Practical guide
Choosing a Mouthpiece
The mouthpiece affects intonation, tone, resistance and ease in the upper register as much as the instrument itself. There's no such thing as "the best" mouthpiece in absolute terms: the right choice depends on each player's embouchure, repertoire and instrument. This guide gathers models, measurements and characteristics from three reference brands for euphonium, useful for getting your bearings before trying mouthpieces in person — a step that remains irreplaceable either way.
Getting your bearings
The measurements that matter
Four parameters explain most of the differences between one model and another: cup diameter (the wider it is, the bigger the sound but the less immediate the upper register), rim width (a wide rim gives more comfort and endurance, a narrow one more precision in the attack), throat (a narrower throat makes response easier and articulation crisper, a wider one gives more volume but demands more air) and backbore (a smaller one focuses the sound, a larger one opens it up). To these is added the shank, which must match the receiver of the instrument.
Historic brand
Denis Wick — Steven Mead
Denis Wick euphonium mouthpieces are built on the proven principles of their trombone mouthpieces, with refinements to the throat and backbore designed for the euphonium's conical bore. The Steven Mead line models add further refinements for precision, articulation, flexibility, range and overall response. Available in gold-plated or silver-plated finish.
Standard Series
The classic line from the collaboration with Steven Mead: six progressively narrower cups, from the SM2 (the widest) to the SM6 (the narrowest, designed for the upper register).
| Model | Cup (Ø mm) | Rim (mm) | Throat (mm) | Backbore / shank | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SM2 | 27.00 | 6.75 | 7.3 | Barrel — large shank | Wide cup and backbore: a big, open sound. |
| SM3 / SM3 Gold | 26.40 | 6.80 | 7.4 | Barrel — large shank | The quintessential soloist's model: excellent projection, warm and clean sound. |
| SM3.5 | 26.40 | 6.80 | 7.62 | Barrel — large shank | A slightly wider cup and throat than the SM3, for a more open sound. |
| SM4 / SM4 Gold | 26.00 | 6.72 | 7.38 | Barrel — large shank | Open sound with excellent clarity in the upper register. |
| SM4M | 26.00 | 6.72 | 7.38 | Barrel — medium shank | Like the SM4, with a medium shank. |
| SM5 / SM5 Gold | 25.75 | 6.63 | 7.3 | Barrel — large shank | Ideal balance between resistance and airflow. |
| SM6 | 25.40 | 6.20 | 7.1 | Medium/large shank | Excellent upper register, clear and resonant sound. |
Ultra Series (U · X · XR)
The most recent evolution: an outer shape with more mass to increase projection, and a cup that combines the best elements of funnel and bowl shapes, for a classic euphonium sound with more support and response in the upper register.
| Model | Cup (Ø mm) | Rim (mm) | Throat (mm) | Backbore |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SM3U | 26.40 | 6.3 | 7.4 | V-type — large shank |
| SM3XR | 26.40 | 6.3 | 7.45 | V-type — large shank |
| SM4U | 26.00 | 6.3 | 7.4 | V-type — large shank |
| SM4X | 26.00 | 6.3 | 7.40 | V-type — large shank |
| SM4XR | 26.00 | 6.3 | 7.4 | V-type — large shank |
| SM5U | 25.75 | 6.3 | 7.40 | V-type — large shank |
| SM5X | 25.75 | 6.3 | 7.45 | V-type — large shank |
| SM5XR | 26.00 | 6.3 | 7.4 | V-type — large shank |
Heroes Series (UH)
Developed from the Ultra X: revised rim profile and inner edge, a new curve in the lower part of the cup, and a modified backbore for greater projection — better airflow, a more even tone and effortless articulation.
| Model | Cup (Ø mm) | Rim (mm) | Throat (mm) | Backbore |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SM3UH | 26.40 | 6.3 | 7.2 | V-type — large shank |
| SM4UH | 26.00 | 6.33 | 7.2 | V-type — large shank |
| SM5UH | 25.75 | 6.3 | 7.2 | V-type — large shank |
Denis Wick — David Childs (DC)
Designed and tested together with soloist David Childs: the weight distribution of the DC range ensures tonal control across the full range of the instrument, at any dynamic.
| Model | Cup (Ø mm) | Rim (mm) | Throat (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2G (gold) / DC2 (silver) | 26.4 | 6.7 | 7.4 |
| 3G / DC3 | 26.0 | 6.73 | 7.45 |
| 3MG / DC3M | 26.0 | 6.73 | 7.45 |
| 4G / DC4 | 25.75 | 6.73 | 7.4 |
| 5G / DC5 | 25.5 | 6.7 | 7.4 |
Modular construction
Randefalk
Randefalk mouthpieces combine the characteristics of V- and U-shaped cups, with a gradual transition toward a small cone in the throat. They are made of heavy copper-brass with PVD plating, and are also available with a synthetic diamond coating on request.
Modul Series (R · RS)
A two-piece construction — cup and shank separate and interchangeable — designed for a deep cup with a powerful, full-bodied sound (also suited to large-bore trombones, though it requires good air support). The cup comes in a gold or silver PVD finish; the shank is always in dark silver. Shanks are available with a 7.0 / 7.2 / 7.4 / 7.6 mm throat, or in the new 7.5 mm short-shank format, to sit deeper into the leadpipe/tuning slide.
| Model | Rim Ø (mm) | Outer Ø (mm) | Bore (mm) | Cup depth (mm) | Total length (mm) | Backbore (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R2S | 26.40 | 39.50 | 7.60 | 37.00 | 83.00 | 10.70 |
| R3 | 26.00 | 39.50 | 7.60 | 37.00 | 83.00 | 10.70 |
| R3S | 26.00 | 39.50 | 7.20 | 37.00 | 83.00 | 10.70 |
| R4 | 25.70 | 39.50 | 7.10 | 35.50 | 80.00 | 10.30 |
| R5 | 25.40 | 39.50 | 7.00 | 34.00 | 80.00 | 10.30 |
Recommended shank: 7.6 mm (or 7.5 short) for the R2S; 7.4 mm (or 7.5 short) for the R3 and R3S; 7.2 mm (or 7.5 short) for the R4; 7.0 mm for the R5. By size, the R2S and R3 are comparable to a Denis Wick 3AL / Bach 3G; the R3S to a Denis Wick 4AL / Bach 4G; the R4 to a Denis Wick 5AL / Bach 5G; the R5 to a Denis Wick 6½AL / Bach 6G.
- Wide, clear sound
- Improved range, both high and low
- More accurate intonation
- Extremely comfortable rim
- Greater ease of flexibility
- Clearer, more defined articulation
- Even tone across the full range of the instrument
Modular system
AR Resonance
The idea behind these mouthpieces is to make them easier to play thanks to a smaller throat, while still potentially producing a bigger sound — and certainly better in tune — than those normally available on the market. Experience gained with thousands of trombone mouthpieces made it possible to find a solution to the typical problems of the best-known brands, by designing backbores with an unusual internal taper.
Available cup diameters
| Size | Cup diameter | Note |
|---|---|---|
| VL | 27.00 mm | — |
| L | 26.60 mm | — |
| ML | 26.30 mm | — |
| M | 26.00 mm | Same diameter as the Denis Wick SM3 |
| MS | 25.70 mm | — |
| S | 25.40 mm | — |
The throat diameter is 7.2 mm across all models, slightly smaller than the typical 7.4 mm of Denis Wick mouthpieces: a deliberate choice designed to make articulation and the execution of high notes easier.
Backbore
Available in three sizes — small, medium, large. The smaller the backbore, the tighter the feel on response, but also the more focused the sound and the more stable the notes. A larger backbore produces a bigger sound, a more open feel, and makes it easier to bend notes.
Available shanks
Four shank types: the standard Besson Prestige, a small one for entry-level Yamaha models, a European one (slightly smaller than the Besson), and a German one, used mainly for German-style baritone instruments. The instrument played must be specified when ordering.
✏️ Note for Domenico: the measurements on this page come from each brand's own spec
sheets and can vary slightly between catalog editions — it's always worth checking them on the
manufacturer's website before buying. If you want to add other brands (e.g. Wesley, Alliance, Josef
Klier), just duplicate a .mp-brand block and its .mp-table table.