@@mr.starfish4965 Depends how quickly you can adapt. Personally I went from a Schilke 51D to a Wick 5AL, played that for 1,5 years before switching over to an SM4 right now. The reason I did that is because the Wick 5AL is roughly in the middle of the 4 and the 51D, so it's a good step-up model that lets you get used to the larger throats of the Wicks.
I really like Denis wick mouthpieces, they are really great in price and quality! I'm currently using the 4AL gold but I have tried the SM5 and the SMU5 and I liked very much!
Nice video. Thanks for doing this. I have recently moved from SM3U to SM4, and finally landed on SM4XR. The XR series is really nice. It carries the sound quality that you can not find from the original SM series, and gives me a more solid body of buzzing. That is from a player's perspective. However, from the perspective of audience, it sounds too modern sometimes and I miss the sound from the old AL series. I know there is a new SM mouthpiece coming out this year. I am looking forward to your video by then.
Currently using the SM4X. Love it. I was using a Bowman BB1. What I miss that the bowman gave me was a more cushion rim. I find for my lips the 4X cuts just a bit to much for me. KK Psi? Nice! We don’t have one at my old college but we have Phi Mu Alpha which I did join. But I find what your opinions are match mine. Very spot on and well informative sir!
AKCEuph no way! Province 14 “Louisiana Mafia and Hellraisers Association “ - Delta Epsilon (University of Louisiana Lafayette, Fall 2009) all hail brother!
I’ve been on the SM3 since my junior year in high school and I haven’t quite found the mouthpiece that fits me quite like it. I tried the Thurman for a semester but since I used so much pressure at the time, my face literally slid off of it and a lot of notes fizzled out lol(ruined my own jury). I tried the U and it did feel very uncomfortable but I liked the sound for sure! So I guess I’m just looking for the middle ground in between those two, and right now that’s the classic SM
I would suggest trying the Alliance Brass E2. Also designed by Steven Mead as an improved SM3. The Alliance E2 (or E2 Prestige) is the missing link in the above video. In chronological order: SM3 (Wick) E2 (Alliance) SM3U (Wick) SM3X (Wick) SM3XR (Wick)
Thank you for this. I need something smaller than my current. Just gonna help me with my range in a piece I’m playing and I plan to use both depending on my circumstance!
How would I describe the SMU3? I find that it allows me to project the lower pedal range (Low F, an octave below the staff) easier but hinders the upper register (second Bb above the staff and up). It's enough of an issue that I am looking to make a switch... Be absolutely sure to try that out before you buy.
I play tested 4AL, 3X and 3XR. I prefer 4AL, perfect flexibility, very comfortable, good lower and upper range. Clear open tone. 3X has less flexibility for me, tone is little bit darker than 4AL, still a good mouthpiece. 3XR retains more air (too much), helps high register but lows are too thin, clear tone. My choice : 4AL (or 3X). Best quality/price ratio for 4AL. Played on yamaha 642T Neo euphonium
I used to use the SM4 and I found it very comfortable and good in low and middle range but the high range wasn’t clear at all so February I got a SM4XR and it’s much better for all ranges
Hi, I’m a Euphonium player in high school who currently doubles on Bassbone and plays on a 5G for my Euph and a 1 1/4 on my Bass Trombone. I’ve recently felt uncomfortable with my 5G and am having a tough time deciding wether to go a SM4XR or a SM3XR what would you recommend?
Curious whether you have any students that have played on the XR piece for an extended period. Seems to me it loses a little weight when compared to the “regular” X.
I have been playing on an SM4 for... 7-ish months now, after coming from the Wick 5AL. I had tried a 4AL before the SM4 but it just did not feel comfortable on my face, and it took a lot of effort to play. When I got the SM4, the rim was a lot more comfortable to start with. Flat enough to make good contact, but round enough to not be uncomfortable. The other big improvement I immediately got from the SM4 is the fact that the larger throat and backbore make response and openness a lot more even throughout my range. I was actually surprised on how much it opened up my low register on my old Sovereign since with the 5AL it's actually really stuffy, but the SM4 basically solves that problem. I also tried the SM4U a couple of times, but just couldn't get on with it. The rim is too narrow and too sharp for me, and it's overall just too big - it feels like I'm blowing into a giant bucket, and I cannot get a full, resonant sound out of it, but rather a dull, tubby sound. That's just to do with me not being able to fill it up completely, but it did frustrate me a bit.
