Description
The Gleichweit B8-4 Bb clarinet mouthpiece is a medium-tip Bb clarinet mouthpiece with a balanced, focused tone – a versatile model comparable to the Vandoren M30, but with the precision and consistency of Gleichweit’s CNC manufacturing.
Machined from your choice of high-grade synthetic material or hard rubber on advanced CNC equipment, the B8-4 provides a reliable, even playing experience. The 1.20 mm tip opening sits comfortably in the medium range – responsive enough for fast articulation yet open enough for expressive phrase shaping.
The built-in O-ring system ensures a secure, airtight fit while protecting the instrument tenon. The BES hard rubber version is supplied with a traditional cork-fitted tenon instead.
The B8-4 delivers a warm, centred tone with well-defined projection and smooth response from the chalumeau through the altissimo. A highly popular choice for both orchestral players and advanced students.
Every version of the B8-4 shares the same facing and tip opening – only the material, the tenon fitting and the tuning pitch differ. Select your version in the Bore menu above.
| Version | Material | Tenon | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| BW – Boehm440–441 Hz | SyntheticBlack | O-ring | $245 |
| BE – Premium Hard Rubber440–441 Hz | Premium hard rubber (ebonite)Black only | O-ring | $350 |
| B – Boehm441–442 Hz | SyntheticBlack | O-ring | $245 |
| BES – Hard Rubber440–441 Hz | Standard hard rubberBlack only | Cork | $320 |
Hard rubber versions: stock of the BE and BES models is limited, so we cannot send them out for testing and they are not part of our test-before-buying program. Buy the one you would like to try, play it at home, and return it within 3 days of delivery if it is not the right fit.
| Facing length | 22 mm |
| Tip opening | 1.20 mm |
| Clarinet type | Bb clarinet |
| Reed style | French facing |
- ✓Warm, centred tone
- ✓Versatile medium response
- ✓Well-defined projection
- ✓Smooth across all registers
- ✓Consistent, reliable intonation
The B8-4 works with a wide range of French reeds, particularly those designed for medium tip openings like the M30 range.
Légère French Cut
Vandoren V12
Vandoren Traditional
Vandoren Rue Lepic
D’Addario Reserve Classic
Pilgerstorfer
Leuthner
Milos –
I have been playing the Gleichweit B8-4 for the past three years, and it is the best mouthpiece I have ever owned. The response is incredibly even throughout all registers, with excellent intonation and effortless articulation. It provides consistency and confidence in every performance.