL has a wider cup diameter, the Denis Wick 5AL features a deeper cup.
The internal diameter of the cup, measured at the widest point inside the rim.
Mouthpiece A
Denis Wick 5AL
• Trombone
Cup diameter25.73 mm / 1.0130 in
Best suited for
High-volume projection — open throat for power
vs
Mouthpiece B
Kelly 12C
• Trombone
LeadCup diameter24.13 mm / 0.9500 in
Best suited for
Lead trombone; smallest cup
Cup Diameter
The Denis Wick 5AL has a cup diameter of 25.73 mm / 1.0130 in compared to 24.13 mm / 0.9500 in on the Kelly 12C — a difference of 1.60 mm / 0.0630 in. A wider cup generally produces a fuller, darker tone but requires more air support.
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.
Compare Denis Wick 5AL with others
Compare Kelly 12C with others
Popular Trombone comparisons
- Bach 12E vs Bob Reeves 5G Gladstone
- Yamaha SL-YEO-S vs Marcinkiewicz ET3C. Loper
- Giardinelli Sym. T vs Bach 12E
- Schilke 45B vs Marcinkiewicz ET3C. Loper
- Denis Wick 6BL vs Conn Connstellation 7CW
- Yamaha SL-48DL vs Yamaha SL-YEO-S
- Conn Connstellation 7CW vs Bach 6½A (small shank)
- Giardinelli Sym. T vs Bruno Tilz 306-5 GS