Purchasing the best clarinet mouthpiece is the first step to becoming a successful clarinet player. Selecting the right clarinet mouthpiece is crucial to any clarinet player’s success.
To enhance your sound and playing experience or replace an old mouthpiece with a new one, you will find multiple alternatives on the market. Buying the wrong mouthpiece might damage your capacity to produce great sound quality and create any sound at all in some circumstances.
We’ve presented you with various options for the best clarinet mouthpieces on Amazon in this article. You may look through all the options, read our evaluations, compare them, and then decide which one is the most suitable for you, depending on your skills, needs, and convenience.
We’ve also provided a comprehensive buyer’s guide to help you make your decision when you search. Lastly, we addressed some of the most frequently asked questions about mouthpieces for your convenience in shopping.
Let’s begin!
6 Best Clarinet Mouthpieces Reviewed: Our Top Picks
Now that you know why you decided to get the best clarinet mouthpiece, we’ve compiled a compact list of what we believe are the top-rated mouthpieces on the market today. These mouthpieces cover a wide range of styles, so you’re likely to find the ones that suit you.
Vandoren CM1405 BD5 Series 13 Black Diamond Ebonite Bb Clarinet Mouthpiece
Vandoren is a well-known brand that has been producing the mouthpieces since 1905. Vandoren mouthpieces are constructed of vulcanized rubber called ebonite, which produces a more focused tone than plastic or natural wood.
The Vandoren Black Diamond Ebonite Bb Clarinet Mouthpiece provides crisp, controlled sound with a long-lasting, hard-wearing physical quality. These play-tested Bb clarinet mouthpieces are appreciated by classical clarinetists, but they are also suitable for beginners and pros.
Additionally, one of this Bb clarinet mouthpiece series’ outstanding features is the chamber within the clarinet mouthpiece, keeping the reed securely and comfortably.
Pros
- Great sound quality with clarity, depth, and presence
- Unique clarinet mouthpiece chamber
- Designed by one of the finest engineers and highly recommended by users
- Perfect intonation
- Durable and sturdy construction
Cons
- The cork is loose, may slide off sometimes
Glory Clarinet Mouthpiece Kit- B Flat Clarinet Mouthpiece
This clarinet mouthpiece model is perfect for individuals on a tight budget.
The Glory clarinet mouthpiece not only has a great price, but it also includes all the accessories you need for the clarinet mouthpiece, including a ligature, one reed, and a plastic cap to protect your mouthpiece. If you or your children are prone to breaking mouthpieces, the clarinet mouthpiece cap is very useful.
The Glory clarinet mouthpiece model, which is composed of plastic and can aid to make music simply, is ideal for beginners or to keep as a handy replacement should you need it.
Most musicians note how well the Glory clarinet mouthpiece model works as a replacement and is quite convenient to have, with over 1100 reviews.
The Glory clarinet mouthpiece model comes with everything you need to begin your clarinet career, making it the ideal starting mouthpiece for beginners.
Pros
- Great value for money for beginners and replacement
- Affordable price
- Comes with a brass ligature, one reed, and a plastic cover for the mouthpiece
- Perfect fit as any B flat clarinet mouthpiece
- Reliable and sturdy build with high quality materials
Cons
- Not recommended for intermediate and professional clarinet players
Vandoren CM308 B45 Traditional Bb Clarinet Mouthpiece
Our next selection is Vandoren’s CM308 Bb clarinet mouthpiece model. The CM308’s stunning design and excellent sound quality have made this Bb clarinet mouthpiece a favorite among band directors.
This Bb clarinet mouthpiece works better with Vandoren reeds, and when combined, the sound is vibrant and enriches the performance.
The CM308 Bb clarinet mouthpiece is a medium-long facing mouthpiece with a traditional beak, ideal for demanding performances.
The Vandoren CM308 Bb clarinet mouthpiece is a well-designed instrument. Because these mouthpieces fit most clarinets, buyers have commented how well their music is once they swapped mouthpieces.
This mouthpiece is a wonderful mouthpiece for heavier reeds and can handle the higher registers and lowest notes.
