Bach Artisan 5GL Vs Denis Wick HeavyTop 4AL

[EOGuy]

Hi Everyone! I have been trying to find a mouthpiece similar to the Bach Artisan 5G mouthpiece. I really like the Artisan 5G on my trombone but I also love the feel of gold mouthpieces and the Artisan 5G in gold was discontinued a while ago. Because of that fact I'm now also looking into the Bach Artisan 5GL and The Denis Wick HeavyTop 4AL. If anyone has either a recommendation, preference, a way to help elaberate the differences between these, or can help me figure out which is more similar to the Bach Artisan 5G, please let me know. Thank you so much for the help.

[Kevbach33]

Curious as to how different the Artisan 5GL is from the standard 5GL other than the blank... Forgot they now produce one!

The Wick 4AL, besides being roughly equivalent to a Bach 4 in diameter (a size larger than a 5), is better suited as a euphonium mouthpiece. Most consider it too deep to produce viable results on trombone. Maybe a strong player can take it on.

I would presume the Wick Heavytop blank to be heavier than the Artisan blank and more similar to a Bach Megatone. You might also consider trying the classic and heritage versions; the heritage has a gold plated rim and cup. But instead of the 4AL, try the 5BL instead (or a 5AL if you prefer the deeper cup, and i think there's also a 5ABL). You may or may lot like the rim shape, however.

On the other hand, the (standard) 5GL is said to be based on a Mt Vernon 5G owned by Mark Lawrence. This piece is a bit shallower than the current 5G, though still much closer to a 5G than the Wick 4AL. I own both the standard 5GL and 5G, and owned a 5GS as well which is shallower still and with a smaller throat and back bore. I assume the Artisan versions to be similar in comparison, just with the different blank.

Because I like the 5 size, in this case I'd go with the 5GL. But I'm curious: what else changes between standard and Artisan?

[Burgerbob]

Just have your Artisan 5G gold plated.

[EOGuy]

Curious as to how different the Artisan 5GL is from the standard 5GL other than the blank... Forgot they now produce one!

The Wick 4AL, besides being roughly equivalent to a Bach 4 in diameter (a size larger than a 5), is better suited as a euphonium mouthpiece. Most consider it too deep to produce viable results on trombone. Maybe a strong player can take it on.

I would presume the Wick Heavytop blank to be heavier than the Artisan blank and more similar to a Bach Megatone. You might also consider trying the classic and heritage versions; the heritage has a gold plated rim and cup. But instead of the 4AL, try the 5BL instead (or a 5AL if you prefer the deeper cup, and i think there's also a 5ABL). You may or may lot like the rim shape, however.

On the other hand, the (standard) 5GL is said to be based on a Mt Vernon 5G owned by Mark Lawrence. This piece is a bit shallower than the current 5G, though still much closer to a 5G than the Wick 4AL. I own both the standard 5GL and 5G, and owned a 5GS as well which is shallower still and with a smaller throat and back bore. I assume the Artisan versions to be similar in comparison, just with the different blank.

Because I like the 5 size, in this case I'd go with the 5GL. But I'm curious: what else changes between standard and Artisan?

Thank you so much for all the help! I will take all of this into consideration. I have learned so much from your post and also really appreciate the help!
Also the main difference between a standard mouthpiece and an artisan one is that the artisans are based off of the original design from the 1920’s with some modern touches added. Because of that it has a unique kind of shape to it, the rim is shape is also different, and it has a slight bit more weight to it.

[Posaunus]

Just have your Artisan 5G gold plated.

https://mouthpieceplatingservice.com/