Best Bass Clarinet mouthpieces

Have you been playing the bass clarinet and would like to upgrade the mouthpiece? If yes, you should focus on the best bass clarinet mouthpieces.

Finding a good bass clarinet mouthpiece among the multiple models available can be challenging. I had stayed without playing the clarinet for years and wanted to remind myself of this skill. Though I had an old clarinet, its mouthpiece had cracked, and I started looking for a replacement. I came across a lot of models during my research. After comparing them, I decided to write this post to help other musicians find the best bass clarinet mouthpieces. You will also learn the most crucial factors to consider when buying such a mouthpiece by the end of this post. Enjoy!

Best Bass Clarinet mouthpieces- Comparison table

Model	Material	Weight	Price
Yamaha BCL-4C	Resin	1.6 ounces	Check price here
Vandoren CM145 BD5	Ebonite	4 ounces	Check price here
Vandoren CM344 B45	Ebonite	0.8 ounces	Check price here
Leblanc B5 contrabass	Plastic	4 ounces	Check price here
Clark W Fobes Debut	Acrylic plastic	1.6 ounces	Check price here
J&D Hite	Ebonite	4 ounces	Check price here

Best Bass Clarinet mouthpieces review

Yamaha BCL-4C– Best for beginners and professionals

Yamaha is not only famous for making quality musical instruments but also for reliable accessories. If you need an affordable bass clarinet mouthpiece, you should consider Yamaha BCL-4C. Investing in this model can boost your clarinet playing experience. It can help a bass clarinet deliver a well-balanced and consistent tone and a more powerful sound. Most users also reveal that this mouthpiece gives one the flexibility they need during clarinet playing.

Key features

• Material: High-grade plastic
• Facing length: 31 mm
• Tip Opening: 1.7 mm

Since the manufacturer uses high-quality resin in its construction, you can rely on this mouthpiece for a long time. It is made according to the strict quality standards of Yamaha.

You can depend on this mouthpiece even when you are learning how to play a bass clarinet.

Apart from beginners, this bass clarinet mouthpiece is also suitable for professionals. It has a facing length of 31 mm and a tip opening of 1.7 mm. It is easier to play since this model has a shorter facing length than most custom series mouthpieces.

What we liked

• It is durable
• Sounds great
• It comes at an affordable price
• The mouthpiece is highly consistent

What we didn’t like

• It does not offer the best feel

Verdict

This bass clarinet mouthpiece offers a consistent tone over different octaves. Yamaha makes it with extreme care to fit the playing style of different musicians. Most customers are also drawn to the low cost of this bass clarinet mouthpiece.

 

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Vandoren CM145 BD5– Best budget-friendly option

Are you a professional bass clarinet player looking for a quality mouthpiece? If yes, you should not overlook this mouthpiece. It comes from one of the leading providers of high-quality clarinet mouthpieces in the industry.

The manufacturer uses ebonite in its construction to enhance durability. This is a traditional-style clarinet mouthpiece that is suitable for symphonic and jazz applications. You can even use this mouthpiece with a Bb clarinet since it leads to a clear and rich sound.

Key features

• Opening: 1.87 mm
• Facing length: Medium long
• Material: Ebonite

This comes in a unique external and internal design that makes it visually appealing and comfortable to use. The developments can help you enjoy a full sound in the upper register. This mouthpiece has more depth and control than most conventional models. Most musicians who have used this mouthpiece are also impressed with its tonal quality when paired with the right reed.

You can rely on this bass clarinet mouthpiece to produce a full-bodied sound without requiring a lot of air. It also comes with a traditional beak common in most Vandoren mouthpieces. The beak is the part where you place your mouth over as you play the clarinet. According to most users, this mouthpiece is easy to control and play. It has a medium tip opening and is excellent for different performance situations.

What we liked

• It is well constructed
• Can improve the sound of a clarinet
• Reasonably priced
• It comes in an attractive design

What we didn’t like

• Heavyweight

Verdict

This mouthpiece can help professionals deliver great clarinet playing performance since it offers incredible intonation. It leads to a clear sound and comes at an affordable rate.

 

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Vandoren CM344 B45– Best value

This bass clarinet mouthpiece is responsive since it features a larger tip opening. It is a professional mouthpiece that delivers excellent sound quality and can improve a clarinet’s tone drastically. It is made using ebonite which is a high-quality material for a mouthpiece.

