Although not being a very common instrument like the trombone, trumpet, or saxophone, the euphonium remains a very important musical instrument within and outside the orchestra. Although the euphonium and the trombone play in basically the same range, the conical bore of the euphonium gives it a distinct tonal characteristic – a mellow tone that sets it apart from the trombone and often makes it a more preferable brass instrument to the trombone. To strike these crisp, deep, and heavy bass notes on the euphonium – or even some high notes – you will need to use just the right mouthpiece. This article will help you make an informed choice when choosing a mouthpiece for your euphonium.
 | 1. Best euphonium mouthpiece for high notes – Denis Wick DW4880E SM4U Ergonomically designed with a nice, warm, and full tone across all three registers, especially the high register. | Buy on Amazon |
 | 2. Best euphonium mouthpiece for beginners – Vincent Bach Mouthpiece 35012CBAC An affordable beginner mouthpiece, perfect for tonal improvement and range expansion. | Buy on Amazon |
 | 3. Best large-shank euphonium mouthpiece – Schilke Trombone (Euphonium/Baritone) 51D large shank A flexible and easy-to-play euphonium mouthpiece with a classic tone that fits many styles and playing levels. | Buy on Amazon |
 | 4. Best affordable euphonium mouthpiece – Yamaha YAC BOBOTT-REP An awesome choice for jazz players looking to get that unique tone without breaking the bank. | Buy on Amazon |
 | 5. Best euphonium mouthpiece for pro-level players – Schilke Standard Series Large Shank Trombone Mouthpiece A combination of top-notch aesthetic design, ergonomics, and versatility makes it perfect for the seasoned professional of trombone, baritone horn and euphonium | Buy on Amazon |
5 Best Euphonium Mouthpieces Reviewed
Best euphonium mouthpiece for high notes – Denis Wick DW4880E SM4U
Although being an instrument designed to perform especially well in the lower registers, there will always be musical scenarios where you will need to hit those high notes as a euphonium player. The Denis Wick DW4880E SM4U Gold-plated is not only from a reputable brand in the brass industry, it also lives up to that great reputation. However, you should not be worried about hitting your lower notes as Denis Wick designed this mouthpiece to play flawlessly across all registers, including the high and low. Also, the flawless gold finish adds an extra layer of aesthetic and shine to the already excellent mouthpiece.
It has a funnel/bowl cup combined with a very warm and excellent upper register support. The backbore taper has been designed specifically for conical instruments like the euphonium, and this gives the mouthpiece some amazing tonal characteristics. This mouthpiece is the largest mouthpiece in its series. It has a crisp, big, and full sound suitable for players whose lips are accustomed to a wider feel. If you are searching for a gold-plated large shank euphonium mouthpiece that will not just play great but also stand the test of time, then you might want to consider this mouthpiece. It is perfect for beginners and pros alike.
Pros
- Makes high notes on the euphonium easier to hit when compared to other mouthpieces from other brands.
- Ergonomically designed.
- 8Has a nice, warm, and full tone across all three registers.
- When compared to other mouthpieces, it requires significantly less air for louder and thicker volumes.
Cons
- Not exactly the most affordable mouthpiece out there.
- Being a large shank mouthpiece, it might not fit some American sold euphoniums.
Best euphonium mouthpiece for beginners – Vincent Bach Mouthpiece 35012CBAC
In the brass world, specifically, when it comes to mouthpieces, Vincent Bach remains a respected name. The respect and excellent reputation weren’t just given on a platter of gold, they earned it. Bach is known for producing some of the top-quality and excellently crafted mouthpieces in the brass world. This particular mouthpiece, the Bach 35012CBAC, is not an exception. It is perfect for beginners who are trying to craft a tone and get their way around the euphonium. Also, it fits perfectly well with the trombone and baritone. However, it is not just for beginners as even pro-level players can comfortably play on it too.
With a medium cup depth and medium wide rim, it is an amazing fit for euphonium players with fat and medium-sized lips. Bach designed this mouthpiece to give a natural, compact, and uniform high, middle, and low register with improved lip control and greater flexibility. Also, it has the extra advantage of aiding the avoidance of missed tones. It feels comfortable because of its ergonomic design and also helps the player to secure a good tone quality even when the lips swell from too long playing. The size of the cup and rim also helps give the mouthpiece a fuller and bigger tone. Also, because of its medium-wide rim shape, it is easier to hit lower notes on this and with a bit of practice, technique and patience, the higher will also definitely ring out. Overall, this mouthpiece responds evenly across all registers and with time will help you expand your range as a euphonium player. A perfect mouthpiece for beginners bent on tonal improvement.
