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Vandoren Black Diamond Bb Clarinet Mouthpiece
Product Information
The Vandoren Black Diamond (BD) ebonite mouthpiece features a unique internal and external design. This new internal design development offers musicians a full sound, rich in depth and colour, especially in the upper register of the clarinet. The Black Diamond range has become arguably Vandoren's most reliable offering, with flexibility in play that is unmatched and tone across all registers that is incredibly even.
Vandoren as a brand is incredibly popular when it comes to mouthpiece production, and the Black Diamond traditional beak series exemplifies their commitment to quality and consistency. The range now includes a number of BD model options, each offering different tip openings and facing designs. These variations allow players to enjoy the overall tone the Black Diamond range is known for whilst maintaining a higher level of control over the playing experience.
A more closed mouthpiece provides a focused, centred sound, whilst more open designs create a rounder, richer tone. We recommend Black Diamond Traditional Beak mouthpieces for clarinetists seeking the proven combination of Vandoren craftsmanship with the flexibility to tailor their playing feel and tonal character.
Note: These are the Traditional Beak versions. We also stock BD models in 13 Series variants, which are designed specifically for American pitch (A440) and feature internal shaping optimized for Buffet R13 style clarinets. The 13 Series versions are available separately.
Black Diamond Traditional Beak Models & Specifications
| Model | Tip Opening 1/100mm | Facing Length | Suits Reeds | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BD2 | 102 | ML | 3½ – 4 | The full and round sound of the Black Diamond coupled with the table of the M13 Lyre, known for its playing qualities of precision and purity. |
| BD4 | 115.5 | ML | 3 – 3½ | Shares the same sound qualities as the BD5 and has a remarkable ease of emission and articulation. |
| BD5 | 113 | M | 3 – 3½ | The perfect balance between a dark, rich, yet compact sound. |
| BD6 | 121.5 | M | 2½ – 3½ | The natural sound of the clarinet, a round and rich timbre. The musician will benefit from an unparalleled ease of playing. |
| BD7 | 133 | L | 2½ – 3 | Characterized by a larger tip opening and volume of sound, whilst keeping the round and compact sound of the BD5. |
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Vandoren Black Diamond Bb Clarinet Mouthpiece Reviews
I tried this on my RC setup and didn't think the tone was sweet enough for me. It was quite closed so didn't suit me. I tried this on approval and ended up with a Selmer mouthpiece from Dawkes, of a similar price, which I'm very happy with.
The BD5 suits my playing style very well. I like the warm tone it gives me with my set up - Buffet RCs and V12 reeds.
Better than the BD5. Bit more free blowing. I use a Jody Jazz HR6 for jazzy stuff but needed something more round and smooth for classical work. The BD5 closed up on me but if I used a stronger Reed it was too woolly. The BD 6 is a better fit for me.
Tried the BD5 Bakun G and M30 of which the M30 and BD5 I liked the most for me and kepted.
Nice mouthpiece with a centred sound and good power. Beyond that, it's probably just a matter of preference but, in my case, I preferred the Bacun because it gave a more distinctive tone quality on my clarinet..
First class product, thank you.
A comfortable mouthpiece with a good tone.
warm tone and smooth with good dynamic range, but for me I found it a little restricting to blow.
for me this mouthpiece was really hard to blow and tiring with the reeds I am used to using. It seemed to have the potential for a warm rich tone but was not right for me and my embouchure.
A really great mouthpiece
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Dawkes Music are a globally recognized UK based Music Industry company that have expert staff who specialize in products, performance, teaching and repairing in the brass and woodwind sector.
