Which clarinet mouthpiece suits you?
The mouthpiece has more influence on your sound than you might think. It determines not only the tone, but also how easily you produce it. The right mouthpiece makes playing easier.
Clarinet mouthpieces all work on the same principle: a reed vibrates against the mouthpiece and produces a sound. But within that principle there are significant differences in material, tip opening and facing: and those differences determine whether a mouthpiece suits you.
Which material suits your playing style?
The material of a mouthpiece influences the tonal colour and projection. At Adams we offer clarinet mouthpieces in plastic, ebonite and wood. Crystal mouthpieces are available on request.
Plastic is the least expensive material and is often included with student instruments. It is functional for the first steps in learning, but produces a less warm and full tone than ebonite. If you want to work seriously on your sound, upgrading to ebonite is the logical next step.
Ebonite (also known as hard rubber) is the most widely used material for clarinet mouthpieces and our recommendation for virtually all players. Ebonite produces a warm, round tone with good control. Classical musicians almost always choose ebonite. The material is also popular with players in wind bands and brass bands who aim for a full, blended sound.
Wooden mouthpieces produce an exceptionally warm, dark tonal character that some professional players seek for specific repertoire. They are more sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity than ebonite and require more maintenance. Our wooden mouthpieces are available online.
Crystal and glass mouthpieces produce a clear, transparent tone with strong focus. They are mainly used by professional players with a specific tonal requirement. These mouthpieces cannot be ordered online but are available on request — contact us for the options.
Guideline:
- Classical or wind band → ebonite.
- Jazz or light music → ebonite with larger tip opening.
What is the tip opening and why does it matter?
The tip opening is the distance between the tip of the mouthpiece and the reed. That distance determines how much resistance you feel while playing.
A small tip opening gives little resistance and a warmer, more controlled tone. This is ideal for beginners and classical players. The downside: you have less dynamic range.
A large tip opening gives more freedom in tone production and dynamics, but demands more from your embouchure. Advanced players and jazz musicians often work with a larger opening to put more expression into their playing.
There is a direct relationship with reed strength: the larger the tip opening, the more flexible the reed you will need. With a small tip opening you use a stronger reed.
What is the facing?
The facing is the part of the mouthpiece that curves towards the tip. The length of the facing determines how the reed responds.
A short facing gives more control and a more stable tone. Classical players often prefer this.
A long facing makes the mouthpiece more responsive and gives more room for nuance and expression. This is popular with jazz musicians and players who want more tonal colour.
Which mouthpiece do we recommend for beginners?
Adams recommends beginners start with the Vandoren B40. This mouthpiece has a medium tip opening that is ideal for getting started: not too much resistance, but enough to develop a full tone.
Pair your new mouthpiece with a Vandoren Traditional reed in strength 2 or 2.5. Do not forget a mouthpiece patch: it protects both your teeth and the mouthpiece itself.
Have you been playing for a while and are looking for a warmer, fuller sound? Then the Vandoren BD5 is a logical next step. The BD5 has a slightly warmer, rounder tonal character than the B40 and suits players who already have some playing experience and are consciously working on their sound.
Which mouthpieces suit advanced and professional players?
Once you have progressed further, it is worth experimenting. The choice depends strongly on your playing style and genre.
For classical playing, Vandoren and Playnick are the leading choices. Vandoren is widely used in wind bands and conservatoires and offers a controlled tone with good intonation. Playnick is a good choice for players who want a warm, controlled sound.
For jazz and light music, we recommend the Vandoren 5JB. This is an ebonite mouthpiece specifically developed for jazz, with a slightly larger tip opening and a tonal character well suited to players seeking expression and projection. Most brands in our range focus primarily on classical playing : the 5JB is our clearest recommendation for those playing outside classical music.
A mouthpiece upgrade has more impact on your sound than most players expect. If you are unsure what suits you, come and visit our shop in Ittervoort or Lummen. Our clarinet specialists will let you try mouthpieces on your own instrument. That way you can hear the difference for yourself.
Vandoren clarinet mouthpiece comparison table
| Feature | Vandoren B40 | Vandoren BD5 | Vandoren 5JB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Series | Traditional | Black Diamond | Traditional (Jazz / modern) |
| Tip opening | ± 1.195 mm | ± 1.13 , 1.14 mm | ± 1.47 mm |
| Sound | Compact, centered | Round, rich and full | Powerful, bright and direct |
| Projection | Focused | Broader and fuller | Very strong / high volume |
| Resistance | More resistance | Medium / freer | Very free-blowing |
| Playing feel | Stable and controlled | Flexible and comfortable | Open and direct |
| Overtones | Limited / focused | Lots of color and depth | Many overtones, brilliant |
| Articulation | Very precise | Smooth and easy | Very direct, less forgiving |
| Reed choice | Often softer reed | Medium | Often requires harder reed |
| Target group | Classical (student → pro) | Advanced classical / modern | Jazz / pop / light music |
| Character | Control and core | Color and flexibility | Power and projection |
Choosing a mouthpiece remains personal
What works for one player does not necessarily work for another. The material of your instrument, your reed, your embouchure and the music you play all play a role. The guidelines above provide a good starting point, but ultimately your ear decides.
View our full range of clarinet mouthpieces or read more about reeds to complete the picture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which mouthpiece do you recommend for beginners?+
Adams recommends beginners start with the Vandoren B40. This mouthpiece has a medium tip opening that is ideal for getting started: not too much resistance, but enough to develop a full tone. Pair it with a Vandoren Traditional reed in strength 2 or 2.5 and add a mouthpiece patch to protect both your teeth and the mouthpiece. Have you progressed further and want a warmer sound? Then the Vandoren BD5 is a logical next step.
Does it matter whether I buy a mouthpiece with my instrument or separately?+
Mouthpieces that come included with student instruments are functional, but rarely optimal. For the first year that is fine. After that you will notice that a separately purchased ebonite mouthpiece costing between €80 and €200 has far more impact on your sound than most other upgrades in that price range.
Should I grease the cork on my mouthpiece?+
Yes. The cork on the bottom of the mouthpiece ensures a good fit onto the barrel. If the cork is too dry, the mouthpiece will slide on stiffly or too loosely. And that affects both the tuning and the playability. Apply a thin layer of cork grease before placing the mouthpiece on the barrel. Do not use too much: a small amount is enough. Dry or damaged corks can be replaced by a repair technician.
How do I know if my mouthpiece no longer suits me?+
There are two recognizable signs.
The first: you cannot find a comfortable combination of reed and mouthpiece, no matter how often you switch reed brands or strengths.
The second: you feel like you cannot release your air, as if the mouthpiece is working against you instead of with you.
Both are signs that the mouthpiece no longer suits you. As a player, you have progressed beyond what your current mouthpiece can handle.
How do I know if my mouthpiece is worn out?+
Look at the tip and the rails: the narrow edges on either side of the opening. If the tip is damaged or dented, or if the rails are worn unevenly, the mouthpiece will no longer play optimally. With ebonite mouthpieces, discoloration or a rough interior can also be a sign of wear.
Do I need to buy new reeds if I switch mouthpieces?+
Not necessarily, but it may be necessary. The tip opening of your new mouthpiece determines which reed strength works best. With a larger tip opening, you need a more flexible reed; with a smaller opening, a stronger reed. If you switch from a C* to a mouthpiece with a larger opening, chances are you will also need to adjust your reed strength.
What does the number or letter on my mouthpiece mean, such as B40 or 5RV?+
These designations refer to the tip opening and sometimes to the facing. The higher the number or the further along in the alphabet the letter, the larger the opening: but only within that manufacturer's own system. The scales are not comparable between brands. A Vandoren 5 and a Selmer 5 do not have the same tip opening. Always compare mouthpieces within a brand, not across brands.
What is the difference between ebonite and wood?+
Ebonite produces a warm, round tone with good control and is the most widely used material for clarinet mouthpieces. Wood produces a darker, warmer tonal character and is sought by some professional players for specific repertoire. Wood is more sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity and requires more maintenance. For most players, ebonite is the better choice.