12 best clarinet mouth pieces

Clarinet mouthpieces are critical components of the clarinet, as they greatly influence the instrument's tone, playability, and overall sound quality. Here's what you need to know about clarinet mouthpieces:

Design and Composition: Clarinet mouthpieces are typically made from hard rubber, plastic, or occasionally metal. The shape and design of the mouthpiece significantly affect how air flows through the instrument and how the sound is produced.
Ligature: A ligature is a device that holds the reed securely against the mouthpiece.It is an essential accessory for clarinetists as it affects the vibration of the reed and, consequently, the instrument's tone. Different ligatures can produce subtle changes in the sound.
Facing: The facing of a clarinet mouthpiece refers to the curvature of the mouthpiece where the reed makes contact. The facing impacts how easily the player can produce different notes, as well as the overall responsiveness of the instrument.
Tip Opening: The tip opening is the distance between the tip of the mouthpiece and the reed. A larger tip opening generally allows for a greater volume and a brighter tone, while a smaller tip opening may produce a more focused and mellower sound.
Baffle: Some clarinet mouthpieces have baffles, which are raised areas inside the mouthpiece near the tip. Baffles can influence the projection and brightness of the sound.
Chamber Size: The internal chamber of a clarinet mouthpiece can vary in size and shape. Different chamber sizes can result in variations in tone and response. Common chamber shapes include round, square, and reverse taper.
Material: The material of the mouthpiece can affect the sound and response. Hard rubber and plastic mouthpieces are the most common and are favored for their balance of quality and affordability. Metal mouthpieces are less common but can produce a unique sound.
Customization: Clarinetists often experiment with different mouthpieces to find one that best suits their playing style and desired tone. Mouthpiece choice can vary depending on the musical genre and personal preferences.
Sizing: Clarinet mouthpieces are available in various sizes to match the type of clarinet being used (e.g., Bb clarinet, bass clarinet, etc.). It's crucial to choose the right mouthpiece size for your instrument.
Maintenance: Proper maintenance of the mouthpiece is essential to ensure consistent performance. Regularly cleaning the mouthpiece and reed, as well as inspecting for any damage or wear, is recommended.

In summary, clarinet mouthpieces play a crucial role in shaping the sound and playability of the clarinet. The choice of mouthpiece is a highly personal one, with clarinetists often experimenting to find the mouthpiece that best suits their musical style and preferences. The design, material, and other factors of the mouthpiece can significantly impact the instrument's overall tone and performance.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best clarinet mouth pieces on the market

Glory Clarinet Mouthpiece Kit with Ligature,one Reed and Plastic Cap~black, Click to See More Colors

Based on 896 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Sturdy and ready to play, a great choice for the beginner and practicing student

Includes Brass Ligature, one reed and Plastic Cover
It would make a good mouthpiece for a beginning clarinet student or as an extra mouthpiece.
black

User questions & answers

Question:	Will this fit a Yamaha clarinet
Answer:	Yes. It will fit any Bb clarinet.
Question:	Will this fita selmer clarinet
Answer:	It will fit and work just fine!
Question:	What type of reed??like the size
Answer:	The size has to do with how thick the reed is. All clarinet reeds will fit. A size 2 is usually good for a beginner.
Question:	what is the size of the mouthpiece
Answer:	Full size. Just like any clarinet mouthpiece.

Yamaha 4C Clarinet Mouthpiece, Standard Series

Yamaha

Based on 122 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Yamaha standard series 4C mouthpiece for clarinet.

Yamaha's official original-equipment 4C clarinet mouthpiece, identical to what's included with new Yamaha standard, intermediate and professional series clarinets.
The 4C size was designed by Yamaha so that even a beginner can make a terrific sound
Made from safe and durable phenol resin plastic.
State of the art manufacturing produces an extremely high quality and consistent mouthpiece.
Fits any brand of standard clarinet.

