Detail 01
106.5 tip opening
About 1.07mm — close by clarinet standards. Less resistance to control, more forgiving embouchure, easier soft playing.
Product detailSKU #1274228081436
Vandoren5RV Series Bb Clarinet Mouthpieces Traditional
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
Hard rubber Bb clarinet mouthpiece with a close facing. A standard step up from a stock student mouthpiece for concert and classical playing.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Students moving off a factory plastic mouthpiece
- Concert band and orchestral playing where a focused tone matters
- Players who want easier response in the upper register
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Loud jazz or outdoor work needing a wide-open facing
- Anyone needing a ready-to-play setup out of the box
- Eb, bass, or A clarinet players — this is Bb
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 02
Medium-close facing
Short reed vibration length. Responds fast, favors softer reed strengths, caps how loud you can push before it closes up.
Detail 03
Hard rubber (ebonite)
Warmer and less bright than plastic. Denser material, so tone core is more stable, but it can warp in heat.
Detail 04
No ligature included
You need a ligature and cap separately, or reuse yours if it fits hard rubber barrel dimensions.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Budget for a ligature and cap — neither is in the box
- 02Close facings pair better with medium to harder reeds
- 03Keep it out of hot cars; hard rubber discolors and can distort
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01What reed strength should I use with a 5RV?
The medium-close facing generally wants a slightly harder reed than an open mouthpiece would. Start around 3 and adjust by feel and response.
02Will my current ligature fit?
No ligature ships with it. Most standard Bb clarinet ligatures fit hard rubber mouthpieces, but check yours seats flat over the reed.
03Is this good for a beginner?
Yes. The close tip opening is easy to control and forgiving of a developing embouchure, which is why it's a common first upgrade.
04How do I care for hard rubber?
Swab it after playing, avoid heat and direct sun, and don't soak it in hot water. Ebonite can oxidize to a green-brown tint over time.
Reference
Full specifications
The complete catalog record, organized around the decisions musicians make when comparing gear.
1 detailsBody & build
- Material
- Hard Rubber (Ebonite)
3 detailsOther
- Tip Opening
- 106.5
- Ligature
- Not Included
- Facing
- Med Close
