The clarinet mouthpiece is the first point of contact for making sound on a clarinet. Because it’s the first part to make sound, the clarinet mouthpiece quality and the reed attached to it have a huge influence on the overall quality of the clarinet sound. The rest of the instrument just molds the sound that the mouthpiece made. To make a great sound on the clarinet, a clarinetist should understand what makes a good mouthpiece.
It is quite common that the clarinet mouthpiece that comes with the clarinet, even if it’s the same brand, isn’t the right mouthpiece for the clarinet. People have different needs when it comes to mouthpieces and the manufacturer can't anticipate what each person requires. They just send out a mouthpiece that will work for some people and the rest will need to buy a new one eventually. So, when looking for a clarinet, purchase the clarinet that works best and then understand that it might be necessary to purchase another mouthpiece.
Bored rubber (steel-ebonite) and crystal are very good materials for quality mouthpieces. Most of the cheapest mouthpieces are made using plastic. Plastic is acceptable for beginner clarinetists, but after a few years, it might be a good idea to consider an upgrade.
When choosing a new mouthpiece, it’s good to remember four criteria:
- Intonation
- Tone quality
- Security
- Response
Intonation
A mouthpiece has to play well in tune. No matter how great a mouthpiece’s other qualities, if it doesn’t play in tune, it should be thrown out.
Tone Quality
A mouthpiece should help the clarinetist to produce a good clarinet sound. Sometimes it is helpful to have a second opinion on which mouthpiece gives a good tone by inviting another musician to listen.
Security
Some mouthpieces make the clarinet squeak more. If the mouthpiece is good in all other qualities, a good instrument technician can make small changes to reduce how many squeaks the instrument will make.
Response
A mouthpiece should do what it is told! A mouthpiece that has good response will feel like air isn’t hitting something on the way through, and when the clarinetist tongues, the mouthpiece shouldn’t delay the sound.
Mouthpieces can make a huge difference in clarinet sound, intonation, and response. However, some people can become obsessed with finding the perfect mouthpiece. Clarinetists should avoid this because no mouthpiece will eliminate all issues.
By understanding how a mouthpiece works and how to choose a quality mouthpiece, a clarinetist can face better success in playing clarinet.
Sources:
- Stein, Keith. The Art of Clarinet Playing. Princeton, N.J.: Summy-Birchard, 1958.
Amy Schumaker - Amy is a young musician based out of Philadelphia. A native of northeast Ohio, she went to Capital University Conservatory of Music, where ...
