Detail 01
1.015-inch (25.78 mm) cup diameter
More lip inside the cup: bigger sound and easier low range, at the cost of upper-register endurance.
Product detailSKU #1275776904879
SchilkeGold-Plated Trombone Mouthpieces Small Shank 52GP Gold
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
Gold-plated Schilke 52 for small-shank tenor trombone. A 1.015-inch cup with a broad, full sound, aimed at established players rather than students.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Tenor trombonists on medium-bore horns wanting a broader, fuller sound
- Players whose lips react badly to silver plating
- Section and orchestral work where a wide tone matters
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Large-shank tenor or bass trombones — the shank won't seat
- Beginners; a 1.015-inch cup takes air and endurance
- Lead players chasing an easy, light high register
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
17/64 throat
Moderately open. More air passes through, so the sound stays open instead of compressing when you push volume.
Detail 03
Small shank
Fits medium and medium-large bore tenor trombones. Large-bore tenor and bass horns need a large shank instead.
Detail 04
Gold plating
Slicker and softer on the lips than silver. The cup, rim and throat still decide the sound.
Detail 05
Slightly larger than the model 51
Same rich bowl-shaped character, a touch broader. Moving between the two is a small step, not a jump.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Measure your slide receiver first — this is small shank only
- 02Sold as a single mouthpiece; no pouch or cleaning brush
- 03Gold plate wears with heavy use; skip abrasive polishes and rinse regularly
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01Will this fit my trombone?
It's small shank, so it fits medium and medium-large bore tenor trombones. Large-bore tenor and bass trombones take a large-shank mouthpiece and this one won't seat correctly.
02How is the 52 different from the 51?
The 52 is slightly wider — 1.015 inch against 1.010 — and gives a slightly broader sound. Both use a large bowl-shaped cup with rich tone.
03Does gold plating change the tone?
Plating is a surface finish. What you'll notice is feel: gold sits smoother and slicker on the lips. Cup diameter, cup shape and throat drive the sound.
04Is this a good first Schilke?
Not really. The 1.015-inch cup needs developed chops. Schilke's 45 and 46 are the sizes built around beginning trombonists, and the 47 is the common student-to-pro middle ground.
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.