Features

• Facing length: Medium long
• Opening: 1.93 mm
• Weight: 0.8 ounces

You can pair this bass clarinet mouthpiece with Vandoren 2.5 or 3.5 reeds to enable the mouthpiece to play at its best. This medium-long facing model offers enhanced projection due to its amazing structural strength. It is a fully functional bass clarinet mouthpiece that is suitable for symphonic and jazz applications.

If you have ever used the Vandoren B44 model before, you will find this model somehow similar. It is designed to deliver consistency while playing across the range.

What we liked

• Delivers articulate and clear tonality
• Professional quality
• It is highly responsive
• Enhances structural strength

What we didn’t like

• Not suitable for all reeds

Verdict

Whether you are an intermediate clarinet player or a professional, you need to invest in the best mouthpiece. Vandoren CM344 B45 is a suitable model that does not disappoint. Many people consider this to be among the best bass clarinet mouthpieces. Even teachers use this model since they like its exceptional consistency. If you prefer a wide tip opening, this clarinet mouthpiece is for you.

 

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Leblanc B5 contrabass– Best for high performance

Choosing a bass clarinet mouthpiece that even well-known musicians worldwide use can give you confidence. This is a famous model that many people rely on since it does not disappoint. The flexible mouthpiece is free blowing. Even beginners find this bass clarinet mouthpiece easy to play.

Key features

• Weight: 4 ounces
• Material: Plastic
• Design: Free-blowing

This is a well-crafted mouthpiece that leads to a highly responsive performance. It can help the clarinet produce a loud and clear sound. The highly efficient mouthpiece can add clarity to your clarinet playing performance. You can rely on it when playing different genres and music styles.

The manufacturer also makes it with durability in mind. Its construction enables it to withstand the rigors of constant performance and rehearsal while at the same time delivering enhanced tone. Since this mouthpiece is not lightweight, some beginners find it hard to use due to the extra weight.

What we liked

• It is user-friendly
• Does not squeak
• It is long-lasting

What we didn’t like

• High cost

Verdict

Though this model is more expensive than other mouthpieces, it is among the best bass clarinet mouthpieces due to its tonal superiority. It is also suitable for beginners, intermediate and professional clarinet players.

 

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Clark W Fobes Debut– Best for students

If you are still a student looking to improve your skills in clarinet playing, you can achieve this with the help of a good bass clarinet mouthpiece. Clark W Fobes Debut is an ideal model that you should consider investing in. It can help you experiment with articulation and even develop your tone. Many musicians who use it are also impressed with its free-blowing design.

Key features

• Tip opening: 1.70 mm
• Length: 24 mm
• Weight: 1.6 ounces

You don’t have to pay too much to get a high-quality clarinet mouthpiece. This model can save you money and still boost the performance of a bass clarinet. It is fully functional and delivers excellent sound clarity. This mouthpiece is also easy to play and is lightweight.

The manufacturer pays great attention to its creation to ensure quality. This acrylic mouthpiece is hand-finished and made the same way as many professional mouthpieces. Some people, however, feel that it does not have the best look since the logo is not engraved. The flexible clarinet mouthpiece delivers responsiveness across the range of the musical instrument.

Since the opening of this clarinet mouthpiece is fairly closed, it leads to focused sound and great resistance. Practicing using this mouthpiece can help you build your embouchure muscles over time.

What we liked

• Delivers excellent sound
• It comes at a moderate price
• The mouthpiece is well crafted
• It is free blowing

What we didn’t like

• Some customers find the cork section too thin

Verdict

If you need a budget-friendly bass clarinet mouthpiece, you should not overlook this mouthpiece. Though the mouthpiece is marketed toward students, it can also be a great backup mouthpiece for a professional player.

 

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J&D Hite– Best for players of different levels

The best bass clarinet mouthpieces offer a comfortable playing experience, and J&D Hite is no exception. When you choose this mouthpiece, you will not replace it after a short while since it is built to last.

Most users are impressed with its structural strength since it is constructed with high-quality materials. The manufacturer of this model is highly respected and has been making quality clarinet mouthpieces for years.

Key features

• Weight: 4 ounces
• Material: Ebonite
• Design: Acoustical

Players of different levels can rely on this bass clarinet mouthpiece since it delivers excellent responsiveness. This mouthpiece offers accurate intonation and is made using fine ebonite.

One of the things that makes this mouthpiece stand out among most models is its acoustical design which makes it flexible and more efficient. The internal design of this mouthpiece leads to a more focused sound.

