Bob Reeves 5G Gladstone vs Giardinelli 4M
The Bob Reeves 5G Gladstone has a wider cup diameter, the Bob Reeves 5G Gladstone features a deeper cup.
Mouthpiece A
Bob Reeves 5G Gladstone
• Trombone
Cup diameter25.55 mm / 1.0059 in
Cup depthDeep
Rim width—
Throat diameter—
Backbore—
Finish—
Material—
Best suited for
Orchestral playing — large cup for full, dark tone
vs
Mouthpiece B
Giardinelli 4M
• Trombone
Cup diameter25.40 mm / 1.0000 in
Cup depthMedium
Rim width—
Throat diameter6.40 mm / 0.2520 in
Backbore1/4" (.250)
Finish—
Material—
Best suited for
High-volume projection — open throat for power
Cup Diameter
The Bob Reeves 5G Gladstone has a cup diameter of 25.55 mm / 1.0059 in compared to 25.40 mm / 1.0000 in on the Giardinelli 4M — a difference of 0.15 mm / 0.0059 in. A wider cup generally produces a fuller, darker tone but requires more air support.
Cup Depth
The Bob Reeves 5G Gladstone has a deep cup while the Giardinelli 4M has a medium cup. Deeper cups favor a darker, richer sound; shallower cups provide more brightness and easier upper register.
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 Bob Reeves 5G Gladstone with others
Compare Giardinelli 4M with others
Popular Trombone comparisons
- Bach 12E vs Bob Reeves 5G Gladstone
- Giardinelli Sym. T vs Bach 12E
- Yamaha SL-YEO-S vs Marcinkiewicz ET3C. Loper
- Denis Wick 6BL vs Conn Connstellation 7CW
- Schilke 45B vs Marcinkiewicz ET3C. Loper
- Yamaha SL-48DL vs Yamaha SL-YEO-S
- Conn Connstellation 7CW vs Bach 6½A (small shank)
- Giardinelli Sym. T vs Bruno Tilz 306-5 GS