User questions & answers

Question:	Why does this yamaha mouthpiece not fit a yamaha clarinet? yes, i used plenty of cork grease
Answer:	Do you have a vintage instrument? Some older instruments have slightly different dimensions than modern instruments. If this is the case, you will probably have to find a repair shop that can handle the problem. This is the only situation where I have personally encountered this problem.

Vandoren CM4158 M13 Lyre 13 Series Profile 88 Bb Clarinet Mouthpiece

Vandoren

Based on 201 reviews Check latest price

Product description

M13-Lyre Bb Clarinet Mouthpiece Profile 88 is little more open than the M13 mouthpiece. It permits easy blowing with harder reeds and produces a rich and centered sound. The M13 Lyre is recommended for symphonic and chamber music.

Easy to play in the upper register and has a pure sound
Tip Opening - 102- (1/100mm)
Medium Long Facing
Works best with Vandoren #3.5-#5 Reeds
Profile 88 Beak; Series 13 A=440

User questions & answers

Question:	Is this a hard Rubber or plastic mouthpiece
Answer:	Hard Rubber
Question:	I'm just starting to learn clarinet, so will it be ok to start using this with my D'addario 2.5 Reserve Classics
Answer:	When my son first started playing he did not use these. After a year he switched to these so I’m not sure if they are for beginners? He liked them a lot and said it was easier to play with these.
Question:	How easy is it to play on this mouthpiece
Answer:	Think the answer to your question would really depend on what the rest of your equipment looks like. I purchased this for use with my Selmer 10-Gs (and using 3.5 strength Vandoren V-12 reeds) and have been very pleased with the results. Also purchased an M-15 mouthpiece as a second choice and good as a backup. But the M13 Lyre is definitely my first choice.
Question:	I have been playing the same Yamaha mouthpiece that came with my clarinet 4 years later. Will this fit on my Yamaha
Answer:	Yes

Vandoren CM308 B45 Traditional Bb Clarinet Mouthpiece

Vandoren

Based on 223 reviews Check latest price

Product description

If there is a universal mouthpiece, it is the Vandoren B45. With an intermediate tip opening and a medium-long facing, it is appreciated by most clarinetists.

Universal mouthpiece designed by Bernard Van Doren and appreciated by many musicians and band directors.
Tip Opening - 119.5 (1/100mm)
Medium Long Facing
Works best with Vandoren #2.5-#3.5+ Reeds
Traditional Beak

User questions & answers

Question:	What mouthpiece cover will work with this mouthpiece
Answer:	Any standard Bb clarinet cover will work with it.
Question:	What is the best Vandoran mouthpiece
Answer:	Depends on what you want to spend. The B45 is an excellent medium priced mouth piece.
Question:	what size is the facing area of the Vandoren B45 seriea clarinet mouthpiece
Answer:	The B45 mouthpiece has a medium long facing. It is what they call traditional. It is excellent for most players.
Question:	B45 13 Series Bb Clarinet Profile 88 Mpc - What does the "Mpc" stand for
Answer:	Vince, Mpc is an abbreviation for mouthpiece . . .

Yamaha YAC 1267 Standard Series 5C Mouthpiece for Bb Clarinet (YAC1267)

Yamaha

Based on 33 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Yamaha 5C Standard Bb Clarinet Plastic Mouthpiece

Model: YAC1267
high quality phenol resin
design based upon the top grade Custom series
5C

User questions & answers

Question:	The description says this is a 5C mouthpiece but the picture shows it as a 4C. Which is it
Answer:	Model 1267 is for the 5C
Question:	Does the 5c give it a deeper tone then the 4c? and will this fit a 35 year old buescher clarinet
Answer:	no way I have a buescher too, mines like 15 years old. I have no clue man.... call a music shop those guys are so պարապ (it means like "got nothing to do / idle") they will definitely know, or at least get back to you in a day or so.
Question:	Will this mouthpiece fit a YCL-20 clarinet
Answer:	It should. It is a clarinet mouthpiece meant for any standard clarinet and the YCL-20 was the standard before they replaced it with the YCL-250. If you get it and it doesn't - Amazon returns should be fairly easy, otherwise speak with a Yamaha sales representative at your nearest music store (by phone if need be).
Question:	is a 4C or 5C most appropriate for an beginning-first lesson kid
Answer:	The 4C is included with all beginners Yamaha horns

