Gleichweit Bass 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.

These bass clarinet mouthpieces are unique. Compared to everything else I've tried, they feel quite different to play, but provide a really nice, centered sound. Some are harder to control than others, and would not necessarily be for early-stage players, but which provide a really huge sound-color palette.

The Gleichweit 19 is the most "normal" of the group, and plays really great on Vandoren Traditional #3 reeds. The tip opening (1.98mm) is a little larger than the B40 (1.93mm) though the length is quite similar (Gleichweit measures it at 26mm, whereas Vandoren calls it "Medium-Long" — they're basically the same I think). But the sound you get on the Gleichweit has a wider color palette than the B40. It's kind of like having a B40 and a B45 in the same mouthpiece, if you can imagine that. You just need to choose the right approach and you can get both colors.

The Gleichweit 22-3 is a big mouthpiece. A wider tip opening, and longer facing than anything Vandoren makes, it clocks in with a 2.26mm tip opening and a 31mm length. This mouthpiece will punch any bari sax in the face if it gets too close, but it also has its softer side: even using a #3 reed, it can produce a warm, dark sound with the right embouchure control. I use this analogy a lot, but it is like having a 120-color crayon box instead of a 96-color box; you still have the same "Burnt Umber" crayon, but you've gotta find it.

And holy hell, the Gleichweit Stephan is an insane mouthpiece. Developed for Stephan Vermeersch, they clearly pulled out the chain saw to open this thing up. HUGE mouthpiece: 2.31mm tip opening and a 32mm length. Still, you can play a the same "middle-of-the-road" reed on it, and somehow it doesn't feel like you're driving a Mack Truck. Apparently, this is one of Gleichweit's most popular bass clarinet mouthpieces. I can understand why; using the same crayon analogy, it's like having this.

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.

FAQ

Q: What is the best reed to use on these?
A: Vandoren Traditional bass clarinet reeds, strength 3 or possibly 2.5. You can even go as high as 3.5, depending on your embouchure. If you like Légère reeds, I'd recommend somewhere in the 2.75-3.25 range.

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 tip opening, shorter facings mean less of the reed vibrates...which means the reed feels harder. Longer facings have the opposite effect. This is how you can have a huge tip opening (like the Stephan) and still have the reed feel "normal".

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!