Detail 01
7.62mm throat
One of the narrowest bores in this line. More resistance, which sharpens response and brightens the upper register.
Product detailSKU #1297873816323
Denis WickDW5286 Classic Series Tuba Mouthpiece in Silver 3SL
1/2
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
Denis Wick 3SL: 31.25mm cup with a narrow 7.62mm throat. A soloist size for F tuba players who want a brilliant top end rather than weight.
Strong match
Who this is for
- F tuba solo and recital work up high
- Players wanting a brighter, more focused sound
- Switching to F after a large contrabass mouthpiece
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Players after a big, dark low end
- Full-time contrabass work needing weight underneath
- Beginners — the narrow throat demands steady air control
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
31.25mm cup diameter
Mid-size, shared with the 3, 3L and 3XL, so rim feel carries over if you switch within that group.
Detail 03
Soloist voicing
Built for brilliance and high register instead of the organ-like bottom the 3L is designed to produce.
Detail 04
3SL versus 3L
Same cup diameter, very different throats: 7.62mm here against 8.78mm. Focus and easier highs instead of dark bulk.
Detail 05
Silver finish
Easy to keep clean. Wipe after playing and polish gently; scrubbing wears the plating at the rim first.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Check that your F tuba receiver matches this mouthpiece's shank before ordering
- 02Mouthpiece only — no pouch or cleaning brush included
- 03Narrow throats feel resistant at first; allow several sessions to adapt
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01Is the 3SL only for F tuba?
It is designed around F tuba work. It will play on other horns, but the narrow throat and brighter voicing suit the smaller instrument best.
02Should I get the 3SL or the 3L?
Both use a 31.25mm cup. Take the 3SL for brilliance and high register, the 3L for a rich, dark, organ-like low end.
03Will it work on a CC or BBb tuba?
It fits the playing description less well. On a larger horn the narrow 7.62mm throat sounds thinner and brighter than a 3 or 3L.
04Does it make the high register easier?
That is what it is voiced for. The narrower throat adds resistance to lean on, which most players find helps upper-register control.
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.