Vandoren CM302 5RV Lyre Bb Clarinet Mouthpiece

Vandoren

Based on 152 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Responsive and easy to control in all registers. Like the 5RV, Vandoren 5RV Lyre Bb clarinet mouthpiece is an excellent choice for the advancing student or for general playing. With a slightly more open tip, the Vandoren 5RV Lyre takes a slightly lighter reed, giving the player more flexibility and a more open sound. It also has a longer facing than the 5RV.

Slightly more open that 5RV
Tip Opening - 109+ (1/100mm)
Medium Facing
Works best with Vandoren #3-#4 Reeds
Traditional Beak
Vandoren 5RV Lyre Series Bb Clarinet Mouthpiece, Traditional.

User questions & answers

Question:	What is the difference between the 3 styles
Answer:	I believe that I had to go to the actual Vandoren website to compare the ones that I was looking at. Overall it was a replacement for the existing for my daughter.
Question:	witch mouthpice is better for students the clark fobes debut or the 5rv lyre
Answer:	My daughter and I both use the 5rv lyre and are very happy with it. Her college clarinet teacher recommended it.
Question:	Do you think it would fit a Yamaha clarinet that is a beginner model
Answer:	Yes, it will fit. The receiver on all Bb clarinets is a standard size, on all models.
Question:	New band mom. Does this fit a yamaha 250 clarinet? Her band teacher told me to get an RV5 for her
Answer:	Yes it will fit, but you may have to have the cork adjusted to fit the barrell properly

Selmer Clarinet Mouthpiece (77113)

SELMER

Based on 236 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Golden tone is a Selmer brand name associated with quality student mouthpieces. Their balanced response, focused tone and accurate pitch teach young musicians The proper approach to embouchure formation and air support. Injection molded from durable plastic material and precision faced. All have #3 (medium) facing.

Golden tone is a Selmer brand name associated with quality student mouthpieces

User questions & answers

Question:	Is this selmer a hard rubber or a plastic mouthpiece The 7711-3 Goldentone #3 Bb clarinet
Answer:	plastic. It's identical to the original one that came with his clarinet when we bought it new.
Question:	Is this for a bass clarinet
Answer:	No, it is for regular Bb Soprano Clarinet
Question:	Which one will be better for gypsy/turkish music, this one or the Yamaha 4C
Answer:	To me they are about the same mouthpiece. So I really can't tell you if either one will be gypsy/turkish music. I do know these are good for beginning to intermediate performers.
Question:	Does mouthpiece come with ligature or cover
Answer:	There is neither ligature nor cover with the mouthpiece.

Product features

Sonata Bb Clarinet Mouthpiece

Features:

Good quality mouthpiece

The Sonata mouthpieces are excellent replacement mouthpieces for all Bb clarinets, ideal for beginners or students.

Durable construction

The mouthpiece features durable plastic construction and fitted tenon cork around the joint area which enables a good fit.

Ideal for students

Ideal for beginners and students up to grade 6, the mouthpiece offers an easy blowing even tone.

Clark W Fobes Debut Bass Clarinet Mouthpiece

Clark W Fobes

Based on 26 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Debut Bass Clarinet Mouthpiece. The Debut series mouthpieces are among the best student mouthpieces on the market. The bass clarinet, being Clark Fobes' personal instrument of choice, make this mouthpiece an excellent choice, not just for students, but for any player.

