Bach 17 vs Schilke 42B
The Bach 17 has a wider cup diameter, the Schilke 42B has a larger throat opening.
Cup Diameter
The Bach 17 has a cup diameter of 24.20 mm / 0.9528 in compared to 22.99 mm / 0.9051 in on the Schilke 42B — a difference of 1.21 mm / 0.0476 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 42B has a wider throat (5.95 mm / 0.2343 in vs 5.85 mm / 0.2303 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.
Compare Bach 17 with others
Compare Schilke 42B with others
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