Vandoren BD Clarinet Mouthpieces Review | BD4 vs BD5 vs BD7

In this video we discuss and demonstrate the Vandoren Black Diamond 'BD' Clarinet mouthpiece models, available via https://www.dawkes.co.uk/clarinets/ac...

Launched in 2015 the Black Diamond ebonite mouthpiece features a unique internal and external design. The first model was a BD5 which has since been followed by the BD4 and BD7. The new internal design developments offer the musician a full sound, rich in depth and colour, especially in the upper register of the clarinet.

The BD4 has a slightly more open tip than the BD5 (115.5 vs 113), it also has a slightly longer facing length which will make reeds feel a little softer. We've found this new BD4 is suited to those who like the BD5 but would prefer a slightly softer reed set-up and also a marginally broader sound with slightly less focus and a modified response.

The BD5 was the original model and it proved to be a massive hit. Vandoren were soon selling more of this mouthpiece than any other and it was the catalyst for the creation of the BD4 and BD7. The BD5 became so popular because it offers a great balance between a rich centred sound but without feeling too pinched. It also works great with Rue L'Epic #3 or #3.5 which tends to be a popular set-up.

The BD7 offers a very broad and wide sound. It's got a very large tip opening and as such tends to suit quite a soft reed set-up and an advanced embouchure. Perhaps it would be ideal for a doubler and/or towards the jazz end of Clarinet playing due the very large tip opening and long facing. It's not as large as a JB5 but it's larger than the B45 Lyre which would be the next step down normally.