Which has a bigger cup — Kelly 3C or Kelly 4B-UK?

The Kelly 3C has a cup diameter of 17.02 mm / 0.6701 in compared to 16.51 mm / 0.6500 in on the Kelly 4B-UK — a difference of 0.51 mm / 0.0201 in. A wider cup generally produces a fuller, darker tone but requires more air support.

How does cup depth compare between Kelly 3C and Kelly 4B-UK?

The Kelly 4B-UK has a — cup while the Kelly 3C has a very deep cup. Deeper cups favor a darker, richer sound; shallower cups provide more brightness and easier upper register.

Kelly 3C vs Kelly 4B-UK

Name: Kelly 4B-UK
Brand: Kelly

The Kelly 3C has a wider cup diameter, the Kelly 4B-UK features a deeper cup, the Kelly 4B-UK has a larger throat opening.

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

The taper behind the throat leading to the shank. Affects projection and tone character.

Mouthpiece A

Kelly 3C

• Cornet

General

BackboreL

Best suited for

🎻Orchestral playing — large cup for full, dark tone

📣High-volume projection — open throat for power

📋All-purpose mid-range

Mouthpiece B

Kelly 4B-UK

• Cornet

Orchestral

BackboreXL

Best suited for

📣High-volume projection — open throat for power

📋Professional cornet; British brass band

Which is better?

The Kelly 3C is designed for general playing, while the Kelly 4B-UK targets orchestral use. Your best choice depends on your musical context.

Open in interactive tool + Add third mouthpiece Kelly 3C details Kelly 4B-UK details Kelly 3C equivalents Kelly 4B-UK equivalents

Kelly 3C vs Kelly 4B-UK

Playing Characteristics

What Do These Model Names Mean?

What Changes If You Switch?

Which is better?

Compare Kelly 3C with others

Compare Kelly 4B-UK with others

Popular Cornet comparisons

Browse by specification