Pros
- Traditional beak and construction
- Recommended for advanced and professional clarinet players with an intermediate tip opening (medium opening)
- Easily fits with most clarinets
- Lightweight
- Good sound quality with a sturdy build, designed by the famous Bernard Van Doren
- Improves tone quality and plays the upper register and lowest notes
Cons
- A bit expensive
- Not suitable for young musicians
Yamaha Clarinet Mouthpiece 4C
This Yamaha clarinet mouthpiece was specifically designed with the B flat clarinet in mind. It’s constructed of high quality phenol resin and has a small aperture at the tip. Because of its ease of control, it is one of the most suitable mouthpieces for a student. At the same time, it’s also easy to store and long-lasting.
This clarinet mouthpiece is made of the finest phenol resin available. Yamaha’s top-grade custom series design is also used in its build.
This standard series clarinet mouthpiece works best for beginners since it is highly consistent. Such consistency is ideal for advanced beginners and intermediate players.
The design of this mouthpiece is one of its noteworthy features. This is a nod to Yamaha’s premium custom line. It has a warm natural tone with a narrow tip opening of 1.05. The softer rings on this mouthpiece stretch the rich, natural tones even farther. It has a reduced projection, making it a great choice for use at home and in practice.
It’s worth mentioning that the build quality is not professional because this mouthpiece is aimed at beginners. It also doesn’t work with all clarinet brands.
Pros
- A good option at an affordable price
- Perfect for the student and intermediate clarinet players
- Produces consistent quality and rich tone through all octaves
- High level of control with the easy blowing capability
- Amazing clarity with the high-quality sound projection
- Made from high quality resin
Cons
- Low build quality
- Does not fit into all the clarinet brands
Clark W Fobes Debut Student Clarinet Mouthpiece
This Clark W Forbes clarinet mouthpiece is one of the most affordable options for clarinet mouthpieces in the music industry right now.
And while we can’t classify it as a high-end clarinet mouthpiece because, as the name implies, it’s primarily made with all the features for learning reasons. This mouthpiece has some of the top-notch features in its price category.
This debut student clarinet mouthpiece has a simple plastic construction and is meticulously hand finished by craftsmen to outperform most mouthpieces.
This medium-long facing clarinet mouthpiece is perfect for students because it is easy to control with a quick response. The remarkably thin 1mm tip hole, which gives these mouthpieces a fuller sound whenever they blow, is praised by most students.
Pros
- An affordable mouthpiece
- Amazing quality compared to the price of other models
- An excellent mouthpiece for the students
- Exceptional quality of sound with rich tone
- Sturdy and durable build, suitable for practices
Cons
- Not recommended for the live performance on stage
D’Addario Reserve Bb Clarinet Mouthpiece
In terms of quality, the D’Addario clarinet mouthpiece is top-of-the-line, exquisite, and opulent, made from only the finest materials. The D’Addario Woodwinds mouthpieces are extremely user-friendly.
Using cutting-edge technology, the D’Addario Reserve Bb Clarinet Mouthpiece is based on highly sought-after historic mouthpieces from the 1920s. Instead of being molded, each D’Addario Reserve mouthpiece is precisely machine carved from rock solid heavy-duty rubber. Clarinetists, however, need to look beyond the Reserve’s trademark material, delicate curves, and beautiful angles to experience the mouthpiece’s distinct sound.
The precision machine carving of the Reserve Bb clarinet mouthpiece puts it in a class by itself. Other than that, the design of this clarinet mouthpiece was drawn from more conventional designs. As a result, the D’Addario Reserve Bb clarinet mouthpiece is a fantastic blend of current technology and classic design.
Due to its two distinct pitches and facing mechanism, the D’Addario Woodwinds are ideal for musicians of every age group, location, and ability. As a result, you have complete freedom to customize it to your specific requirements.
Engineers, technologists, craftsmen, and clarinetists from D’Addario collaborated to create this mouthpiece that would allow players to realize their full potential. When the raw material is CNC (computer numeric controlled) milled into a new shape, it emerges into this excellent mouthpiece. This process yields a mouthpiece of the highest quality, which eliminates the need for any variance in performance.
It’s a mouthpiece based on clarinet mouthpieces from the 1920s, and it does a great job of capturing the sound of that era on the other hand. Contrary to popular belief, the sleek, cutting-edge shape of the clarinet allows modern clarinetists to play a wide range of musical styles. This firm rubber and cork mouthpiece’s adaptability means that it can be used with a wide range of reeds. Clarinetists don’t have to waste time trying out different mouthpieces because to the innovative milling mechanism developed by D’Addario.
