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🎵 BACKUN Vocalise Bb Mouthpiece — A Revolution from Hawkins × BACKUN
The BACKUN Vocalise Bb Mouthpiece is the result of a unique collaboration between legendary clarinet master Richard Hawkins and the innovative Canadian company Backun Musical Services. After decades of collecting, observing, and crafting mouthpieces for the world's finest artists, Hawkins has created a series that will change the course of mouthpiece history. 
"It has long been my goal to create a clarinet mouthpiece that satisfies the nuances of change while preserving the history of the craft." — Richard Hawkins
Outstanding artist. Renowned educator. Master craftsman. Words and praise that are often bestowed upon Richard Hawkins. The Vocalise Series is designed for musicians of all ages and experience levels — from young artists to professional soloists. Each model (R, G, H) has its purpose, and all deserve a place in your clarinet case. Complex resonance at a reasonable price.
🔬 Manufacturing Technology — Precision to the Micron
Vocalise is designed at Backun using advanced CAD/CAM software and tested with 3D printing technology before production launch. The mouthpieces are crafted from hard rod rubber (premium-grade rod rubber) on a highly advanced 9-axis CNC machine and finished in a unique "done-in-one" machining program that combines milling and lathing processes without the need for a second setup or recalibration. 
✔️ 9-axis CNC machining — the highest manufacturing precision (tolerance ±0.001 mm) ensures absolutely identical characteristics for each mouthpiece. Traditional handcrafted production yields variations up to ±0.1 mm, critically affecting response and intonation.
✔️ Done-in-one machining — revolutionary production technology where the entire mouthpiece is machined in one work cycle without repositioning the blank. This eliminates error accumulation from multiple setups and guarantees geometric accuracy of the chamber, rails, and tip opening.
✔️ Premium hard rod rubber — specially selected high-density rubber ensures exceptional dimensional stability across varying temperature and humidity conditions, excellent resonance, and durability exceeding 15 years with intensive use.
✔️ CAD/CAM design and 3D prototyping — each model was first created virtually, tested on a 3D printer, refined based on feedback from Richard Hawkins and top clarinetists, and only then launched into final production.
Result: an exceptionally consistent mouthpiece that stays true to the original Hawkins and BACKUN design from the first unit to the last.
🎶 Playing Characteristics — Perfect Control
Each Vocalise mouthpiece helps the player centre articulation, pitch, and altissimo with impeccable ease and consistency of voicing. It is the first mouthpiece of its kind specifically designed to play well on both synthetic and cane reeds, in strengths 2.5 to 4.5. 
✔️ Compatibility with synthetic and cane reeds — innovative tip rail and table geometry allows the mouthpiece to work equally well with Légère, Forestone, D'Addario Reed (synthetic) and traditional Vandoren, D'Addario, Rico (cane). Most mouthpieces are optimized for only one reed type.
✔️ Articulation Management system — unique design concept allows musicians to capture the appropriate length of articulations for different styles (staccato, marcato, legato) without increased effort. The mouthpiece "understands" the performer's intent and responds naturally.
✔️ Centring articulation, pitch, and altissimo — perfect balance of resistance and freedom allows easy centring of every note, especially problematic ones (throat tones, transitions, altissimo). Intonation is stable across the entire range without need for embouchure compensation.
✔️ Two pitch levels: A=440 and A=442 Hz — when ordering, select the pitch level that suits your performance needs. A=440 Hz — standard concert pitch for most orchestras. A=442 Hz — higher tuning for European orchestras and chamber ensembles.
✔️ Consistency of sound — thanks to CNC production, every Vocalise mouthpiece plays identically. If you tested one G Model in a shop, your own G Model at home will play the same.
🎯 Mouthpiece Models — For Every Style and Performer
🔹 R Model Bb — Close/Short
Evenness and a focus of sound that sings with ease are two characteristics of this close facing mouthpiece. The R allows artists to articulate with reduced effort, while ringing true with fabulous clarity.
✔️ Ideal for: young artists stepping up to a more complex mouthpiece; conservatory students; musicians requiring precise articulation and control
✔️ Sound character: focused, clear, centred
✔️ Resistance: medium
✔️ Tip opening: close
✔️ Facing length: short
✔️ Recommended reeds: 2.5-3.5 (Vandoren Traditional, D'Addario Reserve, Légère Signature)
"This is Hawkins's choice for young artists looking to step up to a more complex mouthpiece." — Richard Hawkins
🔹 G Model Bb — Medium/Medium
A universal mouthpiece with medium facing that combines exceptional evenness and round tonal complexity. The G has a smoother influence on interval connections just where you need it. An all-around mouthpiece for those who prefer medium facings and lengths.
✔️ Ideal for: professional performers; orchestral players; educators; musicians seeking a versatile instrument for different styles
✔️ Sound character: balanced, round, warm
✔️ Resistance: medium+
✔️ Tip opening: medium
✔️ Facing length: medium
✔️ Recommended reeds: 3.0-4.0 (Vandoren V12, D'Addario Reserve Classic, Légère European Signature)
"The G Model is my personal choice for daily playing. It does everything right and never lets me down." — Professional orchestral clarinetist
🔹 H