DENIS WICK

In the world of music there are many small family companies that started because a musician wanted to make a product which gave better musical results than anything that was currently available. This was the case with Denis Wick. He started making mutes and mouthpieces for brass instruments in 1968 in order to fulfil the needs of himself and his colleagues in the London Symphony Orchestra. At the time it was difficult to find mutes that played in tune and mouthpieces which created the right tonal qualities to cope with the notoriously difficult acoustics of London’s Royal Festival Hall.

From these small beginnings the company that he founded has grown to become one of the leading makers of brass instrument accessories in the world. The mutes that he designed are loved by brass players and bring a huge palette of different colours to any brass section. His mouthpieces have set new standards for tone, comfort and intonation and have become a vital part of every brass player’s equipment.

The Denis Wick factory in Hamworthy, Dorset employs skilled technicians and craftsmen to create these carefully designed accessories. Through a global system of distributors and dealers these items are sold to musicians across the globe. They can be found in orchestras, jazz groups, high school bands, British-style brass bands and military bands in every corner of the world. Their reach is truly universal. The sound of British brass-playing is much admired and much emulated throughout the world. Denis Wick mutes and mouthpieces have helped create this distinctive timbre, and have come to represent an important part of our musical heritage.