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.

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

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

Deadlines, returns and damage

FAQ

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.

Compare the five mouthpieces

Five Gleichweit Bb clarinet mouthpieces, each machined from premium synthetic material to identical tolerances — only the tip opening differs.

Reeds: Open tips generally want a softer reed. If you normally play a 3.5, try a 3 or 2.5 across the box. Reed strength is personal — treat this as a starting point.

What it costs

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 Open Tip Openings

The tip opening is the gap between the reed and the mouthpiece tip. An open tip (1.27–1.40 mm) gives the reed maximum freedom to vibrate — producing a big, warm, resonant sound with expressive dynamic range. Open tips require more breath support but reward you with incredible tone richness and flexibility.

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

Deadlines, returns and damage

FAQ

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.

Compare the five mouthpieces

Five Gleichweit Bb clarinet mouthpieces, each machined from premium synthetic material to identical tolerances — only the tip opening differs.

Reeds: Medium tips suit most standard strengths. A 3 to 3.5 is a sensible starting point. Reed strength is personal — treat this as a starting point.

What it costs

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 Medium Tip Openings

The tip opening is the gap between the reed and the mouthpiece tip. A medium tip (1.17–1.24 mm) gives the reed comfortable movement — producing a warm, resonant tone that works across a wide range of musical styles. If you are unsure where to start, medium is usually the right call.

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

Deadlines, returns and damage

FAQ

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.

Compare the five mouthpieces

Five Gleichweit Bb clarinet mouthpieces, each machined from premium synthetic material to identical tolerances — only the tip opening differs.

Reeds: Closed tips generally pair with a slightly firmer reed. If you normally play a 3, try a 3.5 across the box. Reed strength is personal — treat this as a starting point.

What it costs

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 Closed Tip Openings

The tip opening is the gap between the reed and the mouthpiece tip. A closed tip (1.01–1.20 mm) means less reed movement — producing a focused, clear, controlled sound with quick response. Most classical and orchestral players work within this range.

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

Deadlines, returns and damage

FAQ

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.