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Music Trades article 2011
Denis Wick leads the Charge!
Chris Davies puts the new Denis Wick Heritage mouthpiece through its paces, with good results. Consistently evolving its technology and ideas, the latest selection of tenor horn mouthpieces, released by Denis Wick Products, are striaght from the cutting-edge of brass engineering where the label 'Heritage' is particularly apt, since these innovative mouthpieces strongly resemble many 19th century Hawkes mouthpieces, which served as an inspiration rather than a basis for Denis Wick's new design. The technology behind them, however, is strikingly revolutionary. the Gold-coloured rim and silver mouthpiece are quite attractive and very unique. Presented in packaging that resembles a type usually reserved for an expensive watch or ring, you can be assured of the qulaity of this product, into which its makers have poured a great deal of care and precision. The main development to note is the interesting lack of density at the top of the mouthpiece, particularly around the rim which has no metal directly behind it (unlike previous versions). The bulk of the weight of the mouthpiece (which is surprisingly light overall) is deployed towards the base of the cup, providing extremely powerful sound when needed. The contact of the new thin rim on the lips is also very comfortable and the lack of metal behind the rim gives a slightly better feeling of control over the sound - particularly helpful for quiet entires if your a soloist. The combination of power and sensitivity is well-suited for horn players in bands with wide dynamic ranges - it permits greater control over the softest entries and plenty of beef when fortissimo markings crop up. The Heritage range offers a more nuanced selection of mouthpiece sizes: 1, 1A, 2, 2A, 3, 4 and 5 are all on offer, providing tenor horn players with more subtle options than previous selections. The size 1 mouthpiece (the biggest and shallowest of the series) offers a masiive 'beefy' sound, particularly in the pedal register - an ideal purchase for second horn players looking to balance the sound of a section with fatter low notes. Also, the size 4 is a new design, and is 0.5mm smaller in diameter than the 3, while the deepest mouthpiece, the 5, has the smallest diameter (but the deepest cup). Brass Band World - September 2009Straight from the cutting-edge of brass engineering
Combination of power and sensitivity
A massive 'beefy' sound, particularly in the pedal register
Denis Wick launches new Ultra range of euphonium mouthpieces
Denis Wick launches new Ultra range of euphonium mouthpieces
Denis Wick Products have launched a new range of euphonium mouthpieces designed by virtuoso euphonium-player Steven Mead. The new ‘Ultra’ range was launched last week to great acclaim simultaneously at Music China in Shanghai and at the National Brass Band Championships at the Royal Albert Hall.
Steven Mead designed his original SM series for Denis Wick back in 1995, but recent changes in instrument design and Steven’s desire for perfection, have been the spur to create this new design. After many prototypes, the Ultra SM3U was finally given Steven’s consent, and was met with universal approval at both Music China and the Brass Band Championships.
The new mouthpiece has a different, heavier outer shape, a slightly more rounded cup and a slightly sharper inner edge to the rim. The sound is powerful, with a beautiful singing high register.
Steven Mead said ‘From an initial concept drawing we started to get closer to the desired goal. Each prototype was subjected to rigorous testing in different acoustics, using ‘blind’ judges listening to the new mouthpiece in relation to others. Each time following the tests we were able to make it a little better, then again a little better. Finally, we arrived at the finished version and I’m delighted with it!’
Chinese-born Allen Fan, a rising euphonium star based in Switzerland, commented “the Ultra has such a powerful high register – I think that is the loudest top B that I have ever played!”
Initially available in two sizes only (SM3U and SM4U) the range will soon be extended to include other models for euphonium and baritone.
- Musikmesse press release -
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Friday, 08 January 2010 13:37
To read the latest article published in Brass Band World about Stephen Wick and his involvment with Denis Wick Products please click here
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