Yamaha Brass Mouthpieces
CNC-machined to 0.01mm tolerances — the most consistent production mouthpieces in the industry. Understanding the TR/SL/HR/BB naming system unlocks the entire catalog across all brass families.
Decoding the Yamaha System
Every Yamaha brass mouthpiece code encodes four independent variables. The format TR-14C4 tells you instrument family, rim size, cup depth, rim contour, and optionally backbore in a single string.
| Prefix | Instrument | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| TR | Trumpet | Bb, C, D, Eb, Piccolo |
| CR | Cornet | S=short British shank, L=long American |
| FH | Flugelhorn | Conical bore, warm tone |
| HR | French Horn | Double and single horns |
| SL | Trombone / Baritone | Tenor, Alto, Baritone |
| BL | Bass Trombone | Wide throat for pedal volume |
| EP | Euphonium | Dedicated euphonium shank |
| BB | Tuba | Bb, C, F, Eb tubas |
| AH | Alto / Tenor Horn | Brass band alto horn |
Smaller = narrower inner rim diameter. TR-7 is a compact lead rim; TR-18 is a large orchestral rim. Controls embouchure comfort and endurance vs. control.
Controls cup depth — the primary tonal colour variable. Shallower = brighter, more resistant, easier high register. Deeper = darker, more open, more fundamental.
Controls the shape of the rim cross-section. Flatter rims offer more stability and precision; rounder rims offer more comfort and flexibility across range.
Controls backbore taper and throat size. Narrower backbores focus the sound and aid upper register; wider backbores open the tone and aid volume in the low register.
Trumpet & Cornet
The Yamaha TR series delivers exceptionally consistent slotting due to CNC-machined throat and backbore transitions. The rim bite is more defined than Bach — rewards a well-trained embouchure.
| Model | Rim mm | Rim in | Cup | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TR-5A4 | 15.90 | 0.626 | Shallow | Lead; extreme small rim for compression |
| TR-7A4 | 16.24 | 0.639 | Shallow | Piccolo / lead; flexible but small |
| TR-11C4 | 16.46 | 0.648 | Standard | Professional standard; clean bite, balanced |
| TR-13B4 | 16.63 | 0.655 | Semi-shallow | C trumpet specialist; superb clarity |
| TR-14A4a | 16.68 | 0.657 | Shallow | Power lead/piccolo; fast high register |
| TR-14B4 | 16.85 | 0.663 | Semi-shallow | Outstanding balance; all genres |
| TR-14C4 | 16.88 | 0.665 | Standard | Ensembles/orchestras; high volume |
| TR-14D4 | 16.80 | 0.661 | Semi-deep | Orchestral; rich dark tone |
| TR-15C4 | 16.98 | 0.669 | Standard | Advanced; bright powerful tone |
| TR-16C4 | 17.00 | 0.669 | Standard | Symphony; high volume, large rim |
| TR-17C4 | 17.30 | 0.681 | Standard | Symphony standard; powerful, dark |
| TR-18C4 | 17.42 | 0.686 | Standard | Advanced orchestra; max rim |
| Role | Model | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Lead | TR-14A4a | Shallow cup + narrow backbore sizzle |
| Symphonic Principal | TR-17C4 | Massive dark core |
| Soloist / Recital | TR-14B4 | Best balance of flex, range, warmth |
| Jazz | FH-SHEW (Bobby Shew sig) | Rich vocal quality |
| Piccolo | TR-11A4 | Medium rim, high compression |
| Student | TR-11C4 | Professional standard, forgiving entry |
| Yamaha | Bach | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| TR-11C4 | Bach 7C | Yamaha cleaner rim bite, more consistent response |
| TR-14B4 | Bach 3C | Yamaha slightly shallower than modern Bach 3C |
| TR-14C4 | Bach 5C | Yamaha superior flexibility for ensemble |
| TR-16C4 | Bach 1-1/2C | Yamaha backbore more precisely matched for orchestral |
| TR-17C4 | Bach 1C | Yamaha more powerful, dark symphonic core |
Trombone — Tenor & Bass
Small shank (S) for jazz/commercial instruments, large shank (L) for symphonic F-attachment tenor. Bass trombone has a wider throat for pedal note air volume.
