Vandoren BD5 Alto Clarinet Mouthpiece
Vandoren BD5 Alto Clarinet Mouthpiece
With a tip opening of 1.26mm and a medium facing, this is pretty much the "middle-of-the-road" facing for Alto clarinet mouthpieces, which makes it a great first Alto clarinet mouthpiece. (Could also be your last Alto clarinet mouthpiece — I've had mine for 25 years. Then again, I also have the B40 in rotation.)
What reed to pair this with? I'd suggest starting with a Vandoren Traditional 3 or 3.5. But if you're feeling experimental, why not try out the Vandoren V12 Alto Sax reeds? They fit the mouthpiece very well, and offer a slightly fuller cut.
TRIALS?
Now, many folks allow for trials of mouthpieces. With Vandoren 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 mouthpiece of the same model 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 $30 restocking fee to cover the reduction in value of the mouthpiece.
You simply cannot go wrong with Vandoren, and it's a great value.