Giardinelli 18 vs Schilke S-H
The Schilke S-H has a wider cup diameter, the Giardinelli 18 features a deeper cup, the Giardinelli 18 has a larger throat opening.
Cup Diameter
The Schilke S-H has a cup diameter of 31.84 mm / 1.2535 in compared to 31.00 mm / 1.2205 in on the Giardinelli 18 — a difference of 0.84 mm / 0.0331 in. A wider cup generally produces a fuller, darker tone but requires more air support.
Cup Depth
The Giardinelli 18 has a deep cup while the Schilke S-H has a medium cup. Deeper cups favor a darker, richer sound; shallower cups provide more brightness and easier upper register.
Throat Diameter
The Giardinelli 18 has a wider throat (7.95 mm / 0.3130 in vs 7.49 mm / 0.2949 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.