Vandoren B40 Bass Clarinet Mouthpiece
Vandoren B40 Bass Clarinet Mouthpiece
The Vandoren B40 mouthpiece is one of the most popular bass clarinet mouthpieces on the market. It is a terrific mouthpiece for all, but I highly recommend it to beginner/intermediate players because it has a slightly smaller tip-opening (1.93mm vs 2.15mm) than its big brother, the B50. It has a medium-long facing, which provides a nice balance of control-to-volume ratio. (In other words, you will sacrifice a bit of maximum volume, in exchange for an instrument that is easier to control). The tone is focused and will provide a great ensemble playing experience.
If you're looking for the same mouthpiece, but with thinner tip rails, check out the B45. What does a thinner tip rail do? Your sound will be a bit more compact and possibly brighter. You can see a side-by-side comparison of the two mouthpieces below.
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 B40 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.
You simply cannot go wrong with Vandoren, and it's a great value.
Couldn't load pickup availability
Have a look in 360°!
Click & drag to rotate, and double-click to zoom in
- 5 stars: 10 (91%)
- 4 stars: 0 (0%)
- 3 stars: 1 (9%)
- 2 stars: 0 (0%)
- 1 star: 0 (0%)
Mates very well with the Backun Alpha. Sound is rich and responsive. Tolerates this beginner without complaint. I tried the B50 which was good but the B40 worked much better for me. Would buy B40 again
After consulting with Michael, he suggested this mouthpiece as a replacement for a worn-out old B44 I was using with my Royal Global Max. I wanted something a little more open and flexible, but still with a dark, centered sound. Wish granted! This thing produces a beautiful tone from chalumeau to clarion (I don't play much altissimo). Some problematic notes for me, like open G and A just above it, sound so much richer and less airy/fuzzy. This is a great choice for intermediate players who want some extra flexibility but don't want something too hard to control, or for advanced players who just don't want something that's too open.
I'm delighted to have had a recommendation from Earspasm for my level of playing. This mouthpiece is perfect for me, but the customer service - including communication and delivery - was superb. I wish I'd been able to get my instrument from them too!
Wonderful mouthpiece!!!
This is my first bcl mouthpiece and it’s playing great.
Haven't used it. Keeping so I don't order it again.
Amazeballs
Coming from a Selmer C *, I had to go down a strength of reed to make it work, but that did the trick. Quite happy now, thanks.
Been having trouble matching reeds with the mouthpiece. It has been a difficult mouthpiece to play with.
This mouthpiece is amazing!!! Thank you, Mike!!!
Mike does a great job making sure that everything that goes out is right. My new bass clarinet and mouthpiece arrived in perfect playing condition, highly recommended