Vandoren BD5 Bass Clarinet Mouthpiece
Vandoren BD5 Bass Clarinet Mouthpiece
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.
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Vandoren has been making clarinet mouthpieces for many years, and they have been used by clarinetists of all levels for decades. The 5RV/2RV was the first mouthpiece that I used when I began clarinet 50 years ago. They have always been a good mouthpiece, and relatively consistent, and have always been a good value when compared to custom mouthpiece. The B45 and BD 5 bass clarinet mouthpiece are no exception. These mouthpieces are both great mouthpieces tor bass clarinet, and although different, provide bass clarinetist's with a good sound and flexibility. Using a Rovner Mk. III ligaature and Legere reeds, both mouthpieces produce a warm, dark, full and robust sound--from the low C (or Eb) all the way into the altissimo register. While the B45 is a bit more free blowing and the BD5 a bit more resistant, both respond well. While either of these mouthpieces may not be to everyone's taste, Vandoren does have many models to select from, and as the overall quality is excellent, you will not be disappointed by the mouthpiece that you select.