Bach 12E vs Schilke 40
The Bach 12E has a wider cup diameter, the Schilke 40 features a deeper cup, the Schilke 40 has a larger throat opening.
Cup Diameter
The Bach 12E has a cup diameter of 24.50 mm / 0.9646 in compared to 22.53 mm / 0.8870 in on the Schilke 40 — a difference of 1.97 mm / 0.0776 in. A wider cup generally produces a fuller, darker tone but requires more air support.
Cup Depth
The Schilke 40 has a medium cup while the Bach 12E has a shallow cup. Deeper cups favor a darker, richer sound; shallower cups provide more brightness and easier upper register.
Throat Diameter
The Schilke 40 has a wider throat (5.95 mm / 0.2343 in vs 5.85 mm / 0.2303 in). A wider throat allows more air through, increasing volume and projection but reducing resistance.
Which is better?
Neither mouthpiece clearly dominates the other — the right choice depends on your embouchure, playing style, and the sound you're after. Try both if possible.