Playing/studying euphonium since age 11 (now i am 36). 4AL - great accuracy, articulation, not so great flexibility and stamina. SM4U - more comfortable, more powerful sound, increased stamina, much better flexibility. DC3 - same pros as SM4U, even more energy, projection of sound, good articulation, very comfortable, good for long playing sessions. SM4XR - reminds me of 4AL, more focused sound, good staccato, less energy to low notes, much better high register (above concert Bb and higher). Considering move from my all time favorite DC3 to XR. You have to try all of them to find what works best for You.
The only difference is that the SM3M has a euro medium shank as found on some older instruments and German baritones. The SM3 has a standard bass/large bore trombone shank.
I’m looking toward getting the SM3U but I’m not sure what size I would need SM2U, SM4U, etc. Do you have any recommendations? (Btw I’m switching from a 6 1/2 al)
For someone who has been playing a Schilke 51D for a year and a half and wants an upgrade, would you recommend the SM3, or the SM3 Ultimate (the second one you recommended.)
Denis Wick on the comparison charts does not supply that information so I am not numerically sure. I will say if there is any difference it was not overly apparent to me when playing these.
I heard of the SM3M on my last year of university and got it. I liked the mouthpiece however it was just a bit too demanding to keep the air intensity going. The sound was a bit dark, almost too Eb tuba like in the lower register (alright if one is playing tuba parts as written eg. in a brass quintet situation where you are the bass voice) So I went to the SM4M a year later. I liked it other then I lose some oomph in the lower register. A few years later, I got the SM4UM. It was alright other I found the rim uncomfortable. Almost a year ago, I switched to the original Wick 4M. The Wick 4M seems more lyrical and can deliver the oomph if needed in the lower register. I found I could project my sound easier when needed in my Community Band with the Wick 4AM. The rim also feels much better to my face. I'm curious if any of your students like the original Wick mouthpieces more versus any of the Steven Mead mouthpieces. I know somebody who has the X mouthpiece and loves it.
The ones link in the description are not. There are small bore options labeled as "Baritone" because they were designed with that instrument in mind. However, they work great on small bore euphoniums as well. Here a couple links I gathered quickly but more sizes and styles are available. amzn.to/3aHwvBz amzn.to/3yNjQVt
Nice to meet you. I'm Japanese.I'm looking for a low-pitched, deep-pitched mouthpiece.If you don't mind, please let me know.I'm sorry if the sentence is not correct.
Tried them all but prefer the K&G Steve Mead is presently playing with a new mouthpiece soon to be released he will not say any more about it right now.
Which of these mouthpieces is most interesting to you, and if you have already played one, what are your opinions?
AKCEuph | What size would you recommend to someone playing on a Schilke 51D? I’m considering trying out a 5XR, but I’m also considering the 4XR.
@@mr.starfish4965 I would give the 4 a go. 5 is too small for most players to get a lot of use out of. IMO
@@mr.starfish4965 Depends how quickly you can adapt. Personally I went from a Schilke 51D to a Wick 5AL, played that for 1,5 years before switching over to an SM4 right now. The reason I did that is because the Wick 5AL is roughly in the middle of the 4 and the 51D, so it's a good step-up model that lets you get used to the larger throats of the Wicks.
AKCEuph I’ve used SM3.5, SM4, SM3U, SM4U but now I use a K&G 4.5D at the moment.
To update my comment from 3 years ago I have now gone onto a Mercer & Barker GW5
Play test time stamps:
2:11 - SM3
4:13 - SM3U
6:43 - SM3X
8:55 - SM3XR
8:05 for the mouthpiece buzzing
I really like Denis wick mouthpieces, they are really great in price and quality! I'm currently using the 4AL gold but I have tried the SM5 and the SMU5 and I liked very much!