Debut Bass Clarinet Mouthpiece
The Debut series mouthpieces are among the best student mouthpieces on the market
The bass clarinet, being Clark Fobes' personal instrument of choice, make this mouthpiece an excellent choice, not just for students, but for any player
The Debut series mouthpieces are among the best student mouthpieces on the market
The bass clarinet, being Clark Fobes' personal instrument of choice, make this mouthpiece an excellent choice, not just for students, but for any player

User questions & answers

Question:	is this a Bb clarinet mouthpiece
Answer:	Bb Bass Clarinet
Question:	What is included with this purchase...ligature, cover, reeds
Answer:	All that is included in the purchase is the actual mouthpiece. It does come in a plastic tube to protect it during shipping. Your existing ligature and other items used with your previous mouthpiece would probably work with this mouthpiece. If you do not have them, you would need to purchase them. Hope that this helps.

Vandoren CM1405 BD5 Series 13 Black Diamond Ebonite Bb Clarinet Mouthpiece

Vandoren

Based on 294 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Like a precious gem, the new Vandoren Black Diamond Ebonite mouthpiece has amazing clarity, depth and presence. With its unique chamber, it has a sound that is all its own, yet unmistakably Vandoren. Flawless intonation, sound and performance, the Black Diamond Ebonite mouthpiece is a rarity among mouthpieces.

Amazing clarity, depth and presence
Unique chamber
Flawless intonation, sound and performance
Unmistakably Vandoren
Series 13 A=440

User questions & answers

Question:	Which type of reed works the best with the bd5 like the v21 or v
Answer:	I haven't tried a V21 on the mouthpiece, but it is fine with a V12 or a Vandoren 56 Rue Lepic.
Question:	Sorry if this was already asked, but how does this compare to the traditional B45 or the B 45 Dot
Answer:	The B45s are much more open and better for doublers than straight ahead clarinet players
Question:	What’s the difference between cm1405 and cm4178? thanks
Answer:	The 1405 BD5 13 has a tip opening of 1.13mm and uses a new internal and external design. The 4178 M15 13 has a tip opening of 1.035mm and is a bit more traditional by design. They are completely different mouthpieces.
Question:	Vandoren cm346 b50 reviewer said “created a somewhat breathy tone that was a beast to push through”. i hope not the case with cm 145 bd
Answer:	You will love the bd5

WINGKIND Alto/Tenor Saxophone & Clarinet Mouthpiece Cushions Patches Pads, 0.8mm Black (8 pieces)

Based on 588 reviews Check latest price

Protects mouthpiece and teeth, prevents teeth from sliding
Use on Alto and tenor saxophone and clarinet mouthpieces
Harmless to human body, Comfort from annoying vibrations
Contains 8 cushions, 8 alcohol wet wipes,1 wiping cloth
Please clean the mouthpiece well with alcohol wipes and allow it to dry before installing

User questions & answers

Question:	Are these thin or thick cushions
Answer:	thick
Question:	Are these thin or thick cushions
Answer:	They are thick
Question:	will this work with a soprano mouthpiece
Answer:	yes, it works. You would need to cut them to the size you need.
Question:	where is this made
Answer:	I believe China

Vandoren CM343 B40 Bass Clarinet Mouthpiece

Vandoren

Based on 11 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Vandoren clarinet mouthpieces have defined the ideal clarinet sound for decades. With impeccable intonation, crisp and accurate articulation, and unrivaled response, Vandoren clarinet mouthpieces are preferred by professional clarinetists around the world.

Same technical characteristics as B45 with a wider tip rail, produces a compact and centered sound
Tip Opening - 193 (1/100mm)
Medium Long Facing
Works best with Vandoren #2-#3 Reeds

Vandoren CM301 5RV Bb Clarinet Mouthpiece

Vandoren

Based on 36 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The 5RV is a music industry standard mouthpiece for the discerning clarinetist. With a wonderful tone and traditional qualities, this mouthpiece is the top choice by many top clarinet artists.