You can rely on this mouthpiece when playing the bass clarinet in an orchestra. Most customers are also impressed with the fact that it is compatible with different reeds. Since the tip opening of this mouthpiece is closer than most models, it makes it easier for anyone to blow with less air.

What we liked

• Comes in an acoustical design
• Accurate intonation
• It is easy to blow
• Delivers consistent sound in different registers

What we didn’t like

• It is heavy

Verdict

If you have been struggling to play certain notes, you can solve this easily by replacing your current mouthpiece with the J&D Hite bass clarinet mouthpiece. It makes the bass clarinet easy to play and comes at an affordable price.

 

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What to look out for in Bass Clarinet mouthpieces

If you bought a bass clarinet with a poor-quality mouthpiece, you should consider replacing it.

Doing this can enhance the sound quality and tone of the musical instrument. To identify the best mouthpiece for a bass clarinet, you should pay attention to the following factors.

Durability

Before choosing any mouthpiece for a bass clarinet, you should find out how it was made. You can ask about the materials that it is made from and try to assess how it can hold up to regular use.

This can help you assess how durable the model you want to buy is likely to be. When you choose a long-lasting model, you can get more value for your money since you will not have to replace it soon.

Focus on mouthpieces that are made from quality materials such as plastic, crystal, wood, or hard rubber. Since manufacturers use different types of plastic to make bass clarinet mouthpieces, they often have varying properties. Choosing a well-made mouthpiece can also help you enjoy a warmer tone.

The material also determines the sound that the bass clarinet can generate. If, for instance, you choose a crystal-made mouthpiece, it is likely to deliver a bright sound. On the other hand, wooden mouthpieces often have low projection. Since crystal mouthpieces are fragile, ensure you get a case if you choose a model made from this to give it extra protection.

Sound

Whether buying your first mouthpiece or replacing one, you have to assess the sound that different models deliver. A high-quality mouthpiece for a bass clarinet sounds great. Apart from focusing on the materials used to make them, you can try a few mouthpieces to find out which one sounds better.

Skill level

Since clarinet players are different, you should consider your skill level before investing in a bass clarinet mouthpiece. If, for instance, you are still learning how to play this musical instrument, you should focus on finding an easy-to-use and comfortable mouthpiece.

A user-friendly mouthpiece can help you learn how to use the proper technique to produce sound and control your breathing. Such a model can help you enjoy playing the bass clarinet and prevent you from using so much effort during practice. If you are an advanced clarinet player, you can focus on mouthpieces suitable for professional players.

Consider your musical instrument

We mentioned that mouthpieces are not created equal. Before investing in one, you should focus on getting one that fits your musical instrument. Feel free to bring the bass clarinet with you as you look for the best mouthpiece.

Focusing on this can prevent you from getting frustrated after making the purchase. It can also save you some time since you don’t have to look for ways to modify the model to work with your bass clarinet.

Cost

The best bass clarinet mouthpieces also come at different costs. The market offers both low and high-priced models that you can pick from. You need to work with a budget before you choose a model to avoid overspending on this piece.

Comparing different mouthpieces online can help you identify those within your budget range. As you buy this component, consider saving some extra cash in case you need other accessories for the bass clarinet.

Feel

You should also choose a bass clarinet mouthpiece that feels good to you. Testing them can help you identify one that is suited for your mouth. Since players have different lips and teeth, not every clarinet mouthpiece will feel good on everyone. Check the shape of the beak since this can affect your embouchure.

Facing and tip length

These measurements also differ in bass clarinet mouthpieces. As you assess your skill level, you should be keen on such measurements. For a beginner, you can choose a bass clarinet mouthpiece with a short facing length and open tip. On the other hand, a professional player can choose one with a long facing length and closed tip.

Final Verdict

A mouthpiece is a crucial component in a bass clarinet that emits the sound of this musical instrument. Choosing a good clarinet mouthpiece can therefore enhance the performance of this clarinet. Though mouthpieces serve the same purpose, they are not created equal. You should only choose a model from the best bass clarinet mouthpieces to achieve the sound you want. We have discussed some of the top-rated models to help you know where to start.

FAQs

Does the size of the chamber affect the sound?

Yes. This can have an impact on the dynamic range and sound production. While a larger chamber leads to a full-bodied sound, a smaller one leads to a more focused sound.

Can I learn how to play a bass clarinet?

Yes. This is a simple musical instrument that anyone can learn. It needs a lot of patience and practice to get used to.