Product Overview
The Wedge 101AL is actually most similar to the Bach 5GS, for two reasons. The Bach 6.5AL inner diameter is listed by Bach as smaller than the Bach 5G, which has an ID similar to the Wedge 101 rim. However due to the flared shape and soft bite of the 6.5AL it has a larger ID than the 5G when measured at .05 inches into the cup, where Wedge sizes are taken.
In addition, the Wedge G, GS, and AL cups are slightly deeper than the Bach cups. As you can see from the profiles this means that the Wedge 101GS is actiually deeper than the Bach 6.5AL and just slightly shallower than the Bach 5GS.
Material - These mouthpieces can be made in either Delrin or Acrylic plastic. Here is a comparison of their characteristics:
- Delrin:
- Feels softer on the chops because it has more give than metal. This is a great advantage for players with braces.
- Not as slippery as silver, giving more grip.
- Added grip makes Delrin mouthpieces feel smaller than their metal counterparts with the same size designation.
- Not as smooth as metal, so some players may feel slight chop irritation for the first day or two while they adjust.
- More comfortable to play in cold weather because they feel warm on the chops.
- Plastic mouthpieces are more responsive than brass, making soft entries more secure.
- Articulation less crisp with less point at the front of the note compared to brass.
- Darker sound than brass.
- Less core in the sound compared to brass.
Acrylic:
- Feels softer than brass but less soft and Delrin on the chops.
- Less slippery than metal but more slippery than Delrin.
- Grip intermediate between Delrin and silver.
- Feel slightly smaller than the metal counterparts.
- Smoother than Delrin, very similar to silver.
- Comfortable to play in cold weather.
- Responsive to soft articulation.
- Articulation is clearer than Delrin, very similar to metal.
- Sound is slightly darker than brass and brighter than Delrin.
- More core in the sound than Delrin, but not as much core as metal.
