Vandoren B45. - CM309

A Vandoren Mouthpiece Designed for Clarinetists’ Versatility

The B45 CM309 belongs to the great tradition of Vandoren Bb clarinet mouthpieces. Over the decades, the French brand has established itself as a benchmark among conservatory students, orchestral musicians and contemporary music performers, thanks to its expertise in reeds, mouthpieces and accessories for wind instruments.

This B45 version retains the essential technical characteristics of the B45 while offering greater ease of response. It is therefore a wise choice for clarinetists looking for an expressive, comfortable mouthpiece that is versatile enough to support the development of their playing.

Which Clarinetists and Repertoires Is It Designed For?

The Vandoren B45 CM309 mouthpiece is primarily intended for intermediate to advanced clarinetists, but it can also suit a serious beginner working with a teacher. Its balance between opening and control helps develop a steady air stream without imposing excessive resistance.

Its versatility makes it suitable for classical repertoire, concert band music, orchestral playing, chamber ensembles and popular music. It is ideal for musicians who want to maintain clear articulation and good control over dynamics, from pianissimo to more powerful passages.

A Round, Free and Easy-to-Shape Sound

Made from ebonite, the B45 CM309 produces a balanced, focused and warm sound. This dense material promotes good tonal stability and provides a familiar feel beneath the lips. The result is a tone rich enough to give musical phrases depth, while remaining consistent throughout the low, middle and high registers of the Bb clarinet.

Its 1.195 mm opening provides comfortable airflow and excellent dynamic flexibility. The opening, also known as the tip opening, is the space between the end of the reed and the tip of the mouthpiece: it directly influences playing freedom, available power and the choice of reed strength.

The B45 CM309’s medium-long top contributes to a stable and precise response. The top is the flat part of the mouthpiece on which the reed rests; its length affects the feeling of resistance, ease of articulation and flexibility of the sound. Here, it helps maintain a smooth response without sacrificing clarity in the attacks.

Recommended Compatible Accessories

As this mouthpiece is supplied on its own, it requires a ligature for a Bb clarinet mouthpiece as well as a suitable mouthpiece cap. It can be paired with reeds for Bb clarinet. To keep its surface in good condition, using a mouthpiece patch is also recommended during extended rehearsals.

Technical specifications

Category	Bb clarinet	Style	traditional
Material	Hard rubber	Color	Black
Opening	1,195 mm	Finishing	Glossy

Product type	Bb clarinet mouthpiece	Recommended traditional reed strengths	2.5 to 3.5
Tip opening	1.195 mm	Recommended V12 reed strengths	3 to 3.5+
Positioning	medium opening, offering a compromise between ease of blowing and control	Recommended 56 Rue Lepic reed strengths	3 to 3.5
Design	geometry developed to preserve the tonal characteristics of the B45 while facilitating response	Recommended V21 reed strengths	3 to 3.5+
Influence on playing	smooth response, balanced tone and good adaptability across the different registers of the clarinet	Model	B45 CM309
Top length	medium-long	Special feature	same technical characteristics as the B45, with facilitated response
Desired effect	precise articulation, reed stability and flexibility of expression	Accessories included	none
Compatible instrument	Bb clarinet	Supplied without	ligature and mouthpiece cap
Recommended reeds	Bb clarinet reeds