If you're not fully satisfied you can return most purchases within 14 days of the delivery date. Customers are responsible for the cost of return shipping, and restocking fees apply to clarinets.
“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 Bb 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.
Note: Backun Vocalise Clarinet Mouthpieces are transitioning from a cork tenon to self-lubricating silicone O-Rings. During this transition period, customers may receive either version.
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Comparison Chart
Vocalise mouthpiece
Features Gallery
Crafted from hard rod rubber
Designed to play well on both synthetic and cane reeds
Highly advanced nine-axis CNC machining and finishing
Includes mouthpiece patch for protection and comfort
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What makes the Vocalise Clarinet Mouthpiece special?
Product Reviews
Customer Reviews
Overall rating: 4.9 / 5 from 382 reviews.
I purchased the Vocalise G model (440 Hz) for my B flat wooden Yamaha 650 clarinet. It is so much more responsive than the stock Yamaha 4C plastic mouthpiece, and projects sound much more. My B and C keys are a bit finicky (I bought the clarinet used), but this mouthpiece helps make them much easier to play. This model is perfect for my concert band playing.
Highly recommended!
I’ve tried and bought quite a few clarinet mouthpieces, and I really love the sound quality and ease of playing on the backun Vocalise mouthpiece. It really sounds amazing, and it is so easy to play on that it doesn’t even compare to any other mouthpiece I’ve played on.
I’ve purchased a bell, two barrels, and now this Vocalise G Bb mouthpiece for my Yamaha clarinet. Not only do they perform well, but the craftsmanship is beautiful.
The Backun Vocalise R mouthpiece is terrific. I ordered the R version based on the handy chart that showed R was a good match to my previous mouthpiece and I was not disappointed. The sound quality, intonation, and responsiveness are top-notch. I definitely recommend this mouthpiece to anyone considering it.
I knew within two minutes of playing on this mouthpiece that it was the one for me. Tried out a handful of others, and gave them all a fair shot but I love the response of the Vocalise. I’m able to achieve such a clear, and nice sounding tone throughout all registers. I’m able to get a dark tone when needed, but it also has a brightness to it that I enjoy. Grateful for my new Backun mouthpiece!!
Having played on Hawkins mouthpieces for years, I decided to give the Vocalise series a try to potentially recommend to my students. Wow! I ended up retiring my Hawkins B because I enjoyed both the sound and articulation of this so much. Deep, dark sound with incredible response and tone evenness in all parts of the range. Look forward to performing on this for years to come! -Chris M.
After trying and owning several mouthpieces, the Vocalise G mouthpiece together with Legere synthetic reeds played so beautifully from the lowest to the highest notes. Bravo Backun!
It's replacing my Vandoren B45 and I use Legere reeds. I am still getting accustomed to the small difference but I think I will find it better. As usual with this kind of request for follow up, it is premature!
Two minor things:
Some sort of line(s) on the mouthpiece for reference when positioning my ligature would be useful.
The pad delivered with the mouthpiece did not stick to it well - not important for me since I have not used one previously anyway.
En un comienzo decidí probar probar algunos barriletes y después de comprobar la excelente calidad de sus productos opté por probar las boquillas (también excelentes)primero en Clarinete Bajo y últimamente para Clarinete Soprano.
Felicidades por tan excelentes productos!!
The design and finish look perfect, and at a not unreasonable price (next to the Vandoren and Selmer competition). My Vocalise G arrived yesterday, so time will tell...the chamber, throat, facing length and tip opening are all a bit different from what I've been playing, but here's to the G lighting up my new Q!
The “String of Pearl” Mouthpiece I’ve Been Waiting For
This Vocalise model R mouthpiece is a dream. I don’t normally spend this much $ on a “hunch”, but I needed something free that didn’t easily squeak, and the website descriptions were so helpful. This mouthpiece gave me so much more than the description. It gives me dynamics, articulation , and the warm, sultry tone that makes me pick up my clarinet again after I thought I was done playing for the day. It adds the lyrical back and I’m so pleased!
Understand how personal and subjective a mouthpiece review is, but I was sadly disappointed with my H model. It was much more resistant than my 5RV, and even my B40. While the sound was better than the 5RV, I liked my B40 more.
Packaging and craftsmanship were stellar.
Thankfully I purchased this from Sweetwater so the return was painless.
Very easy to blow with a legere reed and a warm and nice sound production. No squeaking tendency. I thought I could replace it with another brand mouthpiece, because I damaged the backun vocalise mouthpiece. I had to purchase the vocalise again because nothing compared to the ease and sound production of this mouthpiece.
I was stunned at the sound of my first note on this mouthpiece. I had been trialing a Vandoren mouthpiece and was unhappy with my sound so I decided to give the Backun a try. It's such an improvement! The sound quality is amazing and it's so easy blowing. I'm wowed.
This mouthpiece is an excellent choice. It works well with a variety of different brands of reeds. It has the perfect amount of resistance for a beginner like me. It produces a clear, full tone across all the registers.
I played the mouthpiece for the first time today on my R13. It played easily and in tune. So far I like it a lot. I tested it with a 2.5 Fibracell reed. It played well but was a little on the soft side. I will give it a try next time with a stiffer reed.