Pros
- Two distinct facingsystems
- Very simple to use
- Has a slender tip
- Usesa special firm rubber to ensure uniformity and tone quality
- A and Bb Clarinetists alike will enjoy this
- Incredibly consistent sound quality
- Helps apprentice players develop suitable playing approaches and practices
- Players have a choice of two distinct pitch systems and four distinct facings, each of which provides a different level of resistance
Cons
- Expensive
- No cap or ligature included
Important Parts of a Clarinet Mouthpiece
When assessing the mouthpieces, it’s important to understand how the different parts and technical characteristics influence the sound the mouthpiece will produce. We’ll go over these elements and how they vary between models.
Tip and Facing
The clarinet mouthpiece tip has a remarkable impact on the ease and quality of tone creation. There are closed and open tips. For narrow tip opening, the reed will need to be hard.
Wider tip rail produces a brighter or louder tone. On the other hand, a closed tip provides the deepest tone. Beginners should start with a medium sized tip and medium reed. As a player develops, the reed strength increases, necessitating high-quality mouthpiece changes.
The lay (facing curve) of the mouthpiece is the opening at the clarinet mouthpiece’s tip and the facing curve from the tip to the reed.
Various mouthpieces have different tip and facing lengths. These measurements correspond to your skill level and reed thickness. So, talk to your clarinet instructor or band director for a better understanding.
For tip opening, beginners should utilize a clarinet mouthpiece with an open tip and a short facing length if they are using soft reed strengths.
An advanced or closed tip and a long facing length are more likely to be an excellent choice for professional players. With tougher reeds, these specifications work better.
If you’re in the middle, look for a mouthpiece that’s medium-facing all around.
The Beak
The beak is the angle of a particular mouthpiece that extends from the mouthpiece tip opening (tip of the mouthpiece) to the body.
Because it’s the section of the clarinet mouthpiece that you position your mouth over when playing, the angle of the embouchure formation is largely determined by it.
Some mouthpieces have a lower or higher angle than others, so go with traditional if you’re unsure what angle is a great choice for you.
Side Walls/Side Rails and Chamber
The inside of the clarinet mouthpiece’s side walls leads to the mouthpiece’s main chamber. The tone quality and volume that a top-notch clarinet mouthpiece can generate will be affected by the shape and depth.
The sound production and dynamic range of a good mouthpiece might be affected by the chamber’s size.
Smaller chambers can help focus the sound, but they may limit the ability to create loud dynamics. Larger chambers generate a more full-bodied tone and enable you to achieve fortissimo easily.
Tenon
The tenon is the narrower corked section of the clarinet mouthpiece that fits securely into the clarinet’s barrel. A tenon is essential because it holds each component of the clarinet together.
Baffle
The baffle provides air support by directing air into the chamber of the clarinet mouthpiece.
The sound produced by higher baffles is typically a bright sound. A mouthpiece with a scooped baffle is preferred to produce a mellow sound or darker sound.
Window
The window is the hole in the reed that is mostly covered by it.
This section of the clarinet mouthpiece is usually fairly uniform in size to be used with any style of reed on the table.
Buying Guide for The Best Clarinet Mouthpiece
Choosing the ideal clarinet mouthpiece requires some thought. Most new clarinets come with a mouthpiece. However, depending on the price range, it may not be the greatest quality. So, make sure the replacement mouthpiece you wish to buy is better than the stock mouthpiece you started with.
We’ll look at aspects that determine the quality of the clarinet mouthpieces and what to look for when upgrading to an excellent mouthpiece.
Types of Clarinet Mouthpiece
There are five different kinds of clarinet mouthpieces in the world, each with its own set of characteristics. 3C, 4C, 5C, 6C, and 7C are the labels for these. Each of these mouthpieces will have a different effect on tonal beauty and performance.
The 4C, for example, has a “well balanced” tone across the spectrum. A 5C model, on the other hand, will have the same feature but, in most situations, will provide additional volume. 7C models, for example, have a more “piercing” tone, which is a great option for cutting through the mix easier.
Materials
Generally, the material of your clarinet mouthpiece is the first factor to consider as it can greatly affect the sound quality of your clarinet.
