Gleichweit Eb 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.

Exhibit A: Gleichweit makes six different Eb clarinet mouthpieces. I was like, "naw son, I'll take a couple" and selected the two that I thought would be most useful to the most people. Let's take a look at each one I've got in the shop.

The JG6 has a 1.19mm tip opening with a 23mm facing length. This makes its facing larger than all of Vandoren's Eb mouthpieces (the largest, the M30, has a 1.17 tip opening). Great for upper register playing that maintains a full (read: not shrill) sound.

The JG7 has a 1.14mm tip opening with a 22mm facing length. This is basically the same facing as the Vandoren BD5 Eb mouthpiece.

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: I've found the Vandoren V12 reeds work best with these. Smaller tip openings means you will need a harder reed. I'd start with a 2.5-3 and work up from there.

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, a larger tip openings will feel like your reed is harder, smaller tip openings will make the same reed feel softer. Assuming the same tip, a shorter facing will make reeds feel harder, longer facings 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!