Vandoren Bb Clarinet Mouthpiece B45

Professional versatility with rich, centred tone

The Vandoren B45 Bb Clarinet Mouthpiece is one of the most popular and versatile clarinet mouthpieces in the world. Known for its balanced tone, flexible response, and reliable intonation, the B45 has become a go-to choice for advancing students, serious hobbyists, and professional performers alike. Its medium tip opening and carefully designed facing length allow players to produce a full, centred sound with excellent control across all registers.

When you buy your Vandoren B45 from us, you’re getting more than just a mouthpiece. Every order is carefully packed by musicians who understand woodwind gear, and we stock a wide range of clarinet reeds, ligatures, and clarinet accessories to help you build the perfect setup. Whether you're upgrading from a beginner mouthpiece or refining your professional sound, we’re here to help you get the most out of your instrument.

Key Features

Balanced Tone

Produces a rich, focused sound that remains warm in the low register and clear in the upper register, ideal for both ensemble and solo performance.

Medium Tip Opening

The moderate tip opening offers a great balance between flexibility and control, making it easier to shape dynamics and articulation.

Flexible Response

Responds quickly to changes in air support and embouchure, helping players move smoothly between registers and styles.

Reliable Intonation

Carefully engineered facing design supports stable pitch, which is essential for band, orchestra, and chamber playing.

Versatile for Many Styles

Equally at home in classical, concert band, pit orchestra, and contemporary settings when paired with the right Bb clarinet reeds.

High-Quality Ebonite

Made from premium ebonite for consistency, durability, and tonal warmth trusted by clarinetists worldwide.

Technical Specifications

  • Instrument: Bb Clarinet
  • Tip Opening: 119.5 (1/100 mm)
  • Facing Length: Medium
  • Material: Ebonite (hard rubber)
  • Sound Profile: Warm, centred, flexible
  • Recommended Reed Strength: 2.5–3.5 (varies by brand)
  • Manufactured in France
  • Compatible with standard Bb clarinet ligatures

Who Should Use the B45?

Advancing Students: The B45 is a major step up from stock mouthpieces that come with beginner clarinets. It offers better control, fuller tone, and more consistent intonation, making school band and exam performance more comfortable.

High School and University Players: For players tackling more demanding repertoire, the B45 provides the flexibility needed for expressive phrasing and dynamic control in wind ensemble and orchestra settings.

Community and Amateur Musicians: If you play in a concert band, musical theatre pit, or chamber group, the B45 gives you a reliable, professional-style sound without requiring an extreme embouchure adjustment.

Doubler Musicians: Saxophonists who double on clarinet often find the B45 approachable and adaptable when paired with comfortable mouthpiece patches.

B45 vs Other Popular Mouthpieces

Compared to the Vandoren B40, the B45 has a slightly more open tip, offering increased flexibility and dynamic range. Players who want a bit more freedom in tone shaping often prefer the B45.

Against the Vandoren 5RV Lyre, the B45 generally feels more open and adaptable, while the 5RV Lyre is often described as more focused and resistant. The B45 can be easier for players who want a broader tonal palette.

When compared with many entry-level plastic mouthpieces, the B45 provides significantly improved projection, tonal depth, and response, especially when paired with quality Vandoren reeds.

Why Buy From Us?

We carefully select and store all woodwind mouthpieces to ensure they arrive in excellent condition. Our team understands reed and mouthpiece pairing, and we stock a wide range of reeds, ligatures, cleaning swabs, and instrument care products so you can complete your setup in one place. Fast dispatch and knowledgeable support make upgrading your clarinet setup easy.

Complete Your Setup

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the B45 good for beginners?
It’s best suited to students who have been playing for at least a year and are ready for a more responsive mouthpiece.
What reed strength works best?
Most players use strengths between 2.5 and 3.5 depending on brand and personal preference.
Does it improve tone immediately?
Many players notice a fuller, more centred sound right away, though adjustment time is normal.
Is it suitable for orchestral playing?
Yes, its balanced tone and stable intonation make it a strong choice for orchestral and band settings.
What ligature should I use?
It fits most standard Bb clarinet ligatures, including metal and fabric styles.
How is it different from the B40?
The B45 has a slightly larger tip opening, offering more flexibility and dynamic range.
Is it made of plastic?
No, it is made from ebonite, a high-quality hard rubber used in professional mouthpieces.
Can this help with high notes?
Yes, its design supports stable response and clearer tone in the upper register.
Does it come with a cap and ligature?
It typically includes a mouthpiece cap but not always a ligature, so check product details.
How do I care for it?
Rinse with lukewarm water and use a soft cloth. Avoid hot water and harsh chemicals.

Need Help Choosing?

Our team can help you match this mouthpiece with the right reeds and accessories. Contact us for personalised advice on building your ideal clarinet setup.

SKU CM308
Barcode # 008576210212
Brand Vandoren
Unit Of Measure ea

Be The First To Review This Product!

Help other Angkor Music users shop smarter by writing reviews for products you have purchased.

Write a product review