Vocalise Bass Clarinet Mouthpieces by Hawkins and Backun redefine what bass clarinet players and their instruments are capable of. Designed by renowned craftsman, Richard Hawkins, and precision machined from proprietary hard rubber at Backun, the four models personify the future of bass clarinet playing. Like all Vocalise Mouthpieces, the bass models are suitable for both synthetic and cane reeds, alike.
Features
Industry leading technology, materials, and performance.
Precise CNC Machining for incredible consistency and accuracy using industry-leading technology.
Proprietary Rod Rubber for ultimate resonance and performance.
Optimized for Synthetic Reeds yet compatible with cane for flexibility and choice.
Models
Four tip openings and two materials for your playing comfort and artistic expression.
R
Close/Short
Unwavering in precision and stability, with a luminous tone that captures the essence of each register. Hawkins’s recommended model for students and school programs.
G
Medium/Medium
A warm and centered core that sustains fluid articulation, contributing to an expansive tonal palette.
H
Open/Long
Smoother intervals and easier response are balanced with a robust sound that projects with confidence. The most open of the bass models.
CG
Open/Long
Provides a clear dark tone, creating more evenness and density to the sound through a proprietary translucent synthetic material. The most open of the bass models.
Meet the Vocalise Bass Mouthpiece
Comparison Chart
If you're not sure where to begin, use the chart below.
Care and Maintenance
An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.
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.
If you need a quality swab, mouthpiece patches, and other cleaning materials, please consider adding a Backun Care Kit to your Order.
Note: All New Mouthpieces from Backun are cleaned, disinfected and sterilized for your health and safety.
Why Choose Backun?
Playing is believing, but don't take our word for it.
14 Day Test Drive We want your new Backun product to be a perfect match, so you've got 14 days from the date of delivery to fall in love.
Free Shipping, Easy Returns All orders ship free to the continental USA, and returns are quick and easy. International orders ship free over $500 USD.
Unbeatable Customer Service Your new Backun product is protected by Backun Warranty for 2 years from the date of purchase, and backed by our world class customer support.
“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.
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.
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.
Right. From the beginning. Finding the right mouthpiece for beginners is no easy task, which is why we developed the Alpha Mouthpiece. Moulded from a proprietary synthetic and faced with an optimal tip opening designed to support beginning students, the Alpha represents...
Light up the stage The Lumière Barrel offers a sweet, balanced tone with increased focus and projection that illuminates every corner of the concert hall. Elegant curves and flowing design perfectly complement its sweet, refined character. Artists appreciate the incredible...
