Question for Wick 4AL mouthpiece users

[JP]

To all Wick euphonium "AL" series mouthpiece users:

A reputable Wick representative has said that the "The 4AL was highly suggested for Euphonium prior to specifically made Euphonium mpcs being designed." He also said that the "SM" series mpcs were designed for conical bore instruments whereas the "AL" series were designed for cylindrical bore instruments like trombone.

In light of the above information, it would seem that the "SM" series would be more suitable for our euphs than the "AL" series. But I know several of you play and love the "AL" mpcs. So my question is: Have you tried the "SM" series, and if so, why do you prefer the "AL"?

Thanks in advance for your responses.

JP

[JakeGuilbo]

From my experience, the SM series (the original, the Ultra, the Ultra X and now Ultra XR) takes the 4AL and modifies it in different ways. For my money though, nothing quite sounds as sweet and beautiful as the original 4AL. Bastien Baumet plays the 4AL with his Sovereign and sounds just magnificent.

[DEF1]

I prefer to use a 3AL. I’ve tried a 4AL but prefer the fuller sound i can get on the 3AL. I did try a SM4 and although good in the upper register I found it difficult to play in the lower register and found the sound to be thin.

[highpitch]

The SM series eats up a lot more air, OK if you can swing it.

To the ears of several listener/friends, my 4AL sounded 'better' than a SM3, 3.5, & 4.

I liked the sound of the SM4 best, but got voted down by everyone. Then again, who plays just for themselves?

Dennis

[davewerden]

My experience was similar. I just get a better, more open sound from the AL.

[daruby]

I prefer the 4AL to any of the Wick or Alliance equivalents (SM4, SM4U, SM4X, DC3, E3). The 4AL rim is more comfortable and the sound is just right for me. I actually have six (6!) 4AL's including my 38 year old gold plated one that came with my 1980 B&H Sovereign 967. The newer 4AL's have a softer rim rim (not as sharp and thicker) than the original. Of any of the alternatives, the Alliance E3 Prestige is my second choice. This the mouthpiece that came with my 2007 Besson 2051 Prestige.

[aroberts781]

I play a 3AL, but have a lot of experience with the SM3U. I did really like the SM3U, particularly regarding flexibility. I felt that I could play with a little more focus to my sound on the SM3U than the 3AL, but for me the thing that I really liked was the flexibility.

I went back and forth with the 3AL and SM3U for a while and ultimately went with the 3AL. I felt I could play with a more open sound on the 3AL than the SM3U and the 3AL feels a little bigger to me. I found the little bit of extra size comfortable transitioning from middle/high registers to low registers, something that I have always struggled with. The last deciding factor for me was doing a blind A/B comparison for a couple friends and they both immediately and strongly preferred my sound with the 3AL.

[JTJ]

Well, the truth is in the music, and so much beautiful euphonium playing has been done on the AL series, that really all that matters is what works best for you as a player. Anything else is just marketing-speak.

[highpitch]

As I've said before; MP's are like underwear.

You can try every type, but you stay with what works best.

DG

[aroberts781]

I think it is interesting that Dennis also had several friends prefer his sound on the 4AL compared to the SMs. I remember being blown away that my listener friends were so unanimous in preferring the 3AL. I asked my wife yesterday what she remembered about when I did the A/B comparison between the 3AL and the SM3U and she said that my sound was clearer and more open on the 3AL.

[JP]

Thank you all for your responses. And thanks to Doug Ruby, I now have one in my possession to test.

[Euph100]

I have an 1988 Sovereign 968 Besson which i bought second hand with a second hand gold Wick 4AL mouthpiece. Im not sure if the mouthpiece is as old as the euph but i have noticed it leaves a green rim on the mouth after i have been playing. I should probably get a new one but before i was just wondering if a mouthpiece one day does wear out?

[davewerden]

I also have an 1980's Sovereign 967 Besson which i bought second hand with a second hand gold Wick 7aL mouthpiece. Im not sure if the mouthpiece is as old as the euph but i have noticed it leaves a green rim on the mouth after i have been playing. I should probably get a new one but before i was just wondering if a mouthpiece one day does wear out?

Yikes! You should get a new one and/or have the old one replated. I suspect the plating has worn off on the rim and your green lip mark is a reaction to the raw brass. That is a health hazard.

In the decades past, I have seen Wick mouthpieces that were gold plated directly onto raw brass. (I don't think that is the case today.) But I believe the preferred method is to have a silver-plated mouthpiece and add gold on top. Gold is soft, and as it wears out you would be left with the silver undercoat to protect you.

[TheJH]

Yikes, I can't even play on a worn-out mouthpiece for 3 minutes without my lips feeling irritated because of the reaction with the raw brass O_O Definitely get a new one.

[Euph100]

Thanks for your answers, i am glad to hear it should be replaced asap!