Detail 01
Ebonite (hard rubber) body
Warmer and less brittle than plastic, and stable in pitch once warmed up. Reacts to heat, so avoid leaving it in a hot car.
Product detailSKU #1274228081024
VandorenB40 Lyre Bb Clarinet Mouthpiece B40 Lyre - Profile 88
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
Ebonite Bb clarinet mouthpiece with a medium-long facing and Profile 88 beak. For intermediate and advanced players moving off a stock student mouthpiece.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Students outgrowing the mouthpiece that came with their clarinet
- Concert band and orchestral playing where a round, centered tone matters
- Players who want more depth without switching reed strength
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- First-week beginners still building embouchure and air support
- Players committed to a Profile 88 alternative beak angle they already like
- Anyone needing a jazz-oriented, bright and edgy setup
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
Profile 88 beak
The beak angle is 88 degrees rather than the older 84. Less lower-lip pressure and a more upright horn angle for many players.
Detail 03
B40 tip opening
Wider than most student mouthpieces. Gives more volume and flexibility but needs steadier air to keep the tone centered.
Detail 04
Bb clarinet fit
Sized for a standard Bb soprano clarinet. It will not fit bass, alto, or Eb clarinets.
Detail 05
Molded from a single blank
Facing and chamber are consistent unit to unit, so a replacement years later plays close to the one you have now.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01No reeds, ligature, or cap included. Budget for those separately.
- 02The wide tip opening usually wants a softer reed than you currently play.
- 03Give yourself a couple of weeks to adapt before judging it.
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01Will my current ligature fit this mouthpiece?
Most standard Bb clarinet ligatures fit. Ebonite mouthpieces are a common size, though tight metal ligatures cut for a specific brand can sit slightly high or low.
02What reed strength should I use with a B40 Lyre?
Players often drop about half a strength from what they use on a student mouthpiece, because of the wider tip opening. Try a couple of strengths and pick what speaks cleanly.
03What is the difference between Profile 88 and the traditional profile?
Profile 88 has an 88-degree beak instead of 84. The clarinet sits at a slightly different angle and many players find less lower-lip pressure is needed.
04How do I clean an ebonite mouthpiece?
Swab it after every session and rinse occasionally in lukewarm water with mild soap. Hot water and alcohol dull the finish and can warp the facing.
Reference
Full specifications
The complete catalog record, organized around the decisions musicians make when comparing gear.
2 detailsBody & build
- Fingerboard Material
- Ebonite
- Color
- Profile 88
