There are many different sizes and shapes of clarinet mouthpieces to choose from, so it can be overwhelming for a beginner when shopping for one. As a beginner, you should look for a clarinet mouthpiece that is easy to play and provides good sound quality. Here is a beginner’s shopping guide to help you choose the right clarinet mouthpiece.
Size: Clarinet mouthpieces come in different sizes, including small, medium-small, medium, medium-large, and large. Beginners should opt for a medium size mouthpiece as it is easier to play than smaller or larger sizes.
Tip Opening: Tip open is the distance between the top of the tip rail and the bottom of the tip rail. It is measured in millimeters and ranges from 2mm-7mm. Beginners should opt for a tip opening of 4mm-5mm as this gives you a balanced sound.
Rails: The rails are the sides of the mouthpiece and the thickness of the rails affect the sound. A thicker rail gives a brighter sound while a thinner rail gives a darker sound. Beginners should opt for a medium thickness rail as it gives a balanced sound.
Material: Clarinet mouthpieces are made from a variety of materials such as hard rubber, plastic, or metal. Beginners should opt for a hard rubber mouthpiece as it is easier to play and provides good sound quality.
Price: Clarinet mouthpieces range in price from $20 to over $100. Beginners should opt for a low-end model as it will provide good sound quality without breaking the bank.
Once you have chosen the right clarinet mouthpiece, it is important to take good care of it by cleaning it regularly and storing it properly. With the right care, your clarinet mouthpiece should last for years to come.