Schilke 29 vs Yamaha HR-30B

The Schilke 29 has a wider cup diameter, the Yamaha HR-30B has a larger throat opening.

Overall Comparison Cup Diameter Cup Depth Rim Width Throat Diameter Backbore Finish Material
Mouthpiece A
    Schilke 29
    • French Horn
    Cup diameter17.53 mm / 0.6902 in
    Cup depthShallow
    Rim width
    Throat diameter3.60 mm / 0.1417 in
    Backbore17
    Finish
    Material
    Best suited for
    Screamer / high notes — tight throat with shallow cup
    vs
    Mouthpiece B
      Yamaha HR-30B
      • French Horn
      Cup diameter17.27 mm / 0.6799 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 Schilke 29 has a cup diameter of 17.53 mm / 0.6902 in compared to 17.27 mm / 0.6799 in on the Yamaha HR-30B — a difference of 0.26 mm / 0.0102 in. A wider cup generally produces a fuller, darker tone but requires more air support.

      Cup Depth

      Both mouthpieces share a shallow cup depth, so the sound character from depth alone will be very similar.

      Throat Diameter

      The Yamaha HR-30B has a wider throat (3.90 mm / 0.1535 in vs 3.60 mm / 0.1417 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 Schilke 29 details Yamaha HR-30B details Schilke 29 equivalents Yamaha HR-30B equivalents