Vandoren B40/B45 family of Bb Clarinet Mouthpieces

The B45 was created in 1968 by Bernard Van Doren. It became a wildly popular mouthpiece and remains so to this day. A wider tip opening than the 5RV along with a medium length facing results in great evenness, with a smooth and pure tone and easy articulation. And...it's another mouthpiece I have in my personal rotation.

The B45 and B45• (that's a "dot") have the same facing, but slightly different interior dimensions. The "dot" version I find to be darker and more robust sounding, in exchange for requiring a little more air. The B45-Lyre version is the same as the B45 with a larger tip opening, for softer reeds.

The B40 is a variation of the B45 mouthpiece, with a wider tip rail. Wider tip rails mean that more reed is touching the mouthpiece during each vibration cycle, which, in turn, tends to produce a "velvetier" sound. You will want also to try this with softer reeds than the B45.

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 B40 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.