Detail 01
Ebonite body
Hard rubber, the standard clarinet mouthpiece material. Warmer and less edgy than crystal or metal, and less prone to condensation issues.
Product detailSKU #1274228081231
VandorenB40 Lyre Bb Clarinet Mouthpiece B40 Lyre - Traditional
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
Vandoren B40 Lyre mouthpiece for Bb clarinet in ebonite. A step-up piece for students and amateurs moving off a factory mouthpiece.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Replacing the stock mouthpiece that shipped with a student clarinet
- Concert band and orchestral players wanting a standard hard-rubber piece
- Anyone rebuilding a setup around a known, widely available model
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Bass, alto, or Eb clarinet players — this is Bb only
- Players already settled on a different facing they like
- Anyone expecting a complete ready-to-play kit
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
B40 Lyre designation
A specific facing and chamber within Vandoren's lineup. Reed strength that worked on your old mouthpiece may need adjusting.
Detail 03
Bb clarinet fit
Sized for the standard soprano Bb clarinet. It will not seat on other clarinet sizes.
Detail 04
Traditional finish
Cosmetic only. It doesn't change how the mouthpiece plays.
Detail 05
$131.50
Priced as a real upgrade piece, well above the plastic mouthpiece bundled with beginner instruments.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01No ligature, cap, or reeds included — you'll need your existing ones
- 02Expect a short adjustment period; reed strength often needs rethinking
- 03Ebonite discolors with UV and heat, so don't store it in a car
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01Does it come with a ligature and cap?
No. This is the mouthpiece alone. Plan on using your current ligature and cap, and confirm your ligature fits an ebonite Bb mouthpiece.
02What reed strength should I use?
Start with the strength you play now, then adjust. Changing mouthpieces often shifts what feels right by half a step in either direction.
03Is ebonite better than plastic?
Ebonite is hard rubber and machined to closer tolerances than the molded plastic mouthpieces bundled with beginner clarinets. That consistency is most of the difference players hear.
04Will this fit my bass clarinet?
No. It's cut for Bb soprano clarinet. Bass clarinet uses a physically larger mouthpiece.
Reference
Full specifications
The complete catalog record, organized around the decisions musicians make when comparing gear.
2 detailsBody & build
- Fingerboard Material
- Ebonite
- Color
- Traditional
