Clarinet Factory Tour7

Clarinet and saxophone mouthpieces are mainly categorized based on their tip opening and facing length. Other factors that affect sound and playing feel include baffle thickness, bank height, and tip rail shape.

Functions of mouthpiece parts Characteristics

Tip opening The tip opening controls the sound volume. When the tip opening is set to a wide position, more air must be blown through it. A wide setting expands the volume breadth and flexibility, but is more difficult to control. When the tip opening is set to a narrow position, less air needs to be blown through it. This reduces flexibility, but improves stability. Three variations: 4CM to 6CM. Select the one that works for you based on your playing style. 4CM is narrowest, and 6CM the widest.

Facing The facing controls sound flexibility. A long facing makes legato setting easier and improves flexibility. However, this makes it more likely that the sound will lose definition. A short facing provides clear demarcations between sounds. Flexibility declines, but sound definition is improved. Yamaha uses a medium length for good flexibility and sound demarcation.

Baffle A thick baffle provides muted, subdued sounds. A thin baffle provides bright, er tones. In recent years, saxophone players have wanted to produce brighter sounds, so thin mouthpieces with easy-to-control baffles have become the mainstream. Yamaha baffles are somewhat thin for a rich, vibrant sound.

Bank The bank controls the sound and air flow. A high setting provides brighter sounds and increases elasticity, but air flow is accordingly poorer. A low setting provides better air flow, while sounds become muted and elasticity declines. Are somewhat low to ensure smooth air flow, but high enonsh for Yamaha banks good tonal projection.

Tip rail The tip rail controls sound and response.
A wide tip rail setting results in poorer response and muted sounds. A narrow tip rail with sharp edges provides better response and brighter sounds. Yamaha tip rails are somewhat narrow to ensure good response.

Chamber capacity The chamber capacity controls the sound.
A large capacity makes sounds muted, heavy, and "fat". A small capacity makes sounds bright, light, and "thin". Yamaha chambers are large enough for a big warm sound, but small enough to maintain "life" in the sound.

	Functions of mouthpiece parts	Characteristics
Tip opening	The tip opening controls the sound volume. When the tip opening is set to a wide position, more air must be blown through it. A wide setting expands the volume breadth and flexibility, but is more difficult to control. When the tip opening is set to a narrow position, less air needs to be blown through it. This reduces flexibility, but improves stability.	Three variations: 4CM to 6CM. Select the one that works for you based on your playing style. 4CM is narrowest, and 6CM the widest.
Facing	The facing controls sound flexibility. A long facing makes legato setting easier and improves flexibility. However, this makes it more likely that the sound will lose definition. A short facing provides clear demarcations between sounds. Flexibility declines, but sound definition is improved.	Yamaha uses a medium length for good flexibility and sound demarcation.
Baffle	A thick baffle provides muted, subdued sounds. A thin baffle provides bright, er tones. In recent years, saxophone players have wanted to produce brighter sounds, so thin mouthpieces with easy-to-control baffles have become the mainstream.	Yamaha baffles are somewhat thin for a rich, vibrant sound.
Bank	The bank controls the sound and air flow. A high setting provides brighter sounds and increases elasticity, but air flow is accordingly poorer. A low setting provides better air flow, while sounds become muted and elasticity declines.	Are somewhat low to ensure smooth air flow, but high enonsh for Yamaha banks good tonal projection.
Tip rail	The tip rail controls sound and response. A wide tip rail setting results in poorer response and muted sounds. A narrow tip rail with sharp edges provides better response and brighter sounds.	Yamaha tip rails are somewhat narrow to ensure good response.
Chamber capacity	The chamber capacity controls the sound. A large capacity makes sounds muted, heavy, and "fat". A small capacity makes sounds bright, light, and "thin".	Yamaha chambers are large enough for a big warm sound, but small enough to maintain "life" in the sound.