Detail 01
Group I cup diameters (roughly .630"–.665")
Smaller inside diameter than Group II. Easier to control high notes, less room for a wide open sound.
Product detailSKU #1275776904770
SchilkeStandard Series Trumpet Mouthpiece Group I 12A4a Silver
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
Schilke Group I trumpet mouthpiece in the smaller diameter range, silver plated. For players choosing a specific cup and rim rather than a general upgrade.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Lead and upper-register work where a shallow cup helps
- Players who already know their Schilke model number
- Trumpeters with smaller embouchures needing under .670 diameter
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Players wanting a large, dark orchestral sound — look at Group II
- Anyone unsure of their size; trial before buying
- Players with a nickel or silver allergy
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
A cup vs B cup vs C cup
A is shallowest and brightest for lead. B sits in between. C gives more volume and a rounder tone.
Detail 03
Rim numbers 2, 3 and 4
2 is rounder for flexibility, 3 is the standard contour, 4 is semi-flat and spreads pressure for endurance.
Detail 04
a-backbore vs c-backbore vs x-backbore
The 'a' tightens resistance for range, 'c' blows freer and more open, 'x' opens things up on piccolo trumpet.
Detail 05
26 vs 27 throat
27 is slightly tighter. More resistance and feedback, usually paired with the shallow A cup models.
Detail 06
Silver plating
Slightly more grip and drag on the lip than gold. Standard finish, and the cheaper of the two.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Mouthpiece only — no pouch, case, or cleaning brush included
- 02Confirm the exact model code; sizes differ by hundredths of an inch
- 03Changing mouthpieces mid-season can unsettle a developing embouchure
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01What does the 12A4a actually mean?
12 is the cup diameter, A is the shallow cup depth, 4 is the semi-flat rim contour, and the trailing lowercase a is the tight backbore.
02Is this a good step up from a stock mouthpiece?
Only if you know what you want changed. These are specific tools — a shallow A cup helps high range but takes volume out of the low end.
03Silver or gold plating?
Silver has more friction, which some players prefer for grip. Gold is smoother and costs more. Tone difference is minimal compared to cup and rim choice.
04Will it fit any trumpet?
It uses the standard trumpet shank, so it fits Bb, C, and Eb trumpets. Cornet takes a different shank.
Reference
Full specifications
The complete catalog record, organized around the decisions musicians make when comparing gear.
1 detailsBody & build
- Color
- Silver
23 detailsOther
- 9
- 16.33 mm, .643 inch cup diameter; 26 throat. Standard characteristics allow for a full penetrating tone quality.
- 11
- 16.53 mm, .653 inch cup diameter; 26 throat. A superior mouthpiece with standard characteristics for a free-blowing mouthpiece.
- 12
- 16.69 mm, .657 inch cup diameter; 26 throat. A traditional medium size mouthpiece that includes a number 3 standard rim and c-backbore, which allows the player a full spectrum of sound.
- 13
- 16.8 mm9mm, .665 inch cup diameter; 26 throat. Ideal choice for a student or developing player with standard number 3 rim contour. The rounder rim provides increased flexibility and quick response. The C cup offers volume for tone.
- 13b
- 16.77 mm, .660 inch cup diameter; 26 throat. This mouthpiece has a B cup that is slightly deeper than the 13A4 and also offers a narrower round rim.
- 11ax
- 16.51 mm, .650 inch cup diameter; 27 throat. This model was developed for the Schilke piccolo trumpets. The x-backbore improves the ease of playing and opens up the sound on a piccolo trumpet.
- 6a4a
- 15.99 mm, .630 inch cup diameter; 27 throat. Shallow A cup with cushion number 4 rim for extreme high register work.
- 11a
- 16.51 mm, .650 inch cup diameter; 26 throat. This rim size and contour is similar to the model 11 mouthpiece, but with a shallower A cup.
- 13a4
- 16.76 mm, .660 inch cup diameter; 27 throat. Same as the 13A4a, but with a standard c-backbore which allows a free-blowing feel.
- 12a4
- 16.71 mm, .658 inch cup diameter; 27 throat. This mouthpiece is the same as a 12A4a, but with a standard c-backbore.
- 12b4
- 16.71 mm, .658 inch cup diameter; 26 throat. This medium-small conical B cup provides a full tone and the number 4 semi-flat rim allows for more endurance.
- 10a4
- 16.43 mm, .647 inch cup diameter; 27 throat. Same as the 10A4a but with a standard c-backbore, which offers less resistance.
- 11e
- 16.58 mm, .653 inch cup diameter; 26 throat. The large funnel-shaped cup encourages a big round tone, ideal for cornet.
- 10a4a
- 16.43 mm, .647 inch cup diameter; 27 throat. The combination of the shallow A cup, semi-flat number 4 rim and tight a-backbore assists with upper register work.
- 10b4
- 16.43 mm, .643 inch cup diameter; 26 throat. A medium-small funnel-shaped B cup offers both a quality sound and support in the register.
- 13a4a
- 16.76 mm, .660 inch cup diameter; 27 throat. The shallow A cup, semi-flat number 4 rim and tight a-backbore creates an ideal lead mouthpiece.
- 8 Mma4
- 16.25 mm, .640 inch cup diameter; 26 throat. The slightly funnel-shape cup at the entrance to the throat provides a good tone and the number 4 semi-flat rim gives superior endurance.
- 12a4a
- 16.71 mm, .658 inch cup diameter; 27 throat. Similar to the 12B4, but with a shallow A cup and tight a-backbore, which adds both endurance and range.
- 11d4
- 16.58 mm, .653 inch cup diameter; 26 throat. Slightly deeper than the model 11 with a number 4 semi-flat rim, which provides a definite cushion feel for endurance.
- 7b4
- 16.08 mm, .633 inch cup diameter; 26 throat. Excellent for the player with thin lips. Number 4 rim provides good endurance with a brilliant tone.
- 8 Mme2
- 16.15 mm, .636 inch cup diameter; 26 throat. The deep funnel-shaped cup provides a smooth tone and is very flexible in all registers. Recommended for cornet players
- 9c4
- 16.36 mm, .644 in cup diameter; 26 throat. Like the 9 mouthpiece, however the 4 semi-flat rim provides excellent endurance.
- 11c2
- 16.51 mm, .650 inch cup diameter; 26 throat. Similar to the model 11 featuring a slightly rounded number 2 rim contour.
