Vandoren Clarinet Mouthpiece Specs
- Clarinets being played in a bandClarinettes image by alainmantin from Fotolia.com
Vandoren makes 16 different clarinet mouthpieces. The different specifications for the mouthpiece will vary depending on the desired sound. The 16 different mouthpieces are divided into three series--traditional beaks, profile 88 and 13 Series. The 13 series are specifically for American clarinetists. The different specifications will alter the ease of projecting sound, articulation and comfort. Vandoren makes mouthpieces for standard Bb clarinets as well as the lesser played alto clarinet, Eb clarinet and bass clarinet. - The tip opening of Vandoren mouthpieces ranges from open to closed. Open tips range from 127 to 147 mm open. Medium open tips range from 117 to 119.5 mm. Medium tips range from 109 to 166 mm. Medium closed tips range from 102 to 106.5 mm and the closed tip is 100.5 mm. The more open the tip means a softer reed is required to get good resistance. A closed tip will use a harder reed as less flexibility is required.
- The mouthpiece facing length is available as medium short, medium, medium long and long. The facing refers to the mouthpiece window where the reed goes. The facing will influence reed vibration, tone and articulation. Medium short and medium facings are shorter and require softer reeds. Medium long and long facings need harder reeds.
- The rail thickness refers to the rails found along the edges of the reed window. Rails will affect the reed response and tone. Thicker rails produce darker tones and can reduce reed vibration. Thinner rails produce bright and light tones and decrease reed vibration. Thinner rails tend to produce more squeaks, chirps and other negative musical sounds.
- Most Vandoren clarinet mouthpieces are made of black ebonite, a hard plastic. A few special edition, professional mouthpieces are made of crystal and glass. The material can effect the tone and durability of the instrument part.