| Model | Rim mm | Cup | Shank | Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SL-46BS | 24.58 | Shallow | Small | High register jazz/commercial |
| SL-47 | 24.98 | Standard | S/L | Orchestral/ensemble; high endurance |
| SL-48 | 25.25 | Standard | S/L | Professional standard; balanced |
| SL-48D | 25.25 | Deep | S/L | Rich soft tone; also euphonium |
| SL-51C4 | 25.23 | Standard | S/L | Symphony; powerful and solid |
| SL-52 | 25.65 | Standard | S/L | Advanced; heavy tone |
| SL-53L | 25.91 | Standard | Large | Large orchestras; outstanding lows |
| Model | Rim mm | Throat mm | Cup | Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BL-58L | 26.84 | 7.25 | Medium | Flex in low/mid registers |
| BL-59L | 27.22 | 7.25 | Voluminous | Do-it-all bass; rich pedals |
| BL-60L | 28.25 | 8.10 | Very Deep | Advanced; deep powerful low |
| BL-61D4L | 28.72 | 8.00 | Very Deep | Largest rim; maximum volume |
| BL-YEO | 28.72 | 8.00 | Deep | Douglas Yeo Signature |
| Yamaha | Equiv. | Key Diff |
|---|---|---|
| SL-47 | Bach 6-3/4C | Yamaha rim more endurance-friendly |
| SL-48 | Bach 6-1/2AL | Yamaha slightly cleaner articulation |
| SL-51 | Bach 5G | Yamaha 51 the American symphonic standard |
| BL-59L | Bach 1-1/2G | Yamaha 59L more "zing" in low register |
French Horn
Yamaha HR series includes a "Double Cup" design (D suffix) combining U and V shapes for the horn's vast range. The HR-30C4 is the professional entry standard; HR-31+ for symphonic demands.
Open, rounded bowl — projects easily. Used in American orchestral and ensemble playing where volume and power are priorities.
Narrower, tapered — more focused, mellow tone. Traditional European preference for chamber and historically-informed playing.
U + V hybrid (D suffix). Combines fundamental depth with focus across the full register. The HR-30D4 and HR-31D4 are the primary double-cup models.
| Model | Rim mm | Cup | Throat mm | Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HR-29C4 | 17.08 | U | 3.98 | Bb/High-F horns; clear tone |
| HR-30B | 17.27 | V | 3.90 | Smooth airflow; narrow bells |
| HR-30C4 | 17.28 | U | 3.98 | Standard professional; powerful, rich |
| HR-30D4 | 17.08 | Double | 4.50 | Exceptionally rich; high note stability |
| HR-31B | 17.47 | V | 3.90 | Traditional soft tone; narrow bells |
| HR-31D4 | 17.28 | Double | 4.50 | Heavy tone; flat rim playability |
| HR-32B | 17.67 | V | 3.90 | Mellow; outstanding low notes |
| HR-32C4 | 17.48 | U | 3.98 | High volume; easy playability |
| HR-34C4 | 17.88 | U | 3.98 | High volume; powerful performance |
vs Farkas: The Farkas MC rim sits under 17mm — most Yamaha HR series starts at 17.07mm (HR-30), giving a more "open" feel. HR-31B/32B V-cup models provide depth comparable to Paxman with CNC precision.
Starting models: Student → HR-30C4 | Advancing → HR-31-GP | Professional → HR-32C4 or signature series
Tuba & Euphonium
The BB (tuba) and SL/EP (euphonium) ranges address the full orchestral and brass band low brass requirement.
| Model | Rim mm | Throat mm | Cup | Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BB-64 | 30.45 | 8.35 | Medium | Beginner/young players |
| BB-65 | 30.95 | 8.35 | Medium | Dark tone; excellent balance |
| BB-66 | 31.37 | 8.35 | Voluminous | Orchestral standard |
| BB-67C4 | 32.06 | 8.10 | Standard | Professional standard Bb/C tuba |
| BB-67B4 | 32.06 | 7.02 | Shallow | F-tuba; easy high register |
| BB-68B | 32.72 | 7.50 | Small | Enhanced clarity large Bb/C |
| BB-SELF | 32.86 | 8.00 | Standard | Jim Self Signature; professional versatility |
| BB-BOBOSOLO | 32.20 | 7.50 | Semi-shallow | Roger Bobo; F/Eb tuba |
| Yamaha Model | Rim mm | Denis Wick SM Comparable | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| SL-48S | 25.25 | SM6 | More focused |
| SL-51D | 25.23 | SM4 | Standard deep |
| SL-52 | 25.65 | SM3.5 | Powerful |
| Neo 53D | 26.08 | SM3 | Soloist model |
Yamaha vs the Field
Manufacturing precision and design philosophy set Yamaha apart from both European and American competitors. Understanding the trade-offs helps you choose the right tool for your context.
CNC Revolution
Single-point diamond/carbide tool vs shaped cutters. A TR-14B4 in 2026 is identical to one from 10 years ago — tolerances held to 0.01mm across every production run. No batch variance, no worn-tool drift.
vs Bach
Bach has a softer "forgiving" bite that can feel mushy to trained players. Yamaha is crisper — rewards a well-trained embouchure. Players switching from Bach often feel the Yamaha rim "locks in" faster with less pressure.
vs Denis Wick
Wick rims are rounded for brass band comfort and long rehearsal endurance. Yamaha semi-flat rims provide stability — the player "grips" the rim without excessive pressure. Different ergonomic philosophy for different repertoire.
GP Series
Gold plating (GP suffix) provides a lower friction coefficient than silver, enabling easier lip movement and greater flexibility. Particularly valued in hot performance environments or for players sensitive to silver allergies.