Vandoren 5RV Profile 88 - CM3018

An Iconic Model in the Vandoren Tradition

In the world of clarinet, the mouthpiece is often considered the "engine" of the instrument: it influences the sound color (the timbre ), ease of play, and the stability of the pitch (the reference tuning). The Vandoren RV has established itself as a reliable choice, so much so that it has been cited for decades in teaching and daily practice. Tradition notably recalls the demand of Ulysse Delecluse (professor at the Paris Conservatory from 1949 to 1978): regardless of level, one should not "choose a second-rate mouthpiece." This exact positioning has made the RV's reputation: a model sufficiently refined to support beginners while remaining relevant for many professionals, before the Vandoren range expanded with other tip openings and concepts.

For Which Musician and Styles

Designed for Bb clarinet and oriented towards classical music, this mouthpiece targets a wide range of clarinetists: beginners seeking a serious and stable reference, intermediates who want to consolidate their sound and intonation, as well as advanced players desiring a reliable foundation for articulation and dynamics work. In practice, it is particularly suited for contexts where clean tone production, careful intonation, and a controllable dynamic palette are expected: lessons, wind orchestra, chamber music, orchestra.

Sound and Design

Made of ebonite, the Vandoren RV aims for a consistent response and comfortable mouthfeel. The tip opening (distance between the tip of the mouthpiece and the reed) specified at 1.065 mm contributes to a sensation of control and a rather "centered" approach to sound, useful for refining attack and stability in both the clarion and chalumeau registers. The chamber (internal volume of the mouthpiece) and the table (surface on which the reed vibrates) strongly influence projection, flexibility, and ease of play; although these parameters are not detailed here, the RV spirit is historically associated with a pursuit of balance: a clean sound, good pitch stability, and homogeneity favorable to classical phrasing. As always, the combination of mouthpiece + reed + ligature will determine the final result: resistance, centering, harmonic richness, and comfort.

Recommended Compatible Accessories

This mouthpiece is delivered without ligature or mouthpiece cap. It is therefore advisable to provide a ligature and a mouthpiece cap suitable for a Bb clarinet ebonite mouthpiece, to ensure consistent reed support, effective protection, and quick daily setup.

Technical specifications

Category	Bb clarinet	Style	classic
Material	Hard rubber	Color	Black
Opening	1,065 mm	Finishing	Glossy

Tip Opening	1.065 mm	Delivered without ligature or mouthpiece cap	Yes
Instrument	Bb Clarinet	Nickel-free mouthpiece guarantee	No
Recommended Style	Classical