Detail 01
25.63mm (1.01 inch) cup diameter
Large rim. Supports a big low register and full sound, but demands more air and chops than a 47 or 50.
Product detailSKU #1275776904241
SchilkeGold-Plated Trombone Mouthpieces Small Shank 51GP Gold
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
Gold-plated small-shank trombone mouthpiece with a large bowl cup. For large-bore tenor and orchestral players who want a rich, full sound.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Orchestral tenor trombone players wanting depth and body
- Players on large-bore horns needing a matching large cup
- Anyone whose lips react to silver plating
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Beginners — the 45 or 46 is sized for that
- Lead and commercial players needing an easy high register
- Bass trombone players; this is a small shank
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
Bowl-shaped cup
Rounder profile than a funnel cup. Produces a rich, dark core rather than a bright, cutting edge.
Detail 03
J throat
Larger bore than the 15/64 throats on most models here. Less resistance, more volume available, harder to control softly.
Detail 04
Small shank
Fits medium and medium-large bore tenor trombones. It will not seat properly in a large-shank receiver.
Detail 05
Gold plating
Softer, warmer feel on the lip than silver. Common choice for players with nickel or silver sensitivity.
Detail 06
Sits between the 50 and 52
Bigger and deeper than the 50's all-around size; slightly narrower than the 52, which spreads the sound wider.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Confirm your receiver is small shank — large-shank horns need the 52-series version
- 02Gold plating is thin and wears at the rim over years of hard playing
- 03Mouthpiece only; no case, pouch or cleaning brush
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01What's the difference between the 51 and the 51D?
The 51D is slightly narrower at 25.55mm but has a much deeper D cup. It's aimed at strong players and euphonium, giving a fuller, darker tone. The 51 is a standard large bowl.
02Will this fit a bass trombone?
No. Bass trombones take a large shank. This is the small-shank version, built for medium and large-bore tenor horns.
03Is gold plating worth the price over silver?
Tonally the difference is minimal. Gold feels warmer and slightly slicker on the lip, and it's the answer for players who react to silver plating. That's the main reason to pay for it.
04I play jazz. Is the 51 right for me?
Probably not. The large bowl cup and J throat favor a rich orchestral sound. The 47B, with its contour profile and quick response, is Schilke's jazz all-arounder.
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.
