Which has a bigger cup — Kelly 31 or Schilke 31B?

The Kelly 31 has a cup diameter of 17.53 mm compared to 17.40 mm on the Schilke 31B — a difference of +0.13 mm. A wider cup generally produces a fuller, darker tone but requires more air support.

How does cup depth compare between Kelly 31 and Schilke 31B?

The Kelly 31 has a — cup while the Schilke 31B has a medium cup. Deeper cups favor a darker, richer sound; shallower cups provide more brightness and easier upper register.

Kelly 31 vs Schilke 31B

The Kelly 31 has a wider cup diameter, the Kelly 31 features a deeper cup, the Kelly 31 has a larger throat opening.

Overall Comparison Cup Diameter Cup Depth Rim Width Throat Diameter Backbore Finish Material

The narrowest point at the bottom of the cup. Affects resistance, volume, and tone color.

Mouthpiece A

Kelly 31

• French Horn

General

Throat diameter3.80 mm

Best suited for

🎻Orchestral playing — large cup for full, dark tone

📣High-volume projection — open throat for power

📋French horn deep cup

Mouthpiece B

Schilke 31B

• French Horn

Throat diameter3.57 mm

Throat Diameter

The Kelly 31 has a wider throat (3.80 mm vs 3.57 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 Kelly 31 details Schilke 31B details Kelly 31 equivalents Schilke 31B equivalents

Kelly 31 vs Schilke 31B

Throat Diameter

Playing Characteristics

What Do These Model Names Mean?

What Changes If You Switch?

Which is better?

Compare Kelly 31 with others

Compare Schilke 31B with others

Popular French Horn comparisons

Kelly vs Schilke

Browse by specification