Nice video. Thanks for doing this. I have recently moved from SM3U to SM4, and finally landed on SM4XR. The XR series is really nice. It carries the sound quality that you can not find from the original SM series, and gives me a more solid body of buzzing. That is from a player's perspective. However, from the perspective of audience, it sounds too modern sometimes and I miss the sound from the old AL series. I know there is a new SM mouthpiece coming out this year. I am looking forward to your video by then.
Chien-Cheng Shih thanks for checking out the video and the great input!
What is the difference between the 4xr and the 3xr
Like the 3 a wider inner cup?
Also I'm currently playing on a 4al
Currently using the SM4X. Love it. I was using a Bowman BB1. What I miss that the bowman gave me was a more cushion rim. I find for my lips the 4X cuts just a bit to much for me. KK Psi? Nice! We don’t have one at my old college but we have Phi Mu Alpha which I did join. But I find what your opinions are match mine. Very spot on and well informative sir!
David Galán, Jr. thanks man! Also a brother of ΦΜΑ LLS!
AKCEuph no way! Province 14 “Louisiana Mafia and Hellraisers Association “ - Delta Epsilon (University of Louisiana Lafayette, Fall 2009) all hail brother!
@@dsgalanjrall hail‼️
I’ve been on the SM3 since my junior year in high school and I haven’t quite found the mouthpiece that fits me quite like it. I tried the Thurman for a semester but since I used so much pressure at the time, my face literally slid off of it and a lot of notes fizzled out lol(ruined my own jury). I tried the U and it did feel very uncomfortable but I liked the sound for sure! So I guess I’m just looking for the middle ground in between those two, and right now that’s the classic SM
I would suggest trying the Alliance Brass E2. Also designed by Steven Mead as an improved SM3.
The Alliance E2 (or E2 Prestige) is the missing link in the above video.
In chronological order:
SM3 (Wick)
E2 (Alliance)
SM3U (Wick)
SM3X (Wick)
SM3XR (Wick)
Thank you for this. I need something smaller than my current. Just gonna help me with my range in a piece I’m playing and I plan to use both depending on my circumstance!
How would I describe the SMU3? I find that it allows me to project the lower pedal range (Low F, an octave below the staff) easier but hinders the upper register (second Bb above the staff and up). It's enough of an issue that I am looking to make a switch... Be absolutely sure to try that out before you buy.
I play tested 4AL, 3X and 3XR. I prefer 4AL, perfect flexibility, very comfortable, good lower and upper range. Clear open tone.
3X has less flexibility for me, tone is little bit darker than 4AL, still a good mouthpiece.
3XR retains more air (too much), helps high register but lows are too thin, clear tone.
My choice : 4AL (or 3X). Best quality/price ratio for 4AL.
Played on yamaha 642T Neo euphonium
If I compared to the 4AL, I’d try the 4X and 4XR instead of a 3X and 3XR because the 4 series have a similar rim size.
I used to use the SM4 and I found it very comfortable and good in low and middle range but the high range wasn’t clear at all so February I got a SM4XR and it’s much better for all ranges
Hi, I’m a Euphonium player in high school who currently doubles on Bassbone and plays on a 5G for my Euph and a 1 1/4 on my Bass Trombone. I’ve recently felt uncomfortable with my 5G and am having a tough time deciding wether to go a SM4XR or a SM3XR what would you recommend?
I would suggest the 4 moving from a 5G
Curious whether you have any students that have played on the XR piece for an extended period. Seems to me it loses a little weight when compared to the “regular” X.
I have been playing on an SM4 for... 7-ish months now, after coming from the Wick 5AL. I had tried a 4AL before the SM4 but it just did not feel comfortable on my face, and it took a lot of effort to play.
When I got the SM4, the rim was a lot more comfortable to start with. Flat enough to make good contact, but round enough to not be uncomfortable. The other big improvement I immediately got from the SM4 is the fact that the larger throat and backbore make response and openness a lot more even throughout my range. I was actually surprised on how much it opened up my low register on my old Sovereign since with the 5AL it's actually really stuffy, but the SM4 basically solves that problem.
