Bach 8½BW vs Schilke 45B
The Bach 8½BW has a wider cup diameter, the Schilke 45B features a deeper cup, the Schilke 45B has a larger throat opening.
Cup Diameter
The Bach 8½BW has a cup diameter of 24.75 mm / 0.9744 in compared to 24.30 mm / 0.9567 in on the Schilke 45B — a difference of 0.45 mm / 0.0177 in. A wider cup generally produces a fuller, darker tone but requires more air support.
Cup Depth
The Schilke 45B has a medium cup while the Bach 8½BW has a shallow cup. Deeper cups favor a darker, richer sound; shallower cups provide more brightness and easier upper register.
Throat Diameter
The Schilke 45B 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.
Compare Bach 8½BW with others
Compare Schilke 45B with others
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