Plastic and hard rubber are the most frequent materials for clarinet mouthpieces. However, crystal and natural wood-crafted mouthpieces are also available.
i. Plastic
Plastic mouthpieces are the most durable and cost effective option, and they are typically included with beginner and student clarinets. Even a good plastic mouthpiece would likely generate a brighter, lower-quality sound, so we wouldn’t recommend it unless you’re just getting started with the entertainment industry.
A plastic mouthpiece may suffice for a beginner clarinetist. Still, you should consider an upgrade to a robust mouthpiece if you wish to advance forward.
ii. Hard Rubber
Clarinet mouthpieces are usually made of hard rubber. Their quality varies, and they are inexpensive. Any clarinetist can benefit from a high quality hard rubber mouthpiece.
The mouthpieces made of high grade rubber have a nice round tone and good projection. If you’re doubtful, a hard rubber mouthpiece is the safest bet.
iii. Crystal
Crystal clarinet mouthpieces give the finest projection and a vibrant tone. These are perfect for an advanced players.
However, these mouthpieces tend to be fragile and require extra care, including a mouthpiece pouch to keep them secure.
iv. Wood
Wooden clarinet mouthpieces are the most uncommon and unlikely to be seen since the quality of sound can be inconsistent, and the sound projection is difficult.
It’s worth mentioning that these are rarely recommended and most likely only in use because of tradition and those who perform in period ensembles.
Durability
The durability of the clarinet mouthpiece is also crucial. Hard rubber and plastic mouthpiece are the most durable and require the least upkeep.
A crystal or wood mouthpiece breaks easily. Putting them in the clarinet case isn’t always the ideal option. To avoid damage, put them in a bag. Because of their fragility, these clarinet mouthpieces are only seen on intermediate and professional instruments.
Tuning
The tuning is the first thing you should look into while looking into the basic elements of a mouthpiece. You don’t want to tamper with this because it will drastically change what you’re striving for.
However, because most clarinet mouthpieces are in Bb, there’s a slim possibility you’ll make a mistake. Still, double-check that you’re getting the appropriate one. If your clarinet is out of tune, move the barrel to adjust to get the accurate pitch.
Mouthpiece Cap
A mouthpiece cap is also required. This protects the clarinet mouthpiece. When the clarinet is not in use, remove the reed from the mouthpiece and store it in the case with the mouthpiece cap. Similarly, if the clarinet is left out, the mouthpiece cap prevents the mouthpiece from becoming damaged.
The mouthpiece cap can help protect the reed if it is not being played. A chipped clarinet mouthpiece is useless. It must always be maintained and preserved.
Price
Because no two clarinet mouthpieces are identical, they cannot be sold at the same price. While premium models have amazing features, some versions of other mouthpieces are more affordable. If you want to spend on something in between, go for a safe choice like the Selmer Paris Focus.
It’s worth noting that a mouthpiece does not have to be expensive. That doesn’t imply you should buy cheap ones for under $10, as they aren’t durable and make a big difference when talking about the quality of sound .
How Reeds and Ligature Influence Sound of A Clarinet
Without mentioning reeds and ligatures, a guide on the clarinet mouthpieces would be incomplete.
For remarkable sound to be created on the clarinet, these two instrument pieces must be attached to the mouthpiece. The ligature and reeds you choose might also have an impact on the clear sound you produce.
Ligatures
Some mouthpieces include a ligature, whereas others do not. Ligatures, like the rest of the clarinet, can be fashioned from a variety of materials. The sound produced by an instrument can be affected by the ligature’s material composition. The most frequent are metal ligatures.
Clarinetists frequently perform alone or in larger settings favor them since they help with sound projection. They can, however, lead to the sound being too bright.
Metal and gold-plated ligatures are common in the high-end clarinet ligatures. Rubber ligatures generate beautiful sound, but you’ll need to produce more airflow to get a higher register and dynamics. The reed is also less prone to be damaged by these ligatures.
Reeds
Clarinet reeds aren’t all made equal. Some are of higher quality than other reeds, and reed strength is also a factor to consider. If you’re a newbie and aren’t sure which reed strength to choose, 2 or 2.5 is a fine starting point.
