Denis Wick

[NotATrumpet]

I have seen Wick mouthpieces with two different types of lettering stamped on them. Some have large letters others have much smaller . if I play on a 5AL with small letters and then buy a 5AL with large letters would I notice a difference ?

[tbonesullivan]

The company has been making mouthpieces for a long time, and what you are probably seeing is the move from using hand stamps to the use of a cutter / engraver to add the markings. They theoretically should be the same, but the hand stamped versions could have more variation.

[NotATrumpet]

Thanks, tbonesullivan. That makes sense.

[tbonesullivan]

Thanks, tbonesullivan. That makes sense.

I should mention, this is true even for more modern makers. Hammond Mouthpieces used to stamp their pieces, but now they are engraved, a recent development. Laskey mouthpieces were usually engraved markings but the font and style changed. Some are also probably laser engraved, which also results in a different look.