Denis Wick

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NotATrumpet
Posts: 57
Joined: Tue Jan 07, 2025 6:38 am

Denis Wick

Post by NotATrumpet »

I have seen Wick mouthpieces with two different types of lettering stamped on them. Some have large letters others have much smaller . if I play on a 5AL with small letters and then buy a 5AL with large letters would I notice a difference ?
tbonesullivan
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Re: Denis Wick

Post by tbonesullivan »

The company has been making mouthpieces for a long time, and what you are probably seeing is the move from using hand stamps to the use of a cutter / engraver to add the markings. They theoretically should be the same, but the hand stamped versions could have more variation.
David S. - daveyboy37 from TTF
Bach 39, LT36B, 42BOF & 42T, King 2103 / 3b, Kanstul 1570CR & 1588CR, Yamaha YBL-612 RII, YBL-822G & YBL-830, Sterling 1056GHS Euphonium,
Livingston Symphony Orchestra NJ - Trombone
NotATrumpet
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Re: Denis Wick

Post by NotATrumpet »

Thanks, tbonesullivan. That makes sense.
tbonesullivan
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Re: Denis Wick

Post by tbonesullivan »

NotATrumpet wrote: Fri Feb 14, 2025 5:56 am Thanks, tbonesullivan. That makes sense.
I should mention, this is true even for more modern makers. Hammond Mouthpieces used to stamp their pieces, but now they are engraved, a recent development. Laskey mouthpieces were usually engraved markings but the font and style changed. Some are also probably laser engraved, which also results in a different look.
David S. - daveyboy37 from TTF
Bach 39, LT36B, 42BOF & 42T, King 2103 / 3b, Kanstul 1570CR & 1588CR, Yamaha YBL-612 RII, YBL-822G & YBL-830, Sterling 1056GHS Euphonium,
Livingston Symphony Orchestra NJ - Trombone
Vegasbound
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Re: Denis Wick

Post by Vegasbound »

Late answer to this, but may be useful to someone.

The answer is yes, there are differences between the new and older versions, not least the original hand stamped early ones have a different/original rim shape, and although Denis would never admit it the mouthpieces started getting bigger in the mid 90’s

CNC of course makes them more consistent too, but if you look at the current listed sizes of say the 12cs it is now listed as 24.7mm not 24.5, and the 10cs at 25.2mm not the original 25.

And the AL versions have gotten much deeper than the original too.


And it was announced this week that Steve Wick and the board have sold the company to to the Italian based music company SRL.
chromebone
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Re: Denis Wick

Post by chromebone »

There are differences between the older and newer models. I have a 5AL made in the early 80’s that I bought new old stock a couple of years ago, It’s very different from the newer 5Al I own. It’s somewhat shallower, the diameter is also a little bit smaller. I think it’s a much better mouthpiece than the newer one.
blast
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Joined: Thu Mar 22, 2018 6:46 am

Re: Denis Wick

Post by blast »

Vegasbound wrote: Sat Aug 09, 2025 4:23 am Late answer to this, but may be useful to someone.

The answer is yes, there are differences between the new and older versions, not least the original hand stamped early ones have a different/original rim shape, and although Denis would never admit it the mouthpieces started getting bigger in the mid 90’s

CNC of course makes them more consistent too, but if you look at the current listed sizes of say the 12cs it is now listed as 24.7mm not 24.5, and the 10cs at 25.2mm not the original 25.

And the AL versions have gotten much deeper than the original too.


And it was announced this week that Steve Wick and the board have sold the company to to the Italian based music company SRL.
Good for Steve. He can enjoy his retirement. A very nice guy and a great tubist.
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