Denis Wick 5AL vs Yamaha SL-48S-GP

The Denis Wick 5AL has a wider cup diameter, the Denis Wick 5AL has a larger throat opening.

Overall Comparison Cup Diameter Cup Depth Rim Width Throat Diameter Backbore Finish Material
Mouthpiece A
    Denis Wick 5AL
    • Trombone
    Cup diameter25.73 mm / 1.0130 in
    Cup depthMedium
    Rim width6.64 mm / 0.2614 in
    Throat diameter7.30 mm / 0.2874 in
    Backborebarrel
    Finish
    Material
    Best suited for
    📣High-volume projection — open throat for power
    vs
    Mouthpiece B
      Yamaha SL-48S-GP
      • Trombone
      Cup diameter25.25 mm / 0.9941 in
      Cup depthMedium
      Rim width
      Throat diameter6.62 mm / 0.2606 in
      BackboreSemi-wide
      Finish
      Material
      Best suited for
      📣High-volume projection — open throat for power

      Cup Diameter

      The Denis Wick 5AL has a cup diameter of 25.73 mm / 1.0130 in compared to 25.25 mm / 0.9941 in on the Yamaha SL-48S-GP — a difference of 0.48 mm / 0.0189 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 Denis Wick 5AL has a wider throat (7.30 mm / 0.2874 in vs 6.62 mm / 0.2606 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.

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