Bob Reeves 43W/HF vs Giardinelli 17FL
The Bob Reeves 43W/HF has a wider cup diameter.
Mouthpiece A
Bob Reeves 43W/HF
• Flugelhorn
Cup diameter17.07 mm / 0.6720 in
Cup depthVery deep
Rim width—
Throat diameter—
Backbore—
Finish—
Material—
Best suited for
Orchestral playing — large cup for full, dark tone
vs
Mouthpiece B
Giardinelli 17FL
• Flugelhorn
Cup diameter15.00 mm / 0.5906 in
Cup depthVery deep
Rim width—
Throat diameter—
Backbore—
Finish—
Material—
Cup Diameter
The Bob Reeves 43W/HF has a cup diameter of 17.07 mm / 0.6720 in compared to 15.00 mm / 0.5906 in on the Giardinelli 17FL — a difference of 2.07 mm / 0.0815 in. A wider cup generally produces a fuller, darker tone but requires more air support.
Cup Depth
Both mouthpieces share a very deep cup depth, so the sound character from depth alone will be very similar.
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.