Giardinelli S15 vs Marcinkiewicz CH 17S

The Giardinelli S15 has a wider cup diameter, the Marcinkiewicz CH 17S features a deeper cup, the Giardinelli S15 has a larger throat opening.

Overall Comparison Cup Diameter Cup Depth Rim Width Throat Diameter Backbore Finish Material
Mouthpiece A
    Giardinelli S15
    • French Horn
    Cup diameter17.50 mm / 0.6890 in
    Cup depthDeep
    Rim width
    Throat diameter4.50 mm / 0.1772 in
    Backbore.180"
    Finish
    Material
    Best suited for
    🎻Orchestral playing — large cup for full, dark tone
    📣High-volume projection — open throat for power
    vs
    Mouthpiece B
      Marcinkiewicz CH 17S
      • French Horn
      Cup diameter17.42 mm / 0.6858 in
      Cup depthVery deep
      Rim width
      Throat diameter4.39 mm / 0.1728 in
      Backbore
      Finish
      Material
      Best suited for
      🎻Orchestral playing — large cup for full, dark tone
      📣High-volume projection — open throat for power

      Cup Diameter

      The Giardinelli S15 has a cup diameter of 17.50 mm / 0.6890 in compared to 17.42 mm / 0.6858 in on the Marcinkiewicz CH 17S — a difference of 0.08 mm / 0.0031 in. A wider cup generally produces a fuller, darker tone but requires more air support.

      Cup Depth

      The Marcinkiewicz CH 17S has a very deep cup while the Giardinelli S15 has a deep cup. Deeper cups favor a darker, richer sound; shallower cups provide more brightness and easier upper register.

      Throat Diameter

      The Giardinelli S15 has a wider throat (4.50 mm / 0.1772 in vs 4.39 mm / 0.1728 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 S15 details Marcinkiewicz CH 17S details Giardinelli S15 equivalents Marcinkiewicz CH 17S equivalents