Which has a bigger cup — Bach 3E or Bach 8½A?

The Bach 3E has a cup diameter of 16.30 mm / 0.6417 in compared to 16.10 mm / 0.6339 in on the Bach 8½A — a difference of 0.20 mm / 0.0079 in. A wider cup generally produces a fuller, darker tone but requires more air support.

Bach 3E vs Bach 8½A

Name: Bach 8½A
Brand: Bach

The Bach 3E has a wider cup diameter, the Bach 8½A features a deeper cup.

Overall Comparison Cup Diameter Cup Depth Rim Width Throat Diameter Backbore Finish Material

How deep the cup is, from shallow (brighter, easier high register) to deep (darker, fuller sound).

Mouthpiece A

Bach 3E

• Cornet

Cup depthShallow

Mouthpiece B

Bach 8½A

• Cornet

Cup depthVery deep

Cup Depth

The Bach 8½A has a very deep cup while the Bach 3E has a shallow cup. Deeper cups favor a darker, richer sound; shallower cups provide more brightness and easier upper register.

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.