I also tried the SM4U a couple of times, but just couldn't get on with it. The rim is too narrow and too sharp for me, and it's overall just too big - it feels like I'm blowing into a giant bucket, and I cannot get a full, resonant sound out of it, but rather a dull, tubby sound. That's just to do with me not being able to fill it up completely, but it did frustrate me a bit.
Playing/studying euphonium since age 11 (now i am 36). 4AL - great accuracy, articulation, not so great flexibility and stamina.
SM4U - more comfortable, more powerful sound, increased stamina, much better flexibility.
DC3 - same pros as SM4U, even more energy, projection of sound, good articulation, very comfortable, good for long playing sessions.
SM4XR - reminds me of 4AL, more focused sound, good staccato, less energy to low notes, much better high register (above concert Bb and higher). Considering move from my all time favorite DC3 to XR.
You have to try all of them to find what works best for You.
what is the difference between the sm3 and sm3m
The only difference is that the SM3M has a euro medium shank as found on some older instruments and German baritones. The SM3 has a standard bass/large bore trombone shank.
Need a UR Variation. Especially SM5UR
@AKCEuph have you tried out a BB1 mouthpiece ?
I’m looking toward getting the SM3U but I’m not sure what size I would need SM2U, SM4U, etc. Do you have any recommendations? (Btw I’m switching from a 6 1/2 al)
For someone who has been playing a Schilke 51D for a year and a half and wants an upgrade, would you recommend the SM3, or the SM3 Ultimate (the second one you recommended.)
life saver thank yiu
Thx. Good video.👍
which number would have the deepest cup depth?
Denis Wick on the comparison charts does not supply that information so I am not numerically sure. I will say if there is any difference it was not overly apparent to me when playing these.
I heard of the SM3M on my last year of university and got it. I liked the mouthpiece however it was just a bit too demanding to keep the air intensity going. The sound was a bit dark, almost too Eb tuba like in the lower register (alright if one is playing tuba parts as written eg. in a brass quintet situation where you are the bass voice) So I went to the SM4M a year later. I liked it other then I lose some oomph in the lower register. A few years later, I got the SM4UM. It was alright other I found the rim uncomfortable. Almost a year ago, I switched to the original Wick 4M. The Wick 4M seems more lyrical and can deliver the oomph if needed in the lower register. I found I could project my sound easier when needed in my Community Band with the Wick 4AM. The rim also feels much better to my face. I'm curious if any of your students like the original Wick mouthpieces more versus any of the Steven Mead mouthpieces. I know somebody who has the X mouthpiece and loves it.
Paul Routledge | Last time I checked, David Werden preferred the Wick 4AL over the Steven Mead mouthpieces
Is it okay to buy a mouthpiece from amazon?? Will the quality not be as good? Because im trying to get one myself but i don’t where to buy it from
So long as it is a good manufacturer I don’t think the “where” you buy it is an issue. I link to Amazon in plenty of videos :)
Ok thank you
Are the mouthpieces small shank
The ones link in the description are not. There are small bore options labeled as "Baritone" because they were designed with that instrument in mind. However, they work great on small bore euphoniums as well.
Here a couple links I gathered quickly but more sizes and styles are available.
amzn.to/3aHwvBz
amzn.to/3yNjQVt
Nice to meet you. I'm Japanese.I'm looking for a low-pitched, deep-pitched mouthpiece.If you don't mind, please let me know.I'm sorry if the sentence is not correct.
こんにちは！
もう少し大きくて深いものをお勧めします。ビデオを見ていただきありがとうござい Schilke 51D or Denis Wick SM3UX
ます！
@@AKCEuph
ありがとうございます🙇🏻♀️
Tried them all but prefer the K&G Steve Mead is presently playing with a new mouthpiece soon to be released he will not say any more about it right now.
K&G Steven Mead?
@@mr.starfish4965 haha full stop missing K&G.
@@dyergraeme123 I was just surprised it was K&G and not DW.
Hello
Yo!
👋 what’s up