Description
Compare the five mouthpieces
Five Gleichweit Bb clarinet mouthpieces spanning the full range from 1.16 mm to 1.40 mm — one small fee, zero commitment. If you are new to Gleichweit, switching from another brand, or simply not sure where you fall on the spectrum, the Variety Mouthpiece Test Box is the right starting point.
| Model | Tip Opening | Character |
|---|---|---|
| 7-4 | 1.16 mm | Very controlled — classical, orchestral |
| 8-4 | 1.20 mm | Controlled — orchestral, chamber |
| 9-1 | 1.24 mm | Balanced — all-around, versatile |
| 10 | 1.27 mm | Open, flexible — band, contemporary, jazz |
| 13 | 1.40 mm | Very open — jazz, loud ensemble, expressive |
Reeds: Bring a spread. The closed end of this box favours a slightly firmer reed and the open end a softer one, so a 2.5, 3 and 3.5 will cover the range. Reed strength is personal — treat this as a starting point.
What it costs
| Item | Amount | When |
|---|---|---|
| Test fee — non-refundable, and not credited toward any purchase | $40 | Charged at checkout |
| Outbound shipping | Calculated at checkout | Charged at checkout |
| Each mouthpiece you keep | $245 | Invoiced by email after your return arrives |
| Return shipping, tracked | Paid by you | Paid to your carrier |
We do not charge your card a second time. Once your return reaches us we email an invoice for anything you kept, which you can view and pay securely in your customer account. Keep nothing and there is nothing further to pay — the $40 test fee and the shipping you already paid are the full cost of trying.
About Tip Openings
The tip opening is the gap between the reed and the tip of the mouthpiece. A smaller opening requires less air pressure and produces a focused, precise tone — ideal for classical playing. A larger opening gives you more volume headroom and expressive flexibility, favoured in jazz and band settings. Not sure which end you prefer? That is exactly why the Variety Mouthpiece Test Box exists.
Cleaning and hygiene
Every mouthpiece in the Test Box is cleaned by hand and disinfected before it ships to you, and again when it comes back to us. Five fresh mouthpiece patches are included in the box.
Before you send them back: swab each mouthpiece and wipe it with a soft, damp cloth. That is all we ask — the disinfecting is our job.
Never use hot or boiling water, a dishwasher, an ultrasonic cleaner, an alcohol or bleach soak, or any abrasive polish. Each of these can warp, dull or permanently discolour the synthetic material, and a damaged mouthpiece cannot be returned.
What is in the box
Five Gleichweit Bb clarinet mouthpieces — the models listed above — five mouthpiece patches, and protective packaging.
Not included: reeds and ligatures. Play the Test Box on your own clarinet with your own setup — that is the whole point of trying at home.
How it works
1. Order
Your test box ships within 1–2 business days.
2. Play
Your seven days begin on the delivery date. Play them in your own practice routine.
3. Choose
Identify your favourite. Keep it, return the rest.
4. Return
Ship the rest back by day seven, tracked, at your own expense.
5. Pay
We invoice $245 for each mouthpiece you kept, once your return arrives.
6. No obligation to purchase
Return all five if none is the right match.
Deadlines, returns and damage
| Situation | What happens |
|---|---|
| Your seven days | They begin on the date the package is delivered. Your return must be shipped by day seven — postmarked, not received. |
| You need more time | Email us before day seven. Late returns are handled case by case, and we would far rather hear from you than not. |
| The return is lost in transit | The sender bears responsibility, which is why we ask for a tracked service. Keep your tracking number until we confirm the package arrived. |
| A mouthpiece is missing from the return | It is treated as kept, and invoiced at $245. |
| Scratches, bite marks or other damage | A damaged mouthpiece cannot go back into stock. It will be invoiced at $245 and shipped back to you. Use the included patches and take care with your ligature. |
| Return address | 214 Market Street, APT 404, Brighton, MA 02135 |
FAQ
What exactly does the $40 cover?
How do I pay for a mouthpiece I keep?
Can I keep more than one?
What if none of them work for me?
Have these mouthpieces been played by other people?
Do you provide a return label?
Is this the right tip range for me?
Not sure this is your range?
Compare the other Test Boxes, or answer a few short questions and we will point you at a starting model.
Closed-Tip Mouthpiece Test Box · Medium-Tip Mouthpiece Test Box · Open-Tip Mouthpiece Test Box · Clarinet Mouthpiece Matchmaker →
Care note: Test Box mouthpieces are made of premium synthetic material. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or heat, which can cause discolouration over time. Clean with a soft, damp cloth.
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