Detail 01
1.01" (25.63 mm) cup diameter
Large rim. More lip in the cup means bigger, broader sound but harder to sustain a long set.
Product detailSKU #1275776904056
SchilkeGold-Plated Trombone Mouthpieces Small Shank 51C4GP Gold
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
Gold-plated Schilke 51C4 small shank trombone mouthpiece. Large 1.01" cup with a shallower bowl and semi-flat rim, for large bore tenor players.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Large bore tenor trombone players wanting a big sound
- Players who find full 51 depth too taxing on endurance
- Anyone whose lip reacts badly to silver plating
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Beginners — 1.01" is a lot of rim to control
- Small bore horns; the small shank still oversizes the sound
- Players wanting the shallower 47 or 50 response
What matters in use
The specifications, translated
Catalog numbers tell only part of the story. These are the details most likely to change how this product feels, sounds, or fits into a setup.
Detail 02
Shallower cup than the standard 51
Trades some of the 51's depth for easier response and a slightly brighter, less taxing upper register.
Detail 03
Semi-flat number 4 rim
Wider, flatter contact spreads pressure across the lip. More comfortable on long sessions, slightly less flexible than a rounded rim.
Detail 04
J throat
Larger throat passes more air. Fuller, darker core, but you need the air support to fill it.
Detail 05
Small shank
Fits small and medium bore tenor trombone leadpipes. Will not seat correctly in a large shank bass trombone.
Detail 06
Gold plating
Warmer feel on the lip and non-reactive for players with silver sensitivity. Softer than silver, so it wears faster.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Check your slide's receiver — small shank only, not large shank
- 02Sold as a single mouthpiece; no pouch or case included
- 03Gold plate scratches more easily than silver — avoid loose pockets
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01What's the difference between the 51C4 and the plain 51?
The 51C4 has the same 1.01" diameter but a shallower cup and a wider, semi-flat number 4 rim. Easier response and more rim comfort, slightly less depth than the 51.
02Will this fit my bass trombone?
No. This is a small shank. Bass trombones take a large shank. Check the receiver on your slide before ordering.
03Why is the gold version more expensive than the silver?
Gold plating costs more as a material and process. The cup, rim and throat dimensions are identical to the silver 51C4.
04Is gold plating worth it over silver?
Mainly if silver irritates your lip or you prefer a slicker, warmer feel. It does not change the dimensions or the sound.
Reference
Full specifications
The complete catalog record, organized around the decisions musicians make when comparing gear.
1 detailsBody & build
- Color
- Gold
23 detailsOther
- 40
- 22.53 mm, .887 inch cup diameter; 15/64 throat. Since the cup diameter is small, the upper register is improved. In addition, the tone has considerable projection. It is excellent for the bass trumpet and valve trombone.
- 42
- 23.22 mm, .914 inch cup diameter; 15/64 throat. Slightly larger diameter and deeper than the 42B, the 42 features a standard C cup.
- 45
- 24.38 mm, .953 inch cup diameter; 15/64 throat. The semi-flat rim has a high point close to the center of the mouthpiece which allows for a great deal of flexibility. Ideally suited for the beginner trombone player.
- 46
- 24.54 mm, .966 inch cup diameter; 15/64 throat. Slightly larger than the 45, this is also a good beginner’s mouthpiece.
- 47
- 24.99 mm, .984 inch cup diameter; 15/64 throat. For both professionals and students alike, this outstanding mouthpiece combines good response with superior tone quality and intonation.
- 50
- 25.40 mm, 1 inch cup diameter; 17/64 throat. Particularly adapted to the medium and medium-large bore tenor trombones. The Schilke standard options make this a fine all- around mouthpiece.
- 51
- 25.63 mm, 1.01 inch cup diameter; J throat. A large bowl shaped cup producing a rich tone quality. Ideally suited for large bore tenor and orchestral performers.
- 52
- 25.78 mm, 1.015 inch cup diameter; 17/64 throat. Slightly larger diameter than the model 51, this mouthpiece produces a slightly broader sound.
- 53
- 26.24 mm, 1.033 inch cup diameter; 15/64 throat. This combination of large cup diameter and bowl shape is widely favored by those who desire a rich full sound.
- 45b
- 24.30 mm, .953 inch cup diameter; 15/64 throat. Contour profile – designed for the lead trombone player with a larger cup volume than the 43A.
- 46d
- 24.76 mm, .975 inch cup diameter; 15/64 throat. The cup diameter and volume is slightly larger than the 46, producing a full, resonant tone. Also recommended for the younger baritone/euphonium player.
- 43a
- 23.57 mm, .924 inch cup diameter; 15/64 throat. Contour profile – this mouthpiece was designed for the lead trombone player desiring an easy high register.
- 42b
- 22.99 mm, .921 inch cup diameter; 15/64 throat. Contour profile – this mouthpiece is well suited for the small tenor trombone and lead or commercial playing.
- 51b
- 25.63 mm, 1.01 inch cup diameter; F throat. This mouthpiece incorporates a large diameter with a medium-small B cup and small throat.
- 40b
- 22.51 mm, .886 inch cup diameter; 15/64 throat. Extremely small inner rim diameter and shallow B cup. This mouthpiece, with its wide-rounded rim, works well for the trumpet player who doubles on trombone.
- 52d
- 25.78 mm, 1.015 inch cup diameter; 1/4 inch throat. Like the 51D, the large D cup makes this mouthpiece ideal for symphonic trombone playing. Also a good choice for the euphonium player requiring a larger diameter than the 51D.
- 51d
- 25.55 mm, 1.005 inch cup diameter; J throat. One of the most popular, this mouthpiece offers a very large D cup and is excellent for the strong player. It is particularly suited for the euphonium, producing a full dark tone.
- 47c4
- 25.10 mm, .988 inch cup diameter; 15/64 throat. Like the model 47 but with a slightly wider, semi-flat number 4 rim.
- 52e2
- 25.91 mm, 1.020 inch cup diameter; J throat. With its extremely deep E cup and narrower, rounder number 2 rim makes this mouthpiece an ideal symphonic choice for the robust player. Also a good choice for Euphonium player requiring more cup volume than the 52D.
- 50c4
- 25.40 mm, 1 inch cup diameter; F throat. The medium-deep cup and medium-wide rim make this mouthpiece an outstanding choice for medium and large-bore tenor trombones, combining a rich, full sound with a high level of efficiency and playability.
- 51c4
- 25.63 mm, 1.01 inch cup diameter; J throat. Similar to the model 51 with a slightly shallower cup and semi-flat number 4 rim.
- 44e4
- 24.28 mm, .956 inch cup diameter; 15/64 throat. Though a small cup diameter, this mouthpiece offers a very deep E cup and semi-flat number 4 rim.
- 47b
- 24.87 mm, .979 inch cup diameter; C throat. Contour profile – this mouthpiece is a good all-around mouthpiece for the jazz player that is requiring quick response and a resonant high register.
