Vandoren B46 - CM345

A Popular Choice in the Bass Clarinet World

On the bass clarinet, the mouthpiece plays a crucial role in ease of sound production and register consistency, especially in jazz contexts where articulation, dynamics, and timbral freedom are sought. Ebony has long been established as a reliable choice for achieving a homogeneous sound and familiar feel, while maintaining precision in attacks.

For Which Musician and Styles

This mouthpiece is intended for bass clarinetists who play jazz (combo, big band, contemporary music) and desire a mouthpiece that responds quickly to playing intentions: clear attacks, flexible and dynamic phrasing. The specified tip opening is particularly suitable for musicians who like to adjust resistance through reed selection and quality of setup (embouchure, air column, neck position).

Sound and Design

The tip opening (gap between the tip of the mouthpiece and the reed) is a central parameter: the wider it is, the more flexibility and potential volume the mouthpiece can offer, at the cost of usually requiring more air and a more finely adapted reed choice. With 2.05 mm, you get a useful baseline adjustment to balance projection, ease of sound production, and control across the entire bass clarinet register. The ebony contributes to a stable and comfortable feel, with a sound generally perceived as round and homogeneous, while remaining responsive to jazz articulations.

Technical specifications