Korena
Product detailSKU #1274319723477

Clark W FobesSan Francisco BBb Contrabass Clarinet Mouthpiece

Clark W Fobes
Clark W Fobes San Francisco BBb Contrabass Clarinet Mouthpiece

Independent shopping perspective

The Korena take

Mouthpiece for the BBb contrabass clarinet, the largest of the clarinet family. A specialist purchase for players who own or play that horn.

Clark W Fobes San Francisco BBb Contrabass Clarinet Mouthpiece product detail
Product studyClark W Fobes San Francisco BBb Contrabass Clarinet Mouthpiece

Strong match

Who this is for

  • BBb contrabass players in a clarinet choir or wind ensemble low section
  • Schools replacing a worn or missing contrabass mouthpiece
  • Low-reed doublers who need a dedicated contrabass setup

Consider the trade-offs

When to look elsewhere

  • EEb contra-alto clarinet — a different horn, different mouthpiece
  • Bass clarinet players, who need a bass piece instead
  • Anyone shopping without confirming which contra they actually have

What matters in use

The specifications, translated

Catalog numbers tell only part of the story. These are the details most likely to change how this product feels, sounds, or fits into a setup.

Detail 01

BBb contrabass

The lower of the two contras, an octave under bass clarinet. Not interchangeable with the EEb contra-alto.

Detail 02

Takes contrabass reeds

Contrabass reeds are their own size and cost more than bass reeds. Bass reeds will not cover the table.

Detail 03

$350

The most expensive piece here by a wide margin, reflecting how few contrabass mouthpieces get made.

Detail 04

Clark W Fobes

A single-reed mouthpiece specialist, which matters most at the contra end where options are limited.

Detail 05

Mouthpiece only

It affects response and intonation on a horn where both are the usual struggle. It does not replace a neck or repad.

Final check

Know before you order

  1. 01Verify your horn is BBb contrabass, not EEb contra-alto, before ordering
  2. 02Budget separately for contrabass reeds and a ligature that fits this size
  3. 03Check the neck cork — a large mouthpiece exposes a loose fit fast

Product questions

Before you decide

Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.

01Will this fit an EEb contra-alto clarinet?

No. This is for BBb contrabass. Contra-alto is a smaller, higher horn and uses its own mouthpiece size.

02How do I tell which contra I have?

Check the horn's markings or its lowest sounding pitch. BBb contrabass sounds an octave below bass clarinet; EEb contra-alto sits between them.

03Can I use bass clarinet reeds on it?

No. Contrabass reeds are larger. A bass reed will not cover the table or seal properly.

04Why does it cost more than the bass pieces?

Contrabass mouthpieces are made in far smaller numbers and use more material. The price gap is normal across the category.