Finding Your Sound: The D’Addario Reserve Clarinet Mouthpiece Range

4th November 2025

If you’re ready to upgrade from a standard plastic mouthpiece, the D’Addario Reserve clarinet mouthpiece range is a great place to start. We’re joined by D’Addario’s pro player, Jason Alder to demonstrate each mouthpiece and offer his impressions and advice when looking for your next upgrade.

Why Choose a D’Addario Reserve Mouthpiece?

Each mouthpiece in the Reserve range is made from ebonite (also known as hard or rod rubber) – a premium material loved by clarinet players for its richer tone, warmth, and complexity. Every D’Addario mouthpiece is CNC machined for total precision. That means each one plays exactly the same. If you try one and love it, you can buy another knowing it will perform identically – perfect for upgrading or gifting.

The Standard Reserve

The Standard Reserve mouthpiece delivers a vintage clarinet sound with modern playability. It responds easily, projects clearly, and offers tonal consistency across the range. There are six models to choose from: X0, X5, X10 and the X10E, X15E, and X25E.

The model numbers refer to the tip opening – the smaller the number, the more closed the tip. A more open tip allows for flexibility and a broader sound, while a closed tip gives greater control and focus.

You’ll also find two tuning options:

US models (440Hz): X0, X5, X10
European models (442Hz): X10E, X15E, X25E

Your ideal choice depends on your clarinet setup – your barrel, tuning system, and reed strength can all make a difference. It’s worth trying a few combinations to discover what suits your sound best.

The Reserve Evolution

The Reserve Evolution mouthpiece builds on the original design for extra comfort and tonal depth. D’Addario has refined the angle for comfort, window, and internal dimensions to give a warmer sound with more projection. Many players find it blows more freely and feels smoother under the air. Just like the Standard Reserve, the Evolution comes in two pitch systems, the EV10 for American Tuning of 440hx, and EV10E for European tuning of 442hz.

The Reserve Evolution Marble: A Unique Twist

The Reserve Evolution Marble mouthpiece shares the same precise cut as the Evolution but is made from a different material. This subtle change gives the sound a slightly different colour and response. Jason noticed a tonal shift when testing it – see if you can hear the difference when you try one.

Jason’s Set-Up

Jason Alder plays both the Reserve X5 and the EV10 Evolution. He describes the Evolution as “a bit freer to blow, smoother to play, and easier to project.” He pairs his X5 with a Reserve 3.5+ Evolution reed, creating a setup that delivers clarity, body, and projection – a great match for most advanced clarinet players.

A Quick Note on Facing Length vs Reed Strength

Along with tip opening, the facing length affects how a mouthpiece plays. A longer facing lets the reed vibrate more freely, giving a warmer, more flexible sound and often pairing better with softer reeds. A shorter facing offers a quicker response and a more focused tone, usually working best with stronger reeds. Finding the right balance helps match your mouthpiece to your playing style.

Jason’s Tips for Trying Clarinet Mouthpieces

Before you choose your next mouthpiece, keep these practical tips from Jason in mind:

Bring a mix of reeds. Try both old and new reeds to see how they respond. A reed that works beautifully on one mouthpiece might not suit another.
Experiment with different strengths. A slightly harder or softer reed can reveal a lot about how the mouthpiece speaks and projects.
Use your tuner. Make sure you’re playing in tune across the range – it’ll help you compare mouthpieces more accurately.
Listen closely. Pay attention to sound, projection, and articulation. Subtle changes can make a big difference once you’re used to the feel of the mouthpiece.
Use new reeds when testing. A fresh reed helps you hear the mouthpiece at its best.

Following these steps helps you get a clearer sense of how each mouthpiece really performs.

How to Find the Right Reserve Mouthpiece for You

Choosing a new clarinet mouthpiece can feel overwhelming at first. There are different tip openings, pitch systems, and materials to explore. Don’t worry – you don’t have to figure it out alone. You can get expert advice from Dawkes Music or talk to your teacher. We’ll help you narrow down your options and find the setup that brings out your best sound. Your mouthpiece is the heart of your clarinet. Finding one that fits your style can transform how you play and how your instrument responds.