Denis Wick 1XL opinions

[wagtuba]

Any opinions on the new design tuba mp model DENIS WICK 1XL?
Thanks

[SplatterTone]

I have it. I have no strong opinions about it good or bad. It's comparable to moderately large mouthpieces in the 32.5mm to 33mm diameter range with a Yamaha-ish rim. In that approximate size diameter and rim style, I like the sound I get with Miraphone TU29 a little better.

The 1XL is certainly worth trying. Even though it is at the big end of the Wick lineup, I would call it moderately large, not huge. It doesn't take a ton of air to play it.

[SplatterTone]

This post prompted me to get the 1XL out and do some more comparing. It really is a good choice for something in the 33mm range. Plus I just got a Josef Klier 3AA today (the quest continues ....). Between the 1XL, TU29, JK 3AA, and Yamaha Jim Self (with me playing): The 1XL is a little darker than the others. The JK takes the most face muscle around the cheek bones to keep the tone right. The fat-rimmed Jim Self is the easiest to play and gets a good, full sound. On community band stuff where there is a lot of quick jumping around on intervals, I find I can jump around the most reliably with the Jim Self.

Some of this is dependent on how the MP works with the particular horn. It seems if there is a little bit of back pressure I can let get behind the lips to sort of "float" the embouchure, that helps. But any more back pressure reduces the Kahuna Factor.

[tofu]