Denis Wick 3 vs Denis Wick 3SL
the Denis Wick 3 features a deeper cup, the Denis Wick 3 has a larger throat opening.
Mouthpiece A
Denis Wick 3
• Tuba
Cup diameter31.25 mm / 1.2303 in
Cup depthVery deep
Rim width8.11 mm / 0.3193 in
Throat diameter8.78 mm / 0.3457 in
Backborelarge barrel
Finish—
Material—
Best suited for
Orchestral playing — large cup for full, dark tone
High-volume projection — open throat for power
vs
Mouthpiece B
Denis Wick 3SL
• Tuba
Cup diameter31.25 mm / 1.2303 in
Cup depthShallow
Rim width8.11 mm / 0.3193 in
Throat diameter7.62 mm / 0.3000 in
Backboresmall
Finish—
Material—
Best suited for
High-volume projection — open throat for power
Cup Diameter
Both mouthpieces have virtually identical cup diameters at 31.25 mm / 1.2303 in.
Cup Depth
The Denis Wick 3 has a very deep cup while the Denis Wick 3SL has a shallow cup. Deeper cups favor a darker, richer sound; shallower cups provide more brightness and easier upper register.
Throat Diameter
The Denis Wick 3 has a wider throat (8.78 mm / 0.3457 in vs 7.62 mm / 0.3000 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.