How to Choose a Clarinet Mouthpiece
- 1). Go to a musical instrument store if possible. While you can order all sorts of products off the Internet, seeing the mouthpiece in person is much more effective in helping you decide.
- 2). Consider whether you would prefer a hard rubber or plastic mouthpiece. Plastic mouthpieces are more susceptible to cracking and have a shorter life due to warping but are mass produced, making them cheaper and more beginner friendly. Hard rubber mouthpieces are generally better mouthpieces, delivering a fuller sound, but are more expensive and occasionally designed more for the advanced player. If you are planning to replace this new mouthpiece at any point in the near future, buy plastic. If you are looking for the best quality, select hard rubber.
- 3). Examine the facing length and tip opening. Beginners often work with a longer-facing length and small tip opening but ultimately what works best is up to you.
- 4). Test the mouthpieces. You should never purchase a mouthpiece if you cannot try it out. Choose a few that you like at the instrument store and ask if they have a room where you can test them. Try to use each with your own clarinet and reeds as it will be used with them if you purchase it. Listen to the sound depth to decide which sound you like best.
- 5). Compare prices of the same mouthpieces at other vendors. If there are other stores you can call, do so, otherwise get online and search sellers that way. If you are purchasing a hard rubber mouthpiece you may want to buy the one you tested because they can vary. Plastic ones are mass produced so there should not be a great deal of difference between them from store to store.
- 6). Purchase the mouthpiece you like best. Remember that it will not be the last one you purchase, so pick one that works best for where your skills and needs are when you buy it.
Source...