Padovani Music
French Horn Mouthpieces • V Cup • U Cup
Use this chart to compare the dimensions, cup shapes, and references of Padovani Music French Horn mouthpieces. Equivalencies with mouthpieces from other brands are approximate references. Even models with the same inner diameter may feel and respond differently due to cup shape, rim, throat, backbore, and other design characteristics.
Padovani Music French Horn mouthpieces are available with two internal cup profiles: V cup and U cup. The cup shape changes the way the air responds inside the mouthpiece and influences the playing feel.
The V cup has a more gradual internal transition toward the throat. In practice, this configuration provides slightly less resistance and favors a smoother, more velvety sound.
Identification: the original Padovani Music models were developed with a V cup. For this reason, they do not include the letter V in the model name. Examples: H2, H3, H5, and H7.
The U cup has a more rounded internal profile. This configuration creates slightly more back pressure and resistance, favoring a more defined response and more articulated notes.
Identification: models with a U cup include the letter U after the number. Examples: H2U, H3U, H5U, and H7U.
| Padovani | Inner Diameter | Approximate Reference | Cup Shape | Cup Depth | Rim | Throat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| H2 | 18,00 mm 0.708" |
JK 1DK | V | Medium-deep | Rounded | 4,20 mm |
| H2U | 18,00 mm 0.708" |
JK 1DM | U | Medium-deep | Rounded | 4,20 mm |
| H2.5 | 17,85 mm 0.708" |
— | V | Medium-deep | Rounded | 4,20 mm |
| H2.5U | 17,85 mm 0.708" |
— | U | Medium-deep | Rounded | 4,20 mm |
| H3 | 17,75 mm 0.698" |
Bach 3 | V | Medium-deep | Rounded | 4,20 mm |
| H3U | 17,75 mm 0.698" |
Bach 3 | U | Medium-deep | Rounded | 4,20 mm |
| H5 | 17,50 mm 0.610" |
JK 2DK / Bach 7 | V | Medium-deep | Rounded | 4,20 mm |
| H5U | 17,50 mm 0.610" |
JK 2DM / Bach 7 | U | Medium-deep | Rounded | 4,20 mm |
| H7 | 17,25 mm 0.679" |
Bach 7 | V | Medium-deep | Rounded | 4,20 mm |
| H7U | 17,25 mm 0.679" |
Bach 7 | U | Medium-deep | Rounded | 4,20 mm |
| H9 | 17,00 mm 0.669" |
JK 3DK / Bach 10S | V | Medium | Rounded | 4,20 mm |
| H9U | 17,00 mm 0.669" |
JK 3DM / Bach 10 | U | Medium | Rounded | 4,20 mm |
Within the Padovani Music French Horn mouthpiece line, the number mainly represents the variation in inner rim diameter. In general, the lower the number, the larger the diameter. The letter U identifies models with a U cup. When there is no letter after the number, the model uses the traditional V cup.
The choice mainly depends on the response the horn player is looking for. The V profile tends to provide a freer feel and a smoother, more velvety sound, while the U profile offers slightly more back pressure and favors more defined attacks and notes. The player’s individual adaptation, instrument, and musical application should also be considered.
