DC3 v. SM4U/X

[Euphjuwan]

Hello,

I know that mouthpiece superiority is very subjective and unique to each individual, but I just want to know the preference of the majority, along with maybe some helpful pros and cons of each mouthpiece.

I'm looking to move on from the Schilke 51D that I have used for about 2 years, but I'm not sure which direction I should go, SM4U/X or DC3. The main thing that I'm looking for is something to give me more cup space and the desired dark sound, while also providing as much possible support for the high register as possible. Also I naturally have stamina issues, so whatever would best aid that would be ideal.

Thanks to anyone who gives input

[highpitch]

I've never liked the 51D, and that came from using one for a concert season.

I've played on a SM4 for years now, with flirts on a SM3. The Ultra series has too sharp a rim for me, I bled after 2 hours with one.

I tried a 4AL and it is a fine MP, but just doesn't have the resonance for me that the SM's do.

I bought and immediately sold a DC3, too small for me.

For upper register without a really strong embouchure, stick with the 4- series.

Good used MP's show up on here all the time, too.

Dennis

[dsurkin]

Hello,

I know that mouthpiece superiority is very subjective and unique to each individual, but I just want to know the preference of the majority, along with maybe some helpful pros and cons of each mouthpiece.

I'm looking to move on from the Schilke 51D that I have used for about 2 years, but I'm not sure which direction I should go, SM4U/X or DC3. The main thing that I'm looking for is something to give me more cup space and the desired dark sound, while also providing as much possible support for the high register as possible. Also I naturally have stamina issues, so whatever would best aid that would be ideal.

Thanks to anyone who gives input

The Ultra X actually is slightly shallower than the Ultra.

[aroberts781]

Euphjuwan - I don't have experience with the DC mouthpieces, but I played an SM3U for a couple years and really liked it. The SM4U is a smaller cup diameter than the 3U, but if you are used to a 51D I think you would find that the SM4U gives you plenty of cup space. You might experience decreased range and endurance at first when you switch.

As Dean said the SM4X has a shallower cup than the SM4U, which might make upper register playing a little easier for you. I've never played the X-series so I can't offer any first hand experience on that. FWIW, I never found the rims of the U-series mouthpieces uncomfortable, although some people do.

[franz]

I switched from the Schilke 51D that I used on the Courtois 165 to the SM3-SM3U-SM3X in the order on the Besson 2052.The SM3U did not really like me; the SM3X is a good mouthpiece with a brighter sound than the SM3U. Then, a couple of years ago, I wanted to try K&G mouthpieces and, with these, I found the most performing mouthpieces I've ever tried: excellent projection, sound, intonation and resistance, so much so that I also use them on the baritone and trombone. If you can I suggest you try them. The mouthpieces are like shoes: you have to try them before buying them.

[MichaelSchott]

The Ultra X actually is slightly shallower than the Ultra.

I used to play on an SM4M and a few years ago. Later I auditioned the SM4UM and SM4MX. The X as you say is slightly shallower and for me allows for easier playing in the high register and most of all smoother transitions in lip slurs. It was just easier to play than the U model. I believe Steven Mead now plays on an X model.

[graeme]

I agree with highpitch I also find the ultra series rims sharp I prefer the DC3

[Euphjuwan]

So it has been a while, but in the time between my initial post and now, I have been playing on the SM4X mouthpiece. I fell in love with the tone that the mouthpiece produced, but the sharpness of the rim (which I was warned about) has not been fun to deal with. I am a high school student, so as we are beginning to prepare for contest and festival, it is becoming increasingly evident that SM4X that I am playing on will not fare well for me to perform with good stamina and consistency, especially with our program/concert set. (When Jesus Wept, Symphonic Suite from on the Waterfront, and the Free Lance March).

All of that being said, I am looking to switch to a mouthpiece that can provide a similar tone and feel as the SM4X, but with a less sharp rim. I am reading that K&G mouthpiece are doing well for a lot of people, so those have sparked my curiosity, as well as the new SM4XR. Any advice/ testimonies about these products or any other products will be much appreciated!

[highpitch]

Wick 4AL.

DG

[mbrooke]

So it has been a while, but in the time between my initial post and now, I have been playing on the SM4X mouthpiece. I fell in love with the tone that the mouthpiece produced, but the sharpness of the rim (which I was warned about) has not been fun to deal with. I am a high school student, so as we are beginning to prepare for contest and festival, it is becoming increasingly evident that SM4X that I am playing on will not fare well for me to perform with good stamina and consistency, especially with our program/concert set. (When Jesus Wept, Symphonic Suite from on the Waterfront, and the Free Lance March).

All of that being said, I am looking to switch to a mouthpiece that can provide a similar tone and feel as the SM4X, but with a less sharp rim. I am reading that K&G mouthpiece are doing well for a lot of people, so those have sparked my curiosity, as well as the new SM4XR. Any advice/ testimonies about these products or any other products will be much appreciated!

Try out a Doug Elliott mouthpiece.

Mike

[miketeachesclass]

I played an SM4X and felt the rim was sharper than I liked.

I moved to the DC3 and really liked the rim contour, but felt the throat was small, and I couldn’t use air the way I prefer.

I have now moved to the K&G 3.5 and am very happy with it.

The SM4XR is not a good place to go for a typical contemporary sound, in my opinion.

So it has been a while, but in the time between my initial post and now, I have been playing on the SM4X mouthpiece. I fell in love with the tone that the mouthpiece produced, but the sharpness of the rim (which I was warned about) has not been fun to deal with. I am a high school student, so as we are beginning to prepare for contest and festival, it is becoming increasingly evident that SM4X that I am playing on will not fare well for me to perform with good stamina and consistency, especially with our program/concert set. (When Jesus Wept, Symphonic Suite from on the Waterfront, and the Free Lance March).

All of that being said, I am looking to switch to a mouthpiece that can provide a similar tone and feel as the SM4X, but with a less sharp rim. I am reading that K&G mouthpiece are doing well for a lot of people, so those have sparked my curiosity, as well as the new SM4XR. Any advice/ testimonies about these products or any other products will be much appreciated!

[JP]

The SM4XR is not a good place to go for a typical contemporary sound, in my opinion.

Mike,

Could you please elaborate on why you feel this way? Have you played the XR, and if so, how would you describe the sound? Thanks.

JP

[miketeachesclass]

Yes, I have the XR, and played it for a few days.

I feel it’s small, and sounds significantly brighter than any of the rest of the SM series. It also lacks core of sound for me.

As always, YMMV, but it was very easily disqualified for me.

Mike,

Could you please elaborate on why you feel this way? Have you played the XR, and if so, how would you describe the sound? Thanks.

JP

[Euphjuwan]

After reading what everyone had to say I decided to give the Wick 4AL a go. I have been using it for about 2 days now and what I can say is that it is definitely a more comfortable mouthpiece to play on than the SM4X.That being said, the tone quality that I produce playing on the 4AL is just not as rich as it is on the SM4X, in my opinion. I am at a bit of a crossroads now, I’m not sure if I want to explore other options or give myself more time on what I am currently using.

[davewerden]

I find the Wick 4AL has a bigger, more open sound. If you compare 2 mouthpieces in a small room, you will generally prefer the smaller. If you have not already done so, try the 2 in a nice, large room (similar to where you might perform) and see what you think.