Pros
- Affordable enough for most euphonium players.
- Perfect for beginners as it helps with tonal improvement.
- Designed to support long playing hours and reduce the effects of a tired lip.
- Sturdy, heavy-weight, and designed to last.
- Perfect for kids just starting out on the euphonium.
Cons
- Not good for professional playing scenarios.
- Might arrive with some minor dents.
Best large-shank euphonium mouthpiece – Schilke Trombone (Euphonium/Baritone) 51D large shank
This mouthpiece is especially suitable for the euphonium, as they specifically designed it for those low notes. For more than one generation, the standard Schilke mouthpiece models for euphoniums and trombones have been accepted as the top choice for serious-minded trombone or euphonium players. This classic mouthpiece features a comfortable rim profile and a unique cup shape.
It features a deep cup that gives it a uniquely warm, and rich sound, perfect for concert bands, orchestras, and even a jazz ensemble. Also, it is quite flexible and easy to play on. Designed to aid range expansion, it plays well in both the lower register and shines just bright enough in the upper register – the perfect mouthpiece for any player bent on range expansion. Also, this is a good fit for players with bigger lips that find it hard to play comfortably on other mouthpieces. This is an amazing choice for both beginner and pro players searching for a large shank euphonium mouthpiece.
Pros
- Ergonomically designed.
- Gives a classic tone that is hard to replicate with other mouthpieces.
- Quite flexible and easy to play on.
- Perfect for a wide variety of styles..
- Perfect for players bent on range expansion.
Cons
- Not exactly affordable, when compared to other brands.
- Might not fit some American-sold euphoniums.
Best affordable euphonium mouthpiece – Yamaha YAC BOBOTT-REP Tuba and Euphonium Mouthpiece
When it comes to the manufacturing of top-quality pocket-friendly musical equipment, Yamaha always performs exceptionally. In the brass world, the name Yamaha is not a strange one. Yamaha, over the years, has successfully established a reputation as one of the top makers of excellent brass instruments and mouthpieces for brass instruments – the euphonium included. The YAC BOBOTT-REP euphonium mouthpiece doesn’t just have an amazing price tag, it also plays perfectly well. This mouthpiece has the added benefit of being just the perfect fit for euphonium players in the jazz world. It also shines in big bands and orchestras too.
With a 32.04mm inner rim diameter, semi-flat contour, standard rim thickness, and semi-shallow cup depth, you can be sure of not just a warm and big sound but also comfort and added ease while playing. Its fairly deep and roomy cup further enhances the sound and tonal characteristic of this mouthpiece by adding some more warmth and depth to the already warm and deep-sounding mouthpiece. The throat and backbore design of this mouthpiece gives just enough jump and snap for maneuvering through some pretty quick jazz passages. Although being one of the cheapest euphonium mouthpieces in the market, it still has that very coveted rich and full sound. It plays evenly and perfectly well across all registers. For euphonium players on a budget, also searching for just the perfect mouthpiece that will perform outstandingly well regardless of price, this Yamaha mouthpiece might be just what you need.
Pros
- The throat and backbore are designed to aid in playing through some very quick passages.
- Ergonomically designed.
- Perfect for jazz players.
- Performance beats the price.
- Being from a reputable brand like Yamaha, it does not exactly strike as a mouthpiece to costlier brands.
- Perfect for both beginners and pros alike.
Cons
- None that I can think of.
Best euphonium mouthpiece for pro-level players – Schilke Standard Series Large Shank Trombone Mouthpiece
This mouthpiece is designed to meet the technical, artistic, and even aesthetic needs of pro-level euphonium players. A very versatile and nicely crafted mouthpiece that plays perfectly well on euphoniums, baritones, and trombones. Being a large shank mouthpiece, you can be sure to flawlessly hit those heavy, and deep notes the euphonium is known for. As a pro player, one of the major needs would be ergonomic. With this Schilke mouthpiece, playing has never been effortless and perfect. It plays effortlessly well and evenly across all registers. Deep enough to blend in an orchestra or big band and bright enough to cut through in a jazz band.
This is an all-round euphonium mouthpiece that scores high in terms of both aesthetics and technicality. Although being on the higher end, in terms of price, you can rest assured that the performance of this mouthpiece will match the price tag – or even outdo the price tag. This mouthpiece is not just beautiful, it is also very functional and will definitely stand the test of time. It is sturdy enough to withstand some rough handling and long playing sessions. Perfect for the recording or gigging professional who is concerned about tone, balance, ergonomics, functionality, and overall design.
