Giardinelli S14 vs Yamaha HR-29B

The Giardinelli S14 has a wider cup diameter, the Giardinelli S14 features a deeper cup, the Giardinelli S14 has a larger throat opening.

Overall Comparison Cup Diameter Cup Depth Rim Width Throat Diameter Backbore Finish Material
Mouthpiece A
    Giardinelli S14
    • French Horn
    Cup diameter17.50 mm / 0.6890 in
    Cup depthDeep
    Rim width
    Throat diameter4.60 mm / 0.1811 in
    Backbore.182"
    Finish
    Material
    Best suited for
    🎻Orchestral playing — large cup for full, dark tone
    📣High-volume projection — open throat for power
    vs
    Mouthpiece B
      Yamaha HR-29B
      • French Horn
      Cup diameter17.07 mm / 0.6720 in
      Cup depthShallow
      Rim width
      Throat diameter3.90 mm / 0.1535 in
      BackboreSemi-wide
      Finish
      Material
      Best suited for
      📣High-volume projection — open throat for power

      Cup Diameter

      The Giardinelli S14 has a cup diameter of 17.50 mm / 0.6890 in compared to 17.07 mm / 0.6720 in on the Yamaha HR-29B — a difference of 0.43 mm / 0.0169 in. A wider cup generally produces a fuller, darker tone but requires more air support.

      Cup Depth

      The Giardinelli S14 has a deep cup while the Yamaha HR-29B has a shallow cup. Deeper cups favor a darker, richer sound; shallower cups provide more brightness and easier upper register.

      Throat Diameter

      The Giardinelli S14 has a wider throat (4.60 mm / 0.1811 in vs 3.90 mm / 0.1535 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.

      Open in interactive tool + Add third mouthpiece Giardinelli S14 details Yamaha HR-29B details Giardinelli S14 equivalents Yamaha HR-29B equivalents