Schilke 51 vs Yamaha SL-48L

The Schilke 51 has a wider cup diameter, the Schilke 51 has a larger throat opening.

Overall Comparison Cup Diameter Cup Depth Rim Width Throat Diameter Backbore Finish Material
Mouthpiece A
    Schilke 51
    • Trombone
    Cup diameter25.63 mm / 1.0091 in
    Cup depthMedium
    Rim width
    Throat diameter7.04 mm / 0.2772 in
    BackboreJ .277"
    Finish
    Material
    Best suited for
    📣High-volume projection — open throat for power
    vs
    Mouthpiece B
      Yamaha SL-48L
      • Trombone
      Cup diameter25.25 mm / 0.9941 in
      Cup depthMedium
      Rim width
      Throat diameter6.62 mm / 0.2606 in
      BackboreSemi-narrow
      Finish
      Material
      Best suited for
      📣High-volume projection — open throat for power

      Cup Diameter

      The Schilke 51 has a cup diameter of 25.63 mm / 1.0091 in compared to 25.25 mm / 0.9941 in on the Yamaha SL-48L — a difference of 0.38 mm / 0.0150 in. A wider cup generally produces a fuller, darker tone but requires more air support.

      Cup Depth

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

      Throat Diameter

      The Schilke 51 has a wider throat (7.04 mm / 0.2772 in vs 6.62 mm / 0.2606 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 51 details Yamaha SL-48L details Schilke 51 equivalents Yamaha SL-48L equivalents