Denis Wick SM ULTRA4 XR

[marsetbor]

Steven Mead and Denis Wick have just released a new mouthpiece! SM4XR in gold and silver plating. No medium shank or other size than 4.

From euphoniumstore.net:
”Brand new (November 2018), we have a now model Ultra 4X euphonium mouthpiece, the SM ULTRA4XR. Already one of the most popular euphonium mouthpieces in the world, we have developed a modification to this great mouthpiece.

It has a new rounded rim, giving great comfort to the player, with a newly-designed inner shape and slightly reduced cup depth.

The result is a new feel, almost a 'sports' model if you like, with enormous possibilities in the higher register, with an ease of playing and crystal clear high tones. The middle range is further energised. Perhaps it doesnt have the weight of sound in the lower register of the regular U4X but the notes speak so clearly.

Could this be the mouthpiece to give you massive confidence in the higher range, and add valuable time to your stamina? We think so!

Nearly a year in the design, we are happy to launch this exciting new 4XR to the hugely popular Ultra and Ultra X range.”


https://www.euphoniumstore.net/new-i...old-plated-new

[ChristianeSparkle]

Hope someone will give a review soon!

[djwpe]

The SM line has moved ever closer to the Warburton Demondrae. Ultra had a large throat. Ultra X had a shallower cup. Ultra XR has a rounder rim.

[Himura]

The store's product description looks like they're trying to sell a quick fix to a problem that can only be solved by actual hard work, and so I suspect that many will think of this mouthpiece as over-promising and under-delivering. If so, that's a shame, as the product is probably a very good mouthpiece.

[daniel76309]

It might be good but is almost comical how many names and letters this mouthpiece has.

[Jasonium]

They are basically taking a page from Apple’s book of bad naming.

SM4 XS MAX ULTRA R with Liquid Retina (tm) bore shape - the sports car of mouthpieces.

[ChristianeSparkle]

The description sure is interesting, especially the insistence of it being a "sports" mouthpiece.

[Snorlax]

daniel76309:"It might be good but is almost comical how many names and letters this mouthpiece has."

...and each name/letter adds $32.75 to the price.

[Clayton M.]

If only they made it in the 6...I might actually give it a try. Haha!

[TheJH]

Steven posted on Facebook that he developed the 4XR for "extended works which seem 'designed' to crush my embouchure."

And let's be honest... the Ultra mouthpieces have a VERY sharp rim so I'm not surprised about this change.

I'm very interested myself, but I'll first have to get used to a normal 4AL before I'll try this one out. I liked how the normal Ultra played but found it just a tad too deep and the rim just a bit too sharp, so this would be a nice option to try out eventually. As in, a year from now or so.

[daniel76309]

daniel76309:"it might be good but is almost comical how many names and letters this mouthpiece has."

...and each name/letter adds $32.75 to the price.

ha ha

[Himura]

They are basically taking a page from Apple’s book of bad naming.

SM4 XS MAX ULTRA R with Liquid Retina (tm) bore shape - the sports car of mouthpieces.

Now with optional racing stripes and a spoiler. Also, feel the VTEC kick in, yo, for the high notes.

[MichaelSchott]

Both the problems it purports to solve relate to me. I'm very interested but as said above, no medium shank for now. I currently play the 4MX. My range is fine, solid to Db concert but it can be taxing. Brass Band euphonium parts often have a lot of notes above the treble clef staff.

[miketeachesclass]

Seems like this may be more similar to the Alliance DC3 than the previous SM4X.

[JasonDonnelly]

Steven posted on Facebook that he developed the 4XR for "extended works which seem 'designed' to crush my embouchure."

So...UFO Concerto, then?