Giardinelli C12 vs Yamaha HR-BACON

The Yamaha HR-BACON has a wider cup diameter, the Giardinelli C12 features a deeper cup, the Giardinelli C12 has a larger throat opening.

Overall Comparison Cup Diameter Cup Depth Rim Width Throat Diameter Backbore Finish Material
Mouthpiece A
    Giardinelli C12
    • French Horn
    Cup diameter17.50 mm
    Cup depthMedium
    Rim width
    Throat diameter4.80 mm
    Backbore.189"
    Finish
    Material
    Best suited for
    📣High-volume projection — open throat for power
    vs
    Mouthpiece B
      Yamaha HR-BACON
      • French Horn
      Cup diameter17.99 mm
      Cup depthShallow
      Rim width
      Throat diameter4.50 mm
      BackboreSemi-wide
      Finish
      Material
      Best suited for
      📣High-volume projection — open throat for power

      Cup Diameter

      The Yamaha HR-BACON has a cup diameter of 17.99 mm compared to 17.50 mm on the Giardinelli C12 — a difference of +0.49 mm. A wider cup generally produces a fuller, darker tone but requires more air support.

      Cup Depth

      The Giardinelli C12 has a medium cup while the Yamaha HR-BACON has a shallow cup. Deeper cups favor a darker, richer sound; shallower cups provide more brightness and easier upper register.

      Throat Diameter

      The Giardinelli C12 has a wider throat (4.80 mm vs 4.50 mm). 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.

      Open in interactive tool + Add third mouthpiece Giardinelli C12 details Yamaha HR-BACON details Giardinelli C12 equivalents Yamaha HR-BACON equivalents