"When you're looking for something new, go with your gut. If something feels really good, inspires you and makes you sound better immediately, that's probably the [mouthpiece] that you want to get."
- Richard Hawkins, Backun Artist and Backun Mouthpiece Craftsman
What's the difference between a close and open mouthpiece? What does tip opening mean? Which reed strength or material works best? What is an A-Frame Baffle? When should you upgrade your mouthpiece?
This ultimate guide will help you understand clarinet mouthpiece design and choose the best option for your sound, style and skill level.
Why the Right Clarinet Mouthpiece Matters
Your mouthpiece affects tone, projection, resistance and overall playing comfort. Whether you’re a beginner buying your first clarinet mouthpiece or an advanced player looking to upgrade, understanding mouthpiece design will help you make the right choice.
How to Test a Mouthpiece
Always be sure to bring your current mouthpiece, ligature and reeds when testing a new mouthpiece, so you have an "experimental control." Go through your usual practice routine of long tones, articulation exercises, scales and repertoire, making sure to cover every register.
Listen for:
- Evenness of tone across registers
- Ease of articulation
- Intonation stability
- Comfort and response
Tip: It's also a great idea to bring a musician friend to listen! Sometimes, what feels good to play might sound different from a listener's perspective.
When to Upgrade Your Mouthpiece
Here are some situations where you may consider upgrading your clarinet or bass clarinet mouthpiece:
- You've improved technically and want more projection or flexibility
- You're exploring new musical styles
- Your current mouthpiece is worn or damaged
- You are struggling to achieve your concept of sound
- You're inspired by a new mouthpiece model
Mouthpiece Terminology
Tip Opening and Reed Strengths
Tip opening refers to the distance between the tip of the reed and the tip of the mouthpiece. Larger tip openings allow the reed to move more freely and generally feel more open or flexible. They are typically paired with slightly softer reeds. Closer tip openings provide more built in resistance and usually pair best with slightly harder reeds.
There is no universally best tip opening. The right choice depends on the player, reed, instrument and musical goals.
Large Tip Openings (use softer reeds):
Best for: Players seeking less resistance, bigger sound or maximum projection (such as wind band, jazz, klezmer, folk styles)
Close Tip Openings (use harder reeds):
Best for: Darker sound, precision articulation and blending (ideal for orchestral or chamber music)
Medium Tip Openings:
If you play multiple styles or are unsure where to begin, start with a medium tip opening.
Facing Length
Facing length refers to the length of the curve where the reed gradually separates from the mouthpiece table.
Shorter Facings:
More projection, brighter sound, more air support required
Medium or Medium/Long Facings:
Qualities that lie between short and long facings
- McGill Signature Bb Mouthpiece
- Hawkins Signature Bb Mouthpiece
- Shifrin Signature Bb Mouthpiece
- Vocalise G/G2 Bb Mouthpiece
- Vocalise G Eb Mouthpiece
Longer Facings:
Darker sound, less taxing, smoother response
- Corrado Signature Bb Mouthpiece
- Euro Signature Bb Mouthpiece
- Llopis Signature Eb Mouthpiece
- Vocalise H/H2 Bb Mouthpiece
- Vocalise H Eb Mouthpiece
Bb Clarinet Mouthpiece Comparison Chart
Eb Clarinet Mouthpiece Comparison Chart
Bass Clarinet Mouthpiece Comparison Chart
Synthetic vs. Cane Reeds
Modern synthetic reeds have improved dramatically, and many top clarinetists now use them. Backun Mouthpieces are designed to work equally well with both synthetic and cane reeds.
Tip: A common rule of thumb is that synthetic reeds often feel about 0.25 strength softer than the same number in cane. For example, a 3.5 cane reed may feel similar to a 3.75 synthetic reed. Exact equivalence can vary between brands
Synthetic reeds might not suit everyone, and that is okay. Here is a chart comparing the qualities of cane and synthetic reeds:
| Cane | Synthetic |
| Less expensive | More expensive |
| Usually lasts 2-3 months | Can last 6-9 months |
| Affected by humidity and temperature | Stable across climates |
| May need break-in period | Ready to play immediately |
| Rounder, darker tone | Brighter tone |
| Slightly inconsistent intonation | More consistent intonation |
A-Frame Bore Design
Backun collaborated with Richard Hawkins to develop the A-Frame Bore, a unique bore shape inside the mouthpiece that looks like the letter "A." Unlike traditional parallel bores, the A-shape improves airflow, stabilizes intonation and balances response (especially in the throat tones). This innovative design is something Backun implemented in many of our Signature Series Clarinet Mouthpieces.
Featured on:
- McGill Signature Bb Mouthpiece
- Hawkins Signature Bb Mouthpiece
- Shifrin Signature Bb Mouthpiece
- Euro Signature Bb Mouthpiece
- Llopis Signature Eb Mouthpiece
Eb Clarinet Mouthpieces
Players that often play Eb clarinet usually prefer a similar tip opening and facing style as their Bb clarinet, while some players prefer a different setup.
Backun Eb Clarinet Mouthpieces:
- Vocalise G: Medium Tip Opening/Medium Facing
- Vocalise H: Open Tip Opening/Long Facing
- Llopis Signature Eb Mouthpiece: Open Tip Opening/Long Facing
Tip: For improved stability and response through using Bb clarinet reeds, pair your Backun Eb Clarinet Mouthpiece with an Eb Cutback Barrel.
Bass Clarinet Mouthpieces
Everything we've covered so far remains true for bass clarinet mouthpieces. Many bass clarinetists choose slightly softer reeds paired with larger tip openings than they would normally use on their Bb clarinet, allowing them to achieve the extra projection and power that bass clarinet repertoire often demands.
Backun Bass Clarinet Mouthpieces:
- Vocalise R: Close Tip Opening/Long Facing
- Vocalise G: Medium Tip Opening/Medium Facing
- Vocalise H: Open Tip Opening/Long Facing
O-Rings: Better Than Cork
Many Backun Mouthpieces now use O-Rings instead of cork. Why? They’re easier to replace, self-lubricating, and more durable. If you ever need to swap them out, just keep a spare set in your case.
Backun Signature Series Clarinet Mouthpieces come equipped with medium-sized O-Rings, which fit a majority of clarinet barrel tenons, and we offer small and large sizes just in case. We will eventually manufacture all Backun Mouthpieces with O-Rings instead of cork.
Protégé: Perfect for Beginners
For those just starting their musical journey, our Protégé Bb and Protégé Bass Mouthpieces are designed to support beginning clarinetists. The tip opening and facing are optimized to support and encourage developing airflow.
Mouthpiece Maintenance
Regular mouthpiece maintenance and care is important to help you sound and play at your best. Here are some tips and suggestions to take care of your mouthpiece and improve its longevity:
- Always use a mouthpiece patch to protect your mouthpiece from teeth marks
- Regularly clean your mouthpiece with mild dish soap (avoid alcohol or abrasive cleaners) and lukewarm water. If your mouthpiece has cork, be sure to dry the cork immediately
- Dry the mouthpiece thoroughly (but never run a swab through it as you would for your clarinet) after each use, and protect it with a mouthpiece cap
- Wipe down your reed after each use, and clean your reed case often
- For O-Ring users, have 1-2 extra sets of O-Rings in your case, and replace them if they snap or look worn down:
