The clarinet is a beautiful and versatile instrument, beloved by musicians of all levels and genres. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, finding the best clarinet mouthpiece can significantly impact the sound and playability of your instrument. With so many options available, from different materials and facings to varying tip openings, it can be challenging to navigate the market and choose the right one for your needs.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the best clarinet mouthpieces on the market and provide you with the knowledge and insights you need to make an informed decision. So, whether you’re looking for a warm and mellow tone or a bright and projecting sound, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in and find the perfect mouthpiece for you!

best clarinet mouthpiece
Best Clarinet mouthpiece

How to find the best clarinet mouthpiece for you?

  1. Consider your skill level and the type of music you’ll be playing.
  2. Determine the sound you’re looking to achieve.
  3. Choose a mouthpiece that will help you achieve that sound.
  4. Consider the mouthpiece’s material and how it affects the tone and feel.
  5. Test out a few different mouthpieces before making a final decision.
  6. Choose a mouthpiece that feels comfortable to play.
  7. Consult with a clarinet teacher or experienced clarinet player for guidance and feedback.

By following these steps, you’ll be able to select a clarinet mouthpiece that fits your playing style and helps you achieve the sound you want.

Vandoren B40

The Vandoren B40 clarinet mouthpiece is a popular choice among professional clarinetists and advanced students. Made from hard rubber, this mouthpiece produces a warm and focused tone, making it well-suited for classical music and ensemble playing.

The facing and tip opening are designed for optimal reed vibration and ease of play, allowing for excellent control and projection. The B40’s versatility and responsive feel make it a great choice for players seeking a traditional and reliable mouthpiece. Overall, the Vandoren B40 is an excellent option for those looking for a warm and focused sound, and it’s easy to see why it is a favorite among clarinet players.

Vandoren B45

The Vandoren B45 clarinet mouthpiece is a popular choice among both professional clarinetists and students, and it is often compared to the Vandoren B40. Like the B40, the B45 is made from high-quality hard rubber, and it produces a warm and focused tone that is well-suited for classical music and ensemble playing.

The facing and tip opening of the B45 are similar to those of the B40, allowing for excellent control and projection. However, the B45 has a slightly brighter sound that some players may prefer for certain styles of music. Additionally, some players may find that the B45 requires slightly more air support and effort to produce a full sound compared to the B40.

Ultimately, the choice between the Vandoren B40 and B45 comes down to personal preference and playing style, and both mouthpieces are excellent options for players seeking a reliable and versatile sound.

Vandoren M30

I recently had the chance to try out the Vandoren M30 mouthpiece, and I was very impressed with its performance. Made from hard rubber, this mouthpiece produces a warm and centered tone that is perfect for classical and chamber music. The facing of the M30 is expertly crafted, allowing for easy control and excellent projection.

The tip opening is on the smaller side, which means that it requires less air support and effort to play, making it an excellent option for beginners and intermediate players. The M30 also has a comfortable and ergonomic shape that is easy to play for extended periods.

Overall, the Vandoren M30 is a great choice for anyone looking for a warm and focused sound that is easy to control, and it’s definitely worth considering if you’re in the market for a new clarinet mouthpiece.

Vandoren BD5

You might also want to check out the Vandoren BD5. This mouthpiece is a fan favorite among clarinet players for good reason! Made from high-quality hard rubber, the BD5 produces a warm and rich tone that is perfect for classical music. Whether you’re playing in an ensemble or solo, this mouthpiece provides excellent control and projection, making it a reliable choice for any situation. If you’re looking to upgrade your sound, give the Vandoren BD5 a try!

It’s worth noting that the Vandoren BD5 clarinet mouthpiece has even caught the attention of acclaimed clarinetist Martin Fröst, who has been known to play on this mouthpiece. Fröst is highly regarded in the clarinet world, and his use of the BD5 speaks to its exceptional quality and versatility.

Selmer Concept Mouthpiece

Henri Selmer Paris has recently released its renewed mouthpiece range for Bb clarinets, featuring the Selmer Concept mouthpiece. Designed with today’s clarinetists in mind, the Concept mouthpiece is the result of an intense research and development effort.

This mouthpiece features a new throat design that brings greater focus to the air flow, resulting in a more dense and expanded array of timbres without compromising sound emission facility. Its larger tip opening promotes a breadth of sound throughout all registers, allowing for greater sound projection.

Licostini A1

In the world of clarinet mouthpieces, the Licostini A1 stands out as a unique and remarkable option. Unlike the other mouthpieces discussed, the Licostini A1 is not made from hard rubber, but rather from a mixture of wood powder and resin.

This gives it a distinctive appearance and a unique sound that sets it apart from other mouthpieces. However, the Licostini A1 is also known for being one of the most challenging mouthpieces to play, requiring a significant amount of air support and effort.

Nevertheless, the Licostini A1’s sound, staccato, and projection are unmatched, making it a favorite among professional clarinetists. It has been described as the «Stradivari» among clarinet mouthpieces, a testament to its exceptional quality and craftsmanship. If you’re willing to put in the work, the Licostini A1 is undoubtedly a mouthpiece worth considering.