Detail 01
1.005 in. (25.55mm) cup diameter
A large rim. Big sound and easy low range, but the high register takes real chops to hold together.
Product detailSKU #1275776904796
SchilkeGold-Plated Trombone Mouthpieces Small Shank 51D Gold
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
Gold-plated Schilke 51D, small shank. A large, deep symphonic mouthpiece for strong large-bore trombone players and euphonium players who want a dark tone.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Orchestral trombone players chasing a full, dark bottom end
- Euphonium players who want more cup volume than a stock piece
- Strong players with the air to fill a large deep cup
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Lead and commercial players who need an easy high register
- Beginners — this size will wear you out fast
- Large-shank horns; this is the small-shank version
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
D cup
Very deep. Darkens the tone and adds body at the cost of the brightness and edge a shallower cup gives you.
Detail 03
J throat
The larger throat lets more air through. Feels free-blowing and loud, and it drinks air faster than a tighter throat.
Detail 04
Small shank
Fits small and medium-bore receivers and most euphoniums. It will not seat properly in a large-bore tenor or bass trombone.
Detail 05
Gold plating
Warmer, slightly grippier feel than silver, and no nickel contact for players who react to it. Plating wears with heavy use.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Confirm your receiver is small shank before ordering — adapters change the response
- 02Mouthpiece only; no pouch or case
- 03Coming from a smaller piece, endurance drops before it improves
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01Will this fit my large-bore trombone?
Not directly. This is the small-shank version and will sit too loose in a large-bore receiver. Schilke offers large-shank options for those horns.
02Can I use it on euphonium?
Yes. The 51D is a common euphonium choice — the deep D cup produces a full, dark tone, and most euphoniums take a small shank.
03How is this different from the 52D?
The 52D is slightly larger at 1.015 in. with a 1/4 in. throat. Same symphonic idea, a bit more rim and cup if you want more room.
04Is it good for jazz or lead playing?
No. The large deep cup pulls toward a dark orchestral sound. For lead and commercial work, a shallower contour piece like the 47B or 42B suits better.
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.
