Giardinelli 18 vs Giardinelli Butterfield
the Giardinelli Butterfield features a deeper cup, the Giardinelli Butterfield has a larger throat opening.
Mouthpiece A
Giardinelli 18
• Tuba
Cup diameter31.00 mm / 1.2205 in
Cup depthDeep
Rim width—
Throat diameter7.95 mm / 0.3130 in
Backbore5/16"
Finish—
Material—
Best suited for
Orchestral playing — large cup for full, dark tone
High-volume projection — open throat for power
vs
Mouthpiece B
Giardinelli Butterfield
• Tuba
Cup diameter31.00 mm / 1.2205 in
Cup depthVery deep
Rim width—
Throat diameter8.75 mm / 0.3445 in
Backbore11/32"
Finish—
Material—
Best suited for
Orchestral playing — large cup for full, dark tone
High-volume projection — open throat for power
Cup Diameter
Both mouthpieces have virtually identical cup diameters at 31.00 mm / 1.2205 in.
Cup Depth
The Giardinelli Butterfield has a very deep cup while the Giardinelli 18 has a deep cup. Deeper cups favor a darker, richer sound; shallower cups provide more brightness and easier upper register.
Throat Diameter
The Giardinelli Butterfield has a wider throat (8.75 mm / 0.3445 in vs 7.95 mm / 0.3130 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.