Kelly 11 vs Yamaha HR-BACON

The Kelly 11 has a wider cup diameter, the Kelly 11 features a deeper cup, the Yamaha HR-BACON has a larger throat opening.

Overall Comparison Cup Diameter Cup Depth Rim Width Throat Diameter Backbore Finish Material
Mouthpiece A
    Kelly 11
    • French Horn
    General
    Cup diameter18.29 mm
    Cup depth
    Rim width
    Throat diameter3.66 mm
    BackboreS
    Finish
    MaterialLexan polycarbonate
    Best suited for
    🎻Orchestral playing — large cup for full, dark tone
    📋Large-rim French horn
    vs
    Mouthpiece B
      Yamaha HR-BACON
      • French Horn
      Cup diameter17.99 mm
      Cup depthShallow
      Rim width
      Throat diameter4.50 mm
      BackboreSemi-wide
      Finish
      Material
      Best suited for
      📣High-volume projection — open throat for power

      Cup Diameter

      The Kelly 11 has a cup diameter of 18.29 mm compared to 17.99 mm on the Yamaha HR-BACON — a difference of +0.30 mm. A wider cup generally produces a fuller, darker tone but requires more air support.

      Cup Depth

      The Kelly 11 has a — cup while the Yamaha HR-BACON has a shallow cup. Deeper cups favor a darker, richer sound; shallower cups provide more brightness and easier upper register.

      Throat Diameter

      The Yamaha HR-BACON has a wider throat (4.50 mm vs 3.66 mm). A wider throat allows more air through, increasing volume and projection but reducing resistance.

      Material

      The Kelly 11 is described as Lexan polycarbonate, and the Yamaha HR-BACON as unspecified. Material affects mass, warmth, and how quickly the piece responds.

      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.

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