Mouthpiece Patches for Clarinet and Saxophone
A mouthpiece patch is a thin pad that you stick to the top of a clarinet or saxophone mouthpiece, exactly where your upper teeth rest. A mouthpiece patch gives your teeth grip, reduces the pressure on your teeth and protects the mouthpiece against bite marks. Adams stocks mouthpiece patches from reputable brands in thicknesses of 0.3 to 0.9 mm.
Why do clarinettists and saxophonists use a mouthpiece patch?
A mouthpiece patch protects the mouthpiece. Without a patch, your upper teeth press directly against the material. An ebonite mouthpiece can develop bite marks over time. The patch absorbs that wear and is cheap to replace.
A mouthpiece patch also provides grip. Your teeth slide less, which keeps your embouchure more stable. Many players notice less vibration in their teeth when using a patch. Long rehearsals and concerts become more comfortable as a result. There is no difference between mouthpiece patches for clarinet and saxophone, except the size.
Musicians also refer to a mouthpiece patch as a mouthpiece cushion or mouthpiece pad. It is the same accessory.
Which mouthpiece patch thickness suits you?
The thickness determines how much of the mouthpiece you feel. A thin patch of 0.3 to 0.5 mm keeps contact with the mouthpiece direct. The most common thickness in our range is 0.8 mm: it dampens more vibration and feels softer. The thickest option is 0.9 mm.
A thicker patch raises the top of the mouthpiece slightly, which changes the angle of your embouchure a little. Allow a few days to adjust when switching to a different thickness.
Which mouthpiece patch size fits your mouthpiece?
The size of a mouthpiece patch depends on the size of the mouthpiece. Yamaha specifies which instruments each patch is intended for. The Yamaha M/P Patch in size M fits mouthpieces for alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, Bb clarinet and alto clarinet. The large size is intended for baritone saxophone and bass clarinet.
Selmer makes separate mouthpiece patches for saxophone and for clarinet. BG makes its mouthpiece patches in a small and a large version. The mouthpiece patches from Adams, A&S, Silverstein and Vandoren come in one size.
How to fit a mouthpiece patch
A mouthpiece patch only adheres properly to a clean, dry mouthpiece. Work in this order:
- Rinse the mouthpiece with lukewarm or cold water. Do not use cleaning products or hot water.
- Allow the mouthpiece to dry thoroughly.
- Find the spot where your upper teeth contact the mouthpiece.
- Apply the patch over that spot, making sure it does not extend past the tip of the mouthpiece.
- Press the patch firmly, especially along the edges.
Replace a mouthpiece patch as soon as there is a hole in it or the edges start to lift. Your teeth will then be in direct contact with the mouthpiece again. Adams and BG mouthpiece patches leave no adhesive residue when removed.
How long a patch lasts varies from player to player. If you go through a patch within a month, consider switching to a thicker option. Patches that wear out quickly can also indicate too much bite pressure when playing. A teacher can advise you further on this.
Which mouthpiece patches does Adams stock?
Adams stocks mouthpiece patches from Adams, A&S, BG, Selmer, Silverstein, Vandoren and Yamaha. Most packs contain 6 patches. BG offers its mouthpiece patches in a small and a large version. Selmer makes separate mouthpiece patches for saxophone and for clarinet.
For music associations ordering larger quantities, bulk packs are available for a number of models.
View all mouthpiece patches in the webshop. At Adams Music Centre in Ittervoort and Lummen you can compare mouthpiece patches and ask our woodwind specialists for advice.
Advice from our specialists
A mouthpiece patch is not an optional extra. Our woodwind specialists at Adams Music Centre recommend one to almost every clarinettist and saxophonist. Less pressure on your upper teeth means less fatigue, a more stable embouchure and more comfortable playing.
Not sure which thickness suits you, or would you like advice for your specific mouthpiece? Visit us in Ittervoort or Lummen, or get in touch by phone or email.
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