Bach 8½A vs Giardinelli 17S
The Bach 8½A has a wider cup diameter, the Bach 8½A features a deeper cup.
Mouthpiece A
Bach 8½A
• Cornet
Cup diameter16.10 mm / 0.6339 in
Cup depthVery deep
Rim width—
Throat diameter3.66 mm / 0.1441 in
Backbore—
Finish—
Material—
vs
Mouthpiece B
Giardinelli 17S
• Cornet
Cup diameter15.00 mm / 0.5906 in
Cup depthShallow
Rim width—
Throat diameter—
Backbore—
Finish—
Material—
Best suited for
Lead / commercial — shallow cup for brightness and range
Cup Diameter
The Bach 8½A has a cup diameter of 16.10 mm / 0.6339 in compared to 15.00 mm / 0.5906 in on the Giardinelli 17S — a difference of 1.10 mm / 0.0433 in. A wider cup generally produces a fuller, darker tone but requires more air support.
Cup Depth
The Bach 8½A has a very deep cup while the Giardinelli 17S 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.