Vandoren 5JB Profile 88 - CM3108

A "Reference" Mouthpiece in Vandoren's History

In the world of Bb clarinet, the mouthpiece is often considered the "engine" of the instrument: it influences the timbre (the color of the sound) and the pitch (overall tuning). The Vandoren RV has established itself for over half a century as a reliable choice, precisely because it offers a solid and musical foundation, regardless of the register played.

Clarinetist and pedagogue Ulysse Delecluse, professor at the Paris Conservatory from 1949 to 1978, emphasized that one cannot afford to play with a "second-choice" mouthpiece. This demand perfectly sums up the spirit of the RV: a serious, coherent model that has contributed to Vandoren's reputation and paved the way for today's extensive range.

For Which Musician and Which Styles

This Vandoren RV mouthpiece is suitable both for the beginner seeking a reliable foundation and the intermediate or advanced clarinetist looking for stable and expressive playing. Recommended here for jazz, it fits situations where a clear attack, good projection, and clean articulation are expected, while maintaining room for nuance to shape phrases.

In practice, it can also fit various contexts (ensemble, wind band, popular music), as its balance allows working on both intonation and register homogeneity. The final choice will mainly depend on your reed (strength and cut) and your sound concept.

Sound and Design

Made of ebonite, this mouthpiece aims for a sound that is both stable and pleasant: ebonite is appreciated for its feel, consistency, and its ability to produce a full timbre, often perceived as rounder. The tip opening (here 1.47 mm ) corresponds to the gap at the tip of the mouthpiece: the more open it is, the more width and flexibility can be achieved, but this may require more air support and a well-chosen reed. At 1.47 mm, it remains a compromise conducive to control and ease of sound production, while retaining a true presence in the sound.

The mouthpiece directly contributes to projection (the ability to "carry"), intonation, and how the instrument responds in both the high and low registers. Well paired with an appropriate reed, the RV helps achieve a consistent response, clean attacks, and a sound quickly usable in playing situations.

Recommended Compatible Accessories

Since this mouthpiece is delivered without ligature or mouthpiece cap, plan to get a ligature for Bb clarinet mouthpiece (to hold the reed) and a mouthpiece cap (to protect the table and tip). A swab and a reed guard are also useful to preserve the response and lifespan of your reeds.

Technical specifications

Category	Bb clarinet	Style	jazz
Material	Hard rubber	Color	Black
Opening	1,47 mm	Finishing	Glossy

Tip Opening	1.47 mm	Nickel-free mouthpiece guarantee	no
Delivered without ligature or mouthpiece cap	yes