What is the primary benefit of the SM5U's added mass?

The added mass in the outer shape of the SM5U boosts projection. This helps the player's sound carry more clearly and powerfully in large ensemble settings.

What kind of sound does the SM5U produce?

It is designed to produce a warm, powerful, and rich dark tone. The funnel-shaped cup helps maintain this darkness while keeping the sound centred and controlled.

How does this mouthpiece perform in the high register?

The SM5U is designed to make high notes feel supported and 'singing.' This gives the player more confidence when performing exposed or technically demanding high passages.

Is the low register affected by the Ultra design?

Yes, the design focuses the low register. It keeps the sound tight and consistent, preventing it from spreading or becoming muddy even at higher volumes.

Who is the Steven Mead Ultra SM5U designed for?

It is suited for euphonium players who want a powerful sound with strong projection on modern instruments. It is particularly effective for those seeking a balance of warmth and clarity.

What finish is used on the SM5U?

This specific model features high-quality silver plating, which is a standard professional finish for Denis Wick mouthpieces.

How does the cup shape differ from standard mouthpieces?

The SM5U features a deep funnel-shaped cup. This differs from shallower V-shaped or bowl-shaped cups by prioritizing a richer, darker tonal quality.

What is the typical price for the Denis Wick SM5U?

The typical retail price for this mouthpiece is approximately £142.00, placing it in the professional accessory category.

Can this mouthpiece be used on a trombone?

While it may fit some large-bore trombones, it is specifically designed for the euphonium's acoustics. Tuba players would instead look at models like the Bach 12, and alto trombonists might prefer something like the Conn 34H.

Steven Mead is a world-renowned euphonium soloist who collaborated with Denis Wick to design the Ultra series to meet the demands of modern performance.

Does the mouthpiece help with note definition?

Yes, the evolved cup design balances warmth with enough clarity to ensure the tone remains defined across the entire range of the instrument.

Is a practice mute available for euphonium from Denis Wick?

While this product is a mouthpiece, Denis Wick does produce related accessories such as the Tuba Practice Mute for silent practice across the low brass family.

Gear article

Denis Wick Steven Mead Ultra SM5U Euphonium Mouthpiece

The Denis Wick Steven Mead Ultra SM5U is a silver-plated euphonium mouthpiece designed for professional and advancing players seeking a warm, powerful sound with increased projection. Developed in collaboration with renowned euphonium soloist Steven Mead, this 'Ultra' series model features an evolved cup design and increased exterior mass to enhance performance on modern instruments.

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Background and Design

The SM5U represents an evolution of the traditional Steven Mead mouthpiece range by Denis Wick. Designed specifically for the requirements of modern euphoniums, the Ultra series addresses the needs of players performing in large ensembles and solo settings where volume and clarity are paramount. The design incorporates a deep funnel-shaped cup and an altered outer profile that adds significant mass compared to standard classic designs.

Technical Features

The mouthpiece is characterised by several key engineering choices:

Added Exterior Mass: The heavy-weight outer shape is designed to boost projection, ensuring the sound carries effectively through a concert hall or ensemble.
Deep Funnel Cup: This specific geometry aids in producing a rich, dark tone while maintaining pitch centre and control.
Evolved Cup Design: The internal shape is balanced to provide traditional warmth while maintaining enough clarity to prevent the tone from becoming muffled or undefined.
Silver Plating: Provides a durable, traditional finish that is common in professional brass manufacture.

Tonal Character and Response

The primary sonic characteristic of the SM5U is its 'singing' high register and 'tight' low register. The design provides support for high notes, which is particularly beneficial during exposed solo passages. In the lower range, the mouthpiece is designed to keep the sound focused, preventing the tone from spreading or losing definition even when playing at high volumes. The result is a powerful sound that remains dark and controlled across all registers.

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the Denis Wick catalogue, the SM5U sits alongside the Classic series and other Ultra variations. While a standard Denis Wick Classic Bass Trombone Mouthpiece 2AL or a Bach Classic Tuba Mouthpiece 12 might be used for their respective instruments, the SM5U is specifically tailored for the euphonium's conical bore. Compared to lighter mouthpieces like the Gear4Music Coppergate 11C, the SM5U offers significantly more mass and a deeper cup, favouring a symphonic sound over a bright or commercial one. For students using instruments like the Grassi STB850 or Conn 52H, upgrading to an Ultra series mouthpiece is often a step taken to achieve a more professional, soloist-quality tone.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary benefit of the SM5U's added mass?: The added mass in the outer shape of the SM5U boosts projection. This helps the player's sound carry more clearly and powerfully in large ensemble settings.
What kind of sound does the SM5U produce?: It is designed to produce a warm, powerful, and rich dark tone. The funnel-shaped cup helps maintain this darkness while keeping the sound centred and controlled.
How does this mouthpiece perform in the high register?: The SM5U is designed to make high notes feel supported and 'singing.' This gives the player more confidence when performing exposed or technically demanding high passages.
Is the low register affected by the Ultra design?: Yes, the design focuses the low register. It keeps the sound tight and consistent, preventing it from spreading or becoming muddy even at higher volumes.
Who is the Steven Mead Ultra SM5U designed for?: It is suited for euphonium players who want a powerful sound with strong projection on modern instruments. It is particularly effective for those seeking a balance of warmth and clarity.
What finish is used on the SM5U?: This specific model features high-quality silver plating, which is a standard professional finish for Denis Wick mouthpieces.
How does the cup shape differ from standard mouthpieces?: The SM5U features a deep funnel-shaped cup. This differs from shallower V-shaped or bowl-shaped cups by prioritizing a richer, darker tonal quality.
What is the typical price for the Denis Wick SM5U?: The typical retail price for this mouthpiece is approximately £142.00, placing it in the professional accessory category.
Can this mouthpiece be used on a trombone?: While it may fit some large-bore trombones, it is specifically designed for the euphonium's acoustics. Tuba players would instead look at models like the Bach 12, and alto trombonists might prefer something like the Conn 34H.
Who is Steven Mead?: Steven Mead is a world-renowned euphonium soloist who collaborated with Denis Wick to design the Ultra series to meet the demands of modern performance.
Does the mouthpiece help with note definition?: Yes, the evolved cup design balances warmth with enough clarity to ensure the tone remains defined across the entire range of the instrument.
Is a practice mute available for euphonium from Denis Wick?: While this product is a mouthpiece, Denis Wick does produce related accessories such as the Tuba Practice Mute for silent practice across the low brass family.