We work extensively with the full range of mouthpieces produced by Vandoren as well as D’Addario. Each model has its own core defining characteristics, but across the board we select and grade mouthpieces according to the following:

  • Responsiveness
  • Pitch accuracy
  • Consistency across the full range of the instrument
  • Appropriate resistance without congestion
  • Focused sound (e.g. no spreading) without being thin or strident
  • Clearly defined core to the sound with an appropriate “halo”
  • Energy in upper partials in proportion with the fundamental
  • Ease and cleanliness of articulation
  • Takes a properly balanced reed (e.g. the mouthpiece is not unbalanced itself)

In other words, each model plays differently, but we believe there is still a universal standard for playing well. The difference in design should be the overriding distinction, and not accidental differences in machining and finishing.

  • Reserve: A small percentage of the mouthpieces we grade we consider to be exceptional examples of their model and these we set aside for discerning players at a premium price (model-dependent).
  • Standard: Mouthpieces that do not make the Reserve category are assigned a ‘Standard’ designation, with the exception of those that we deem too fundamentally flawed in some way which are removed completely from circulation. These mouthpieces honor each model design but do not meet our exacting standards for superior performance, and we believe may be appropriate for younger or more casual players where cost is a bigger factor than nuances of articulation or overtone structure.

For those who have worked with us for some time, yes, we used to have a category called “Select”. Truth is, nobody wanted the middle tier. Either they want the best, or the least expensive, but not the middle of either of those scales. So, that means it is possible to find some pretty great mouthpieces in our lower cost “Standard” tier that didn’t make the Reserve cut, but that puts the work back on you as the player to find.

Available Makes/Models

This is by no means an exhaustive list, but covers the primary models we curate:

Bb Clarinet

  • Vandoren M13 Lyre, Profile 88, Series 13 (CM4158)
  • Vandoren M15, Profile 88, Series 13 (CM4178)
  • Vandoren B40 Lyre, Profile 88, Series 13 (CM4198)
  • Vandoren M30, Profile 88, Series 13 (CM4188)
  • Vandoren M30 Lyre, Profile 88, Series 13 (CM40018)
  • Vandoren M30D (CM36188)
  • Vandoren Black Diamond BD5, Series 13 (CM1405)
  • D’Addario Reserve X0
  • D’Addario Reserve X5
  • D’Addario Reserve X10
  • D’Addario Evolution
  • D’Addario Evolution, Marble Finish

Eb Clarinet

  • Vandoren B40 (CM323)
  • Vandoren M30 (CM325)

Bass Clarinet

  • Vandoren B44 (CM342)
  • Vandoren B40 (CM343)

Alto Clarinet

  • Vandoren B44 (CM332)

Clarinet Mouthpiece Trials

Our curation process makes it possible through our grading and notes to match an artist’s required attributes or address an artist’s stated issues. We are proud of our track record of successfully fulfilling a player’s request on a first try. We do, however, recognize in some cases that in-hand trials are of interest, particularly when making decisions across different mouthpiece models. Our policy on out-of-studio trials is as follows:

  • We only ship what has been paid for in full up front. No trials on account.
  • Trial period is one week in-hand.
  • Returns are accepted if mouthpieces are returned in pristine condition (no scratches, chips, teeth marks, etc.).
  • All returns are subject to a $20/mouthpiece trial fee which covers transaction costs as well as cleaning and sterilization. Shipping fees are non-refundable.