Vocalise Bb Mouthpieces
175 Size Guide$159 USD
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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 Hawkins
Outstanding 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.
Note: All New Mouthpieces from Backun are cleaned, disinfected and sterilized for your health and safety.
Washing Instructions: We recommend you wash your mouthpieces with warm water and mild dishwashing soap and then air dry it on a clean cloth. In classroom and group situations, we recommend the use of the Red Sterisol cleaner for its proven capability to clean, deodorize and sanitize mouthpieces.
Please do not immerse your mouthpieces in, or clean your mouthpieces with, isopropyl, or other members of the hydroxyl group of products.
Vocalise Models
R
Close/Short
The R allows artists to articulate with reduced effort, while ringing true with fabulous clarity.
G
Medium/Medium
The G has a smoother influence on interval connections just when you need it.
H
Open/Long
The H is both smooth and dark, with ample cushion for those who want more flexibility.
Z
Extremely Open/Long
Designed for artists who prefer a larger facing, while offering significant volume and projection.
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
United StatesLove it
The first thing I noticed is how consistent this mouthpiece plays in all registers. It is responsive to different styles and dynamics. I chose the H model, based solely on the description, and I think it will be my permanent set up! I have not had a chance to play it in an ensemble yet, but at home, the resonance indicates I will be able to project and blend with the group.
United StatesBest Mouthpiece Ever
As someone who was away from the clarinet for many years, I have been going through a number of mouthpieces, and having to work very hard to achieve and maintain a good sound. This is an amazing mouthpiece that allows me to readily play beautiful sound consistently and reach the entire upper range of the clarinet easily. Thank You!
Backun Musical Services
You're welcome Marina! So happy to hear that you're loving your new mouthpiece!
CanadaI Love It
I've been playing (chamber music and jazz) on the new mouthpiece for a few months, and love it; I played for years on your fine Model S, and find that for me the new design is perfect in every way: ease of altissimo, evenness, intonation, easy control of dynamics and of large leaps. You've done clarinet students and pros a great service with this affordable and user-friendly mouthpiece.
United StatesFantastic!
It feels great, it sounds great, and it's reed-friendly. A superb achievement!
CanadaVocalise G - Bb Mouthpiece
Online ordering was easy, and since I'm on Vancouver Island, took only a few days to arrive. I ordered one each of the Vocalise series to try. I chose the G (medium), but would have been happy with any of three. I already play on a Vandoren M15, and found the G is giving me more depth of tone, and is probably 15 - 20 % easier to articulate, especially in the clarion register. I feel my tone is also more even, "bigger" (the M15 is quite closed), richer and more stable. It responded well on cane reeds (Vandoren V-12, Str 3.5), but was even happier on my Legere (European Cut 3.5, 3.75). I played the G for three hours, and only stopped because dinner was ready!
CanadaThey work well
I play Legere European Signature reeds which can vary slightly in stiffness for the same number. With a reed that feels a little l stiff I use the Vocalise R mouthpiece with close tip. If the reed feels soft I go to the G model with more open tip.