When you initially start using a new reed, you’ll know it’s the proper strength if it’s a little tough to play on. The reed should feel just fine once it’s been broken in. As a result, it’s difficult to tell if you’re using the proper reed strength after just a few practice sessions.
It’s also not a good idea to perform on a brand new reed; instead, use one broken in.
In addition to having the correct strength and balanced response, make sure you get a trusted company for reeds.
As previously stated, reeds must be broken in before they can produce the best sound. Because of this, many clarinetists will opt for reed covers that can hold many reeds at once.
Alternating between reeds within one of these reed boxes ensures that there are always a few reeds that have been broken in and at least one that is in the process of being broken in, ensuring that there is never a shortage of performance-ready reeds.
Clarinet Mouthpiece Maintenance Tips
- Use a soft cloth to wipe the reed.
- Using a swab on a string, clean the joints and bell.
- Rinse the mouthpieces thoroughly with cold or warm water to remove any debris or saliva.
- Before storing the mouthpiece, make sure it is completely dry.
- Swabs should be washed regularly.
- Any torn pads should be replaced.
- Twice a year, oil each key.
- Make certain the tenon rings are secure.
- When packing up after a game, thoroughly wipe any moisture from all tenons and sockets.
- Before playing your new mouthpiece, always wash your hands, lips, and brush your teeth.
- A qualified woodwind technician should be seen at least once a year.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, it’s crucial to understand that the best clarinet mouthpiece can make a significant difference. It’s the component that gets in the way of your airflow the most.
Two major considerations will assist you in selecting the right clarinet mouthpiece. The first thing is the type (or range) of genres you’re playing or experimenting with. The second, as noted before, is about your tastes as a person and whether or not you want to articulate anything new with the right mouthpiece.
We are proud to declare that we do not receive any advertisement fee by advertising any associated brands. You may rely on this review to help you in your hunt. Please let us know if you purchase anything from our list (data rights reserved by our privacy policy).
Please contact us if you have any questions, suggestions, or comments on our top picks mentioned above.
Now that you’re informed enough about it, go ahead and get the most suitable clarinet mouthpiece that meets your requirements and begin practicing!
FAQs
Can I use a sax reed on a clarinet?
Ans: Tenor saxophone reeds work on the bass clarinet, and some players prefer them for versatility. In modern music, like jazz, the sax reed offers more volume while being versatile. For orchestral music, a clarinet reed is usually superior for smooth performance. However, you cannot use a saxophone mouthpiece on a clarinet.
Do clarinet mouthpieces make a difference?
Ans: A better clarinet mouthpiece can make a huge difference in your performance and sounds. It’s like having the right brass mouthpiece or a superior string instrument bow.
How long does a clarinet mouthpiece last?
Ans: Clarinet mouthpieces usually last 3-4 years (some say even fewer). So, it’s essential to consider clarinet mouthpiece crafting to pair with your expensive instrument.
How often should I change my clarinet mouthpiece?
Ans: A high-quality clarinet mouthpiece like Meyers can last a lifetime if properly cared for. There are several vintage mouthpieces available presently.
What is the best bass clarinet mouthpiece?
Ans: Vandoren CM344 B45 Bass Clarinet Mouthpiece.
What is the best mouthpiece for clarinet?
Ans: Vandoren CM308 B45 Traditional Bb Clarinet Mouthpiece and Vandoren CM4158 M13 Lyre 13 Series Profile 88 Bb Clarinet Mouthpiece.
What is the ideal clarinet mouthpiece for professional clarinet players?
Ans: Selmer Clarinet Mouthpiece is one of the respected clarinet mouthpieces on the market. This premium quality mouthpiece has a sleek design and CNC precision milling. Besides Selmer Paris Focus, professionals prefer Pomarico Black CrystalMoon, East Coast Instruments, Vandoren CM4158 M13 Lyre 13 Series Profile 88 Bb Clarinet Mouthpiece, and D’Addario Woodwinds clarinet mouthpieces.
What reeds do professional clarinet players use?
Ans: Vandoren Bb Clarinet Reed (CR Series) and D’Addario Woodwinds Rico Clarinet Reeds
Which clarinet mouthpiece is ideal for a beginner?
Ans: Yamaha 4C Clarinet Mouthpiece is the finest beginner clarinet mouthpiece to achieve excellence in skill.