Detail 01
Large shank
Fits the bigger receiver on pro-level euphoniums. Check your horn first — shank size is the one thing you cannot adapt around.
Product detailSKU #1288970926990
Denis WickDW4880E-SMU Steven Mead Ultra Series Euphonium Mouthpiece in Gold SM4U
1/2
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
Gold-finish SM4U euphonium mouthpiece, large shank, 26mm cup with a V backbore. For established players wanting a full, open sound on a large-bore horn.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Large-shank euphoniums where a medium shank wobbles or falls in
- Brass band and ensemble players chasing a broad, dark core
- Players with developed chops who can support a 26mm cup
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Medium-shank horns — this shank will not seat correctly
- Beginners still building embouchure strength on a wide cup
- Players needing an easy high register above the staff
What matters in use
The specifications, translated
Catalog numbers tell only part of the story. These are the details most likely to change how this product feels, sounds, or fits into a setup.
Detail 02
26mm cup diameter
Wide rim contact spreads the load and opens the low register, at the cost of endurance on long sets.
Detail 03
7.40mm throat
Larger bore than the SM6U's 6.66mm. Takes more air, gives more volume ceiling and a fuller bottom end.
Detail 04
V-type backbore
Funnel-shaped taper rather than a cup shape. Pushes the sound darker and rounder, closer to a euphonium's traditional voice.
Detail 05
6.30mm rim width
Middle-of-the-road rim. Wide enough for comfort on long rehearsals, not so wide that flexibility suffers.
Detail 06
Gold finish
Different feel against the lip than silver — slicker, less grip. Matters if you have a nickel sensitivity.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Confirm your euphonium takes a large shank; SM4 also exists in medium (SM4MU)
- 02Mouthpiece only — no case or pouch is part of this
- 03Give yourself two weeks to adjust before judging a cup this size
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01Will this fit my euphonium?
Only if your horn has a large-shank receiver. The medium-shank version of the same cup is the SM4MU. Measure or test-fit before ordering.
02What's the difference between SM4U and SM6U?
The SM4U has a 26mm cup and 7.40mm throat; the SM6U is 25.40mm with a 6.66mm throat. SM4U is bigger and darker, SM6U tighter and easier to control.
03Is the gold version different from silver?
The dimensions are the same across finishes. Gold feels smoother on the lip and is the usual choice for players who react to silver plating.
04Is this a good first mouthpiece?
No. A 26mm cup with a 7.40mm throat demands a lot of air and a settled embouchure. Start smaller and move up.
Reference
Full specifications
The complete catalog record, organized around the decisions musicians make when comparing gear.
1 detailsBody & build
- Color
- Gold
9 detailsOther
- Sm6mu
- Medium shank; 25.40mm cup diameter; 6.30mm rim width; 6.66mm throat; V-type backbore.
- Sm4mu
- Medium shank; 26mm cup diameter; 6.30mm rim width; 7.40mm throat; V-type backbore.
- Sm5mu
- Medium shank; 25.75mm cup diameter; 6.30mm rim width; 7.40mm throat; V-type backbore.
- Sm3mu
- Medium shank; 26.40mm cup diameter; 6.30mm rim width; 7.40mm throat; V-type backbore.
- Sm2u
- Large shank; 27mm cup diameter; 6.30mm rim width; 7.30mm throat; V-type backbore.
- Sm3u
- Large shank; 26.40mm cup diameter; 6.30mm rim width; 7.40mm throat; V-type backbore.
- Sm6u
- Large shank; 25.40mm cup diameter; 6.30mm rim width; 6.66mm throat; V-type backbore.
- Sm4u
- Large shank; 26mm cup diameter; 6.30mm rim width; 7.40mm throat; V-type backbore.
- Sm5u
- Large shank; 25.75mm cup diameter; 6.30mm rim width; 7.40mm throat; V-type backbore.
