When speaking of mouthpiece materials, a general rule of thumb states that the softer the material, the darker and less projecting the sound. The harder the material finds just the opposite.
:: quick glossary
featuring
Vandoren M15 Clarinet Mouthpieces
- Plastic:
- Usually made into student mouthpieces, these mouthpieces prove durable and affordable. The tradeoff comes in that the sound can be bright and difficult to focus.
- Ebonite (Hard Rubber):
- Offers a warmer, better focused sound than plastic. Ebonite is the preferred material for classical players and jazz musicians not needing a great deal of edge and projection.
- Crystal:
- Very good projection and bright. Excellent for jazz and some outdoor jobs.
- Wood:
- Though rarely used, wood is the warmest but least projecting of mouthpiece materials. It also proves less stable than rubber or plastic.
- Facing & Tip:
- Where the mouthpiece meets the reed.The length of a facing is directly related to the opening of the tip. As a general rule, the longer the facing, the smaller the tip. The reverse is true for short facings. This relationship dictates many important factors for the clarinetist including reed strength, focus of sound and timbre, projection and the degree of "free-blowing". Below is a quick reference guide:
-
|
| Facing
| Resistance
| Flexibility
| Reeds |
| Open Tip |
short |
high |
great |
soft |
| Medium Tip |
medium |
medium |
medium |
medium |
| Advanced Tip |
long |
low |
little |
harder |
Chamber
section #3
Larger chambers offer the player a more full and flexible sound. Smaller chambers provide a greater focus but less upward, dynamic range.
Baffle
section #4
Directs the air column into the chamber. Higher baffles offer a brighter sound while scooped baffles offer a darker sound.
Profile
section #5
The outer angle of the beak, or profile, of a mouthpiece affects the comfort within the embouchure. Some players prefer the lower angle such as the Vandoren Profile 88 series or a greater angle like the Vandoren Traditional.
Mouthpiece Return Policy
section #5
Orders of up to four mouthpieces may be purchasedwith deferred payment. There is a $4.00 cleaning and sterilization charge on each mouthpiece returned ($8.00 charge on mouthpieces over $300.00 selling price). Mouthpieces must be returned free of blemishes and in the original packaging. Late returns will be subject to a $10.00 late fee per mouthpiece. Call 1-800-348-5003 for complete details.
Product Comparison Charts
section #5
Download the Product Comparison Charts: