Detail 01
.690 inch cup diameter
Large. Rim high point sits nearer the center, so it feels smaller in play than the number suggests.
Product detailSKU #1275776904037
SchilkeStandard Series Trumpet Mouthpiece Group II in Gold 18B4 Gold
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
Gold-plated Schilke 18B4 trumpet mouthpiece: large .690" cup with a medium-shallow B cup and semi-flat rim. For classical players who need commercial brightness.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Classical players doubling on commercial or big band gigs
- Large-diameter players who want sparkle without going shallow
- Long sets where a semi-flat rim preserves endurance
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Players with smaller embouchures; .690" is a lot of rim
- Pure lead work — an A cup gets higher, easier
- Anyone wanting a dark symphonic tone; the B cup brightens things
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
Medium-shallow B cup
Adds resistance and sparkle over a standard C cup, while keeping enough cup volume for real tone.
Detail 03
Number 4 semi-flat rim
Broad, flat bearing surface distributes pressure. Comfortable in the upper register over long playing sessions.
Detail 04
26 throat
Schilke's standard throat. Normal resistance — not the opened 27 throat found on the A-cup lead models.
Detail 05
Gold plating
Smoother, slicker on the lip than silver. An option for players whose skin reacts to silver plating.
Detail 06
Group II sizing
Schilke's large-diameter range, .674" and up. A different world from the Group I .630–.665" pieces.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Mouthpiece only — no trumpet, case, or pouch included
- 02Fits standard small-shank trumpet receivers; check yours
- 03Jumping to .690" from a medium rim takes real adjustment time
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01How does the 18B4 compare to the standard 18?
Same .690" diameter. The 18 has standard characteristics and a rich, brilliant tone; the 18B4 swaps in a medium-shallow B cup and semi-flat #4 rim for more resistance and upper-register comfort.
02Is .690 inches too big for me?
Depends on your embouchure strength. The 18's rim high point sits closer to the center, so it plays smaller than .690" implies — but if you're on a .660" piece, expect a real adjustment.
03Can I use this for orchestral playing?
The diameter suits it, but the medium-shallow B cup adds brightness and resistance. For a darker orchestral sound, the deeper C or D cups in Group II are a closer match.
04Why does the gold version cost more than silver?
Gold plating is the more expensive finish. The rim, cup, throat and backbore are identical to the silver version — you're paying for the plating and its smoother feel.
Reference
Full specifications
The complete catalog record, organized around the decisions musicians make when comparing gear.
1 detailsBody & build
- Color
- Gold
21 detailsOther
- 15
- 17.12mm, .674 inch cup diameter; 26 throat. An excellent all-around mouthpiece which offers a free blowing, clear sound.
- 16
- 17.20mm, .677 inch cup diameter; 26 throat. This medium-large diameter mouthpiece produces a full, free blowing quality.
- 17
- 17.33mm, .682 inch cup diameter; 26 throat. A compromise of all the medium characteristics, this mouthpiece is an excellent medium to large diameter mouthpiece.
- 18
- 17.52mm, .690 inch cup diameter; 26 throat. The high point being nearer to the center makes this mouthpiece feel smaller than it is. The standard characteristics produce a rich, brilliant tone.
- 19
- 17.65mm, .695 inch cup diameter; 26 throat. The C cup, number 3 rim and standard c-backbore are similar to the model 20 but with a slightly smaller diameter.
- 20
- 17.78 mm, .700 inch cup diameter; 26 throat. This large diameter is for the robust embouchure. Original mouthpiece of choice for Renold O. Schilke.
- 22
- 18.03mm, .710 inch cup diameter; 26 throat. Similar to the model 20 but with a larger inside diameter.
- 24
- 18.29mm, .720 inch cup diameter; 26 throat. Our largest cup diameter offered. This mouthpiece provides a huge volume of sound.
- 15a4
- 17.14mm, .675 inch cup diameter; 27 throat. Same as the 15A4a but with a larger c-backbore for an open feel.
- 16b4
- 17.20mm, .677 inch cup diameter; 26 throat. Same as the model 16C4 except the shallower, medium-small B cup offers more resistance, providing a brighter quality of sound. The 16B4 is an excellent choice for Eb trumpet when a player requires a bigger rim diameter.
- 18c3d
- 17.52mm, .690 inch cup diameter; 26 throat. Similar in dimension to the model 18 but with a larger d-backbore producing a large, teutonic tone.
- 16c4
- 17.20mm, .677 inch cup diameter; 26 throat. Similar to the 16 in dimensions, this mouthpiece offers a number 4 semi-flat rim for a more traditional feel and increased endurance.
- 17d4
- 17.33mm, .682 inch cup diameter; 26 throat. This mouthpiece includes a deeper D cup and number 4 semi-flat rim for improved endurance.
- 15c4
- 17.14mm, .675 inch cup diameter; 26 throat. This mouthpiece is similar to the model 15 but with the number 4 semi-flat rim for increased endurance.
- 17d4d
- 17.33mm, .682 inch cup diameter; 26 throat. A larger blowing mouthpiece than the 17D4 because of the increase d-backbore.
- 16c2
- 17.20mm, .677 inch cup diameter; 26 throat. This model offers the same options as the model 16, but instead offers a number 2 rim for increased flexibility.
- 15a4a
- 17.14mm, .675 inch cup diameter; 27 throat. A larger diameter mouthpiece with a shallow A cup and tight a-backbore for upper register playing. Number 4 semi-flat rim offers comfort in upper register.
- 18b4
- 17.52mm, .690 inch cup diameter; 26 throat. Ideal for a classical player looking for a commercial sound, the medium shallow cup and semi-flat rim provide resistance and comfort for upper register playing. Cup shape offers some sparkle in the sound with enough volume for tone.
- 20d2d
- 17.73mm, .698 inch cup diameter; 26 throat. Similar to the model 20 in diameter but includes a larger D style cup, number 2 semi-round rim and larger d-backbore.
- 17b4
- 17.33mm, .682 inch cup diameter; 26 throat. Well suited for the player looking for a shallower cup in a larger diameter. Medium-small B cup offers more brilliance for projection with number 4 semi-flat rim for comfort.
- 15b
- 17.12mm, .674 inch cup diameter; 26 throat. With the same diameter as the model 15, this mouthpiece includes B style cup which produces a more brilliant sound than the standard model 15 mouthpiece.
