The Vandoren BD5 is a more recent invention from the good folks at Vandoren. It's made of ebonite (which sounds made-up, because it is. It's their brand name for hard rubber that they've added some voodoo materials to).
It's got a compact sound, and is popular with orchestral musicians. That said, I had a guy from Jazz at Lincoln Center over to try instruments and he liked it a lot. So, go figure.
The tip opening is smaller than the B40, with the same facing length (medium-long). What does this mean? Well, you'll need harder reeds than the B40, and much harder reeds than the B50. I'd start with a V12 #3 and work my way up from there.
I have to say, Vandoren had to twist my arm to try it, and I decided that I really like it on the Bb clarinet (the BD7 is my Bb mouthpiece of choice currently). And...the bass clarinet version produces a sweet sound with a fair bit of resistance, which many players really like, especially if they do a lot of doubling on Bb clarinet.
Now, many folks allow for trials of mouthpieces. I don't. Why? (Is it because I'm a jerk? No.) Vandoren's manufacturing and hand-finishing process is so well-oiled, so consistent, that every BD5 is essentially the same.
That said, if you'd like to return it, I can accept it and sell it as used, however there is a $50 restocking fee to cover the reduction in value of the mouthpiece.
