Detail 01
32.5mm cup diameter
The widest cup in this range. More lip vibrates, so the low register opens up, but pitch center gets looser.
Product detailSKU #1297873816336
Denis WickDW5286 Classic Series Tuba Mouthpiece in Silver 1L
1/2
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
Large-shank tuba mouthpiece with a 32.5mm cup and 8.43mm throat. For developed players on big BBb or CC tubas who need volume.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Symphonic and wind-ensemble players on 5/4 or 6/4 contrabass tubas
- Low-register work where the horn needs to fill a hall
- Strong embouchures moving up from a medium cup
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- F and Eb tuba players — the cup is oversized for those horns
- Students still building chops; endurance will collapse fast
- Anyone wanting brighter articulation over sheer size
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
8.43mm throat
Free-blowing. Air moves with little resistance, which rewards a big air supply and exposes a small one.
Detail 03
Sized for large tubas
Built around big BBb and CC horns. On a compact F or Eb it will feel unfocused and hard to center.
Detail 04
Needs a strong embouchure
Sustaining a rim this wide costs endurance. Long rehearsals get harder before they get easier.
Detail 05
1L versus the plain 1
Same 32.5mm cup and 8.43mm throat, but the 1 uses a smaller shank. Match the shank to your receiver.
Detail 06
Silver finish
Standard plated feel, slightly grippier than gold on the lip. Wipe it down after playing so it doesn't cloud.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Check your leadpipe receiver — a shank mismatch means it seats too deep or too shallow
- 02Mouthpiece only. No pouch, case, or brush comes with it
- 03Give it three to four weeks before judging; a wider cup rebuilds your embouchure
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01Will this fit my F tuba?
It's not the right size for one. The 32.5mm cup is built for large BBb and CC horns. Denis Wick's smaller cups, like the 3XL or 5L, suit F tubas better.
02What's the difference between 1L and 1XL?
Both share the 32.5mm cup and 8.43mm throat. The 1XL adds a wider, rounder rim, which spreads pressure across more of the lip and is easier on long sessions.
03Is this too much mouthpiece for a high schooler?
Usually yes. It demands a developed embouchure and a lot of air. The 4L or 5L are sized for younger players and give projection with less effort.
04Does the wide throat make me flat in the low register?
It can, until your air catches up. A big throat lowers resistance, so notes that were easy to center now need more support to hold pitch.
Reference
Full specifications
The complete catalog record, organized around the decisions musicians make when comparing gear.
1 detailsBody & build
- Color
- Silver
15 detailsOther
- 1
- 32.5mm cup diameter; 7.48mm rim width; 8.43mm throat. Large tuba mouthpiece with smaller shank. Great volume and range.
- 2
- 32mm cup diameter; 8.45mm throat. Smaller shank mouthpiece with Helleberg shape cup. Works well with F, Eb and 4/4 C tubas.
- 3
- 31.25mm cup diameter; 8.78mm throat. Round cup and larger throat and backbore. Big dark sound with increased endurance.
- 4
- 30.5mm cup diameter; 8.27mm throat. Smaller shank with clear tone and excellent articulation and response. Great for younger players.
- 5
- 30mm cup diameter; 7.89mm throat. Smaller shank with smaller throat and medium backbore for added support and clarity with projection. Works well for F and Eb tubas.
- 1xl
- 32.5mm cup diameter; 8.43mm throat. Wider, rounded rim for large tubas. Great volume and range.
- 2xl
- 32mm cup diameter; 8.45mm throat: Wider, rounded rim for player comfort during extended periods. Works well for soft, articulated passages.
- 3xl
- 31.25mm cup diameter; 8.78mm throat. Wide, round rim for additional player comfort. Works well for F tuba.
- 2sl
- 32mm cup diameter; 7.65mm throat. Funnel-shape Helleberg cup with clear sound with good projection in all registers.
- 3sl
- 31.25mm cup diameter; 7.62mm throat. Soloist model with brilliant tone and high register. Great for F tuba work.
- 5l
- 30mm cup diameter; 7.89mm throat. Deep cup and matching backbore for compact sound. Good choice for F and Eb tubas.
- 4l
- 30.5mm cup diameter; 8.27mm throat. Excellent choice for younger players. Good projection with less effort.
- 3l
- 31.25mm cup diameter; 8.78mm throat. Deep, well-rounded cup plus huge throat and backbore for rich, organ-like tone.
- 2l
- 32mm cup diameter; 8.45mm throat. Large funnel-shape Helleberg cup. Clean and clear sound in all registers
- 1l
- 32.5mm cup diameter; 8.43mm throat. Especially for large tubas. Enormous volume and range; needs strong embouchure.
