Bach 8½A vs Marcinkiewicz 1 / 5B
The Marcinkiewicz 1 / 5B has a wider cup diameter, the Bach 8½A features a deeper cup, the Marcinkiewicz 1 / 5B has a larger throat opening.
Cup Diameter
The Marcinkiewicz 1 / 5B has a cup diameter of 17.35 mm / 0.6831 in compared to 16.10 mm / 0.6339 in on the Bach 8½A — a difference of 1.25 mm / 0.0492 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 Marcinkiewicz 1 / 5B has a medium cup. Deeper cups favor a darker, richer sound; shallower cups provide more brightness and easier upper register.
Throat Diameter
The Marcinkiewicz 1 / 5B has a wider throat (3.73 mm / 0.1469 in vs 3.66 mm / 0.1441 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.