Detail 01
48A size
A Bach 6-1/2 rim with a shallow cup, cut for alto trombone. Familiar rim feel, brighter and lighter response.
Product detailSKU #1274115034982
YamahaStandard Series Small Shank Trombone Mouthpiece in Silver 48A
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
Silver-plated small shank trombone mouthpiece, 48A size. Cut for alto trombone players who want a Bach 6-1/2 style rim with a shallow cup.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Alto trombone players needing a rim size they already know
- Section players covering alto parts on a small shank horn
- Anyone replacing a worn 6-1/2 sized mouthpiece with a shallower cup
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Large shank tenor and bass trombones — the shank will not seat
- Players wanting a deep, dark tenor sound; the cup is shallow
- First-time tenor students, who are better served by a standard 48
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
Small shank
Fits small shank receivers. Large shank tenor and bass horns need a different taper or an adapter.
Detail 03
Shallow cup
Less volume behind the lips brightens the tone and lifts the upper register, at the cost of low-end weight.
Detail 04
Silver plate
Slightly grippier and cooler on the lips than gold plate, and it holds up to daily handling. Some players react to silver.
Detail 05
48 vs 48A vs 48D
All share the 6-1/2 rim. 48 is the standard cup, 48A is shallow for alto, 48D is deeper and darker.
Detail 06
Related sizes 47, 51, 52
47 is smaller (6-3/4C), 51 is larger (5G), 52 sits between 5G and 3G. Move by rim size, not by cup alone.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Confirm your receiver is small shank before ordering
- 02The A suffix is the alto cut — a tenor player likely wants the plain 48
- 03Changing rim size mid-season costs weeks of adjustment; match what you play now
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01What Bach mouthpiece is a Yamaha 48A closest to?
It uses the Bach 6-1/2 rim with a shallow cup, intended for alto trombone. The plain 48 corresponds to a Bach 6-1/2AL.
02Will this fit my bass trombone?
No. This is a small shank mouthpiece, and bass trombones use large shank receivers with a much bigger cup and throat.
03Is 48A right for tenor trombone?
It will fit a small shank tenor, but the shallow alto cup thins the low register. Most tenor players want the 48.
04What is the difference between 48A and 48D?
Same 6-1/2 rim. 48A has a shallow cup for a brighter, higher-focused sound; 48D has a deeper cup for a darker, fuller one.
Reference
Full specifications
The complete catalog record, organized around the decisions musicians make when comparing gear.
1 detailsBody & build
- Color
- Silver
13 detailsOther
- 47
- Bach 6-3/4C, Schilke 47
- 48
- Bach 6-1/2AL, Denis Wick 6BS
- 51
- Bach 5G
- 52
- Between Bach 5G & 3G
- 45a
- Bach 12E
- 46b
- Bach 11C, rim with shallower cup
- 48d
- Bach 6-1/2AL, rim with deeper cup
- 51b
- Bach 5G, with shallower cup, Schilke 51B
- 51d
- Bach 5G, with deeper cup
- 45c2
- Bach 12C
- 46c2
- Bach 11C
- 51c4
- Bach 5G, with slightly shallower cup
- 48a
- Bach 6-1/2, rim with shallow cup (for alto trombone)
