Gleichweit Bb Clarinet Mouthpieces

Johannes Gleichweit opened up the current incarnation of his mouthpiece practice in 2019, though his experimentation with mouthpieces dates back at least 15 years earlier. His goal is to create a wide range of mouthpieces that are tailored to individual players' needs. As such he has a HUGE variety mouthpieces to choose from. I've curated the ones I think are most likely to appeal to the most players, since I really don't want 75 slightly-different-in-esoteric-ways Gleichweit mouthpieces sitting around the shop.

Johannes' clarinet mouthpeices are becoming really popular in the US lately, and I've seen more and more people coming into the shop playing them. I tried one recently and thought, "huh, this feels familiar, but I get a really clear sound." Apparently that is the consensus; words I've read that describe Gleichweit mouthpieces include relaxes, lyrical, fluid & limpid (I had to look that last one up).

A Flat Table

One interesting feature of these mouthpieces is that they have a FLAT table. Most mouthpieces have a slightly concave table, which is designed to accommodate when reeds get wet — and the back of the reed gets slightly convex (pretty clever, actually). Then, with the slightly concave table and convex reed, everything seals perfectly. Now, if you use synthetic reeds, they never warp, so the concave mouthpiece table becomes slightly less efficient because a minuscule (but important) amount the air will pass between the synthetic reed and the table. That's why Gleichweit mouthpieces immediately feel awesome when you play a synthetic reed on it.

Facing differences

Let's take a look at each one I've got in the shop.

The BW 7-1 has very similar dimensions to the Vandoren BD4, but with a slightly shorter length. The tip is 1.15mm, and length is a smack-dab-in-the-middle 22mm. Gorgeous mouthpiece.

The BW 7-4 is a variant of the 7-1, with the same length (22mm) and a 0.01mm larger tip opening: 1.16mm. Think of this as the Gleichweit BD5...sort of.

The BW-8-4 again features a 22mm length but with a 1.19mm tip opening. This gives it a similar tip opening to a Vandoren B45, but with a shorter length.

While it might seem like all of these are pretty close in dimensions, the differences will feel pretty, well, different. Think about it: the difference between the closest Vandoren clarinet mouthpiece tip and the most open is less than 0.2mm.* (*except their jazz clarinet mouthpieces, which I'd bet most of you have never even seen.)

With these mouthpieces we offer a one-week trial. If you don't like it, return it and we'll refund your method of payment, minus the 3% card transaction fee and 2-way shipping costs.

Fun fact: Gleichweit was one of the early pioneers of using O-rings instead of cork for mouthpieces. He even has a patent for it.

FAQ

Q: What is the difference between "B" and "BW" in Gleichweit mouthpieces?
A: BW indicates A440-441 pitch. The "B" mouthpieces are A442-443. We carry the "BW" but can easily get you "B" — just contact me!

Q: What is the best reed to use on these?
A: I've found the Vandoren Traditional reeds work best with these. Smaller tip openings means you will need a harder reed, so for the 7-1 I'd start with a 3.5 and work down. The 8-4 will likely want a 3.0.

Q: What is a "facing length," and why should I care?
A: Each mouthpiece has a different distance between the tip and the table (the flat part of the mouthpiece that the reed sits on). This length has a bearing on how much of the reed gets to vibrate. Assuming the same length (which these all have: 22mm), larger tip openings will feel like your reed is harder, smaller tip openings will make the same reed feel softer.

Q: How long is your trial period?
A: One week from the date you receive your mouthpiece(s). Important note: We ship internationally, but we do not accept international returns.

Q: If I return them, do I have to pay a fee?
A: Shipping fees (2-way) and a 3% credit card transaction fee (which Visa/Mastercard doesn't refund us) is withheld. Everything else goes back to your method of payment. Important: if the mouthpiece is scratched (by your ligature or your teeth) or has any damage, I'll have to return it to you, and we won't be able to issue a refund. So be careful!

Q: I have another question you haven't answered here.
A: No problem. Contact me!