Vandoren B50 Bass Clarinet Mouthpiece
Vandoren B50 Bass Clarinet Mouthpiece
The Vandoren B50 mouthpiece is my go-to mouthpiece. It's got a huge dynamic range, especially when paired with the right reed (Vandoren V12 or V21 2.5) . It has a large tip-opening (215mm) and a long facing. Compared to the B40 or B45, it will deliver much more volume and tone color variation, but will require a bit more control to keep timbre in check. For this reason, it is a mouthpiece I recommend to players who have a bit more experience and are already comfortable with the particular voicing needs of the bass 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 B50 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.
I've played this mouthpiece for years and I recommend it highly.
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: 0 (0%)
- 2 stars: 1 (9%)
- 1 star: 0 (0%)
This mouthpiece is awesome! I’m a jazz player, and this mouthpiece gives the BC an almost tenor saxophone like power, but with the control and nuance of a BC. Simply awesome! I also find it pairs extremely well with the legere French cut tenor saxophone reeds.
Do you have much air in your lungs and know how to blow steadily? The B50 has one of the largest tip openings for you to get rid of all the air. Big sound. The large tip opening will probably make you choose a lighter reed (2.5-3).
This mouthpiece has been a great introduction out of the world of stock mouthpieces. Although the 2.5 V21 hasn’t given me my desired sound I first need to find the right reed for the right sound. This is a great and friendly first time mouthpiece.
It's a classic! I love the flexibility of this mouthpiece.
It was very surprising to see how very extremely thick the side rails and the tip rail are on this B50 bass clarinet mouthpiece. I’ve played tons of top quality clarinet, saxophone, & bass clarinet mouthpieces for many decades and I’ve never seen such enormously thick rails on any mouthpiece. As would be expected by the presence of such thick rails, it plays stuffy and muffled. My Clark Fobes bass clar. mouthpiece plays much better than the B50, so I’ll keep playing the Fobes.
The Vandoren B50 is a very open mouthpiece, it does not feel very resistant to play. Which is what I was looking for.
A serious upgrade from my BD5. The B50 provide a clear and focused sound with an incredible dynamic range. This mouthpiece keeps it's core in the loudest of fortissimo to the quietest of pianissimo. It took a day to get used to the feeling of it as it really rattles and feels incredibly free blowing which can be daunting at first but after getting used to it one can really appreciate the flexibility. This mouthpiece is a must have for players who play a lot of bass and want to put a lot of air through their instruments. Thank you Michael for helping me pick this out and the amazing quality and care of the parcel.
After getting some softer reeds (legere 2.5), this mouthpiece is as good as you say. It plays evenly across the breaks, it has great ring in the low end (on a Buffet 1180), and the intonation is good. And the dynamic range is just incredible. Thanks.
This is a wonderful mouthpiece which I highly recommend. It might be hard to control at first but that is because of the sheer amount of freedom of color and dynamics you are given. After you adjust it can produce a rich dark tone without losing dynamic range. I use V12 2.5s with this mouthpiece.
P.S. the packaging is exquisite as always!
My Kessler Low C and Vandoren B40 arrived quickly, well-packed and in ready-to-play condition. Earspasm.com is a GREAT resource for all things bass clarinet. Expert advice and excellent communication throughout the selection and ordering process. Thank you, Michael!
I'm playing on a Selmer 37 low C bass clarinet (1990's) with Mel Bay neck adapter. The Vandoren B50 is a very loose fit and requires paper shims, but plays similarly to a Selmer Concept mouthpiece. I feel the Concept is a bit darker and more resistant. All registers respond well on both mouthpieces. Tenor reeds < V12 < V21 2 1/2 in terms of resistance. V21 3's are a bit much for me.