








Backun Musical Services
Vocalise Bb Mouthpieces
Complex simplicity by Hawkins and Backun
“It has long been my goal to create a clarinet mouthpiece that satisfies the nuances of change while preserving the history of the craft.” – Richard HawkinsOutstanding artist. Renowned educator. Master craftsman. Words and praise that are often bestowed upon Richard Hawkins. After decades of collecting, observing and crafting mouthpieces for many of the world’s finest artists, Hawkins collaborated with Backun Musical Services to develop a series of mouthpieces with tonal ring and clarity that will change the course of mouthpiece history.
Designed for all ages and experience levels, the Vocalise Series of B♭ mouthpieces features a model for every player and occasion, all of which belong in your clarinet case. Complex resonance at a reasonable price.
Technology
Designed at Backun using advanced CAD/CAM software and tested with 3D printing technology, the mouthpieces are crafted from hard rod rubber on a highly advanced nine-axis CNC machine and finished in a unique done-in-one machining program that combines the milling and lathing processes without the need for a second setup or recalibration. This results in an exceptionally consistent mouthpiece that stays true to the original design.
Performance
Each mouthpiece helps the player centre articulation, pitch and altissimo, with impeccable ease and consistency of voicing. It is the first mouthpiece of its kind specifically designed to play well on both synthetic and cane reeds, in strengths 2.5 to 4.5. Articulation Management allows players to capture the appropriate length of articulations for different styles without increased effort. Now offered in two pitch levels A=440 and A=442. Please select which pitch level you wish to optimize your performance preferences.
Models
R Model Bb - Close/Short
Evenness and a focus of sound that sings with ease are two characteristics of this close facing mouthpiece. The R allows artists to articulate with reduced effort, while ringing true with fabulous clarity. This is Hawkins’s choice for young artists looking to step up to a more complex mouthpiece.
G Model Bb - Medium/Medium
A medium faced mouthpiece that combines exceptional evenness and round tonal complexity. The G has a smoother influence on interval connections just where you need it. An all-around mouthpiece for those who prefer medium facings and lengths.
H Model Bb - Open/Long
The most open facing in the lineup, the H is both smooth and dark, with ample cushion for those who need more robust flexibility throughout the registers. This mouthpiece gives as much as it takes, requiring balanced breath support and unyielding passion in performance.
Z Model Bb - Extremely Open/Long
The Vocalise Z was developed to meet the needs of artists who prefer mouthpieces with a larger facing, while offering significant volume and projection. With a robust tone reminiscent of more current European models, the Z is Extremely Open/Long, with ample cushion for those who want a bold and unyielding tone.
Watch the Video
Richard Hawkins on the New Vocalise Z
One gets excited about the development of something new and unusually rare in the history of clarinet mouthpieces. Together with the team at Backun, we developed the Vocalise Z model to give players not only polished flexibility, but volume and pop to the core sound. It is louder, bigger and has the dexterity to shine in any type of music. It is a mouthpiece like no other in its ability, out-of-the-box, to be louder in tone without the typical harshness, yet it does not require more embouchure pressure to perform. Addicting to play and hard to put down, this model has exceeded my expectations.
Comparison Chart
Product Reviews

Vocalaise
This is an excellent mouthpiece that allows for a beautiful even sound, not to mention superior response & articulation.

Backun overall has the best customer service!
My daughter LOVES her new Vocalise H mouthpiece and her new MoBa barrel. Both produce a deep, rich sound that she has been working on her Buffet R13 Prestige! Thank you Backun Musical Services for a great product and awesome customer service!!

One of the Best
One of the best mouthpieces I have ever played on.
Works well with Backun Protege Clarinet
This mouthpiece works well with the Protege Clarinet. The tone are focused and there is some room to add expression without undue distortion of the tone. The tone is solid from the low E to the highest A. I tried other mouthpieces I have with the Protege, and this one is the best!

Very good mouthpiece and works well with plastic reeds.
One of the best mouthpieces I have ever used. Rich sound and amazing control of high register notes. Pairs very well with my Legere plastic reed.
Smooth Mouthpiece
This mouthpiece is very consistent, notes come out with smooth ease. I’m in love with my new mouthpiece and it is a reasonable price. I recommend this to high school students like myself who are looking to upgrade their mouthpiece.