Pros
- Versatile enough for a wide variety of musical styles and scenarios.
- Top-notch aesthetic design.
- Ergonomically made.
- Even response across all registers.
- Designed for the seasoned professional.
- Can also be used by beginners.
- Perfect mouthpiece for players who double on tenor and bass trombones, and the full-time euphoniumist, combining both good intonations with great lower and upper registers.
- Produces a full dark tone that makes it just perfect for the euphonium
Cons
- Not exactly pocket-friendly for most players.
Best Euphonium Mouthpiece Buying Guide
What makes a euphonium mouthpiece perfect for beginners?
If you are a beginner euphonium player or purchasing a mouthpiece for a beginner player like a child in a school band, it is best you go for the mouthpiece with a small or medium cup. This will help ease sound production and make the playing process a lot easier and more fun for a beginner.
Also, it is best that you go for that which is labeled “for beginners” on reviews. I advise you also go through the reviews on purchase sites to see what level of players are purchasing that mouthpiece. Aside from cup size, some euphonium mouthpieces are just specially designed for ease of play. These types of mouthpieces are perfect for beginner players.
How many types of euphonium mouthpieces do we have??
We have basically two categories which are: dedicated euphonium mouthpieces and mouthpieces that double as both trombone and euphonium mouthpieces.
Going through all the euphonium mouthpieces mentioned here, you might get to discover that some mouthpieces seem to be for trombones. If you are a total beginner, you might wonder if that is okay. It is totally okay. There are certain mouthpieces that play perfectly well on trombones, baritones, and euphoniums. Excellent examples of trombone mouthpieces that play just perfectly on euphoniums include the smaller Bach 6-1/2AL, and the larger Bach 5G, 4G, and 3G. Other examples include the Schilke 51 and 51D.
According to Schilke (which is included on this list), the 51D mouthpiece is designed mostly as a euphonium mouthpiece and it comes with a deeper, more bowl-shaped cup. These deeper mouthpieces produce the signature broad and deep euphonium sound.
Do specifications like rim, cup, throat size, and others really affect the sound of the euphonium?
The answer is “yes it does.” and here is how it affects:
Wide and round euphonium mouthpieces always feel more comfortable – especially for players with larger lips. It allows the euphonium player to play for a longer time without feeling the effects of lip fatigue. On the opposite end, sharp and narrow rims are for more precise and sharp playing. To get a dark and rich euphonium tone, large cup mouthpieces will do be just what you need. On the contrary, small and shallow cups tend to brighten the tone and help reduce playing fatigue, thus the reason it is best for beginner players. For the backbore, tighter backbores produce a bright and somewhat shiny sound, while wide backbores are more dark and mellow. As a player, you should know exactly the type of sound you wish to produce.
Because of the lower baritone voice of the euphonium, a larger, deeper bowl will always provide a deeper tone and way more volume. A mouthpiece with a shallow bowl will produce a brighter sound, just perfect for soloists and jazz players.
Which is the best option; silver or gold plate euphonium mouthpiece?
This is solely based on personal taste. It is a fact that silver-plated mouthpieces naturally kill gems, thus, the reason they are regarded as more hygienic. Also, silver is not as expensive as gold-plated. But the downside of silver-plate mouthpieces is that they tarnish quite easily.
How much should you spend on a euphonium mouthpiece?
For an entry-level mouthpiece, I would advise no one to spend anything above $80. For intermediate to pro-level tuba mouthpieces, anything within the range of $100 to $300 will probably get the job done.
Conclusion and Winner(s)
Having taken everything discussed here into consideration, I have come to a conclusion. However, it is important to remember that every mouthpiece mentioned here is unique in its own way. They all have their individual strengths and weaknesses. However, going through all the strengths and weaknesses and distinct characteristics of all the euphonium mouthpieces mentioned here, I have made my choices. My choices don’t in any way disregard or discredit the other mouthpieces mentioned here. My winner is none other than the Schilke Standard Series Large Shank Trombone Mouthpiece.
The Schilke mouthpiece is crafted to meet the technical, artistic, and even aesthetic needs of pro-level euphonium players. This is a very versatile and nicely crafted mouthpiece that plays perfectly well on euphoniums, baritones, and trombones. Although it works perfectly for pro players, it is also great for beginners too. The second mouthpiece on my list is none other than the Yamaha YAC BOBOTT-REP Tuba and Euphonium Mouthpiece. This is a mix of affordable and top-quality. Regardless of your playing style or level, this Yamaha mouthpiece will always be a perfect fit – especially if you are on a budget.
Last update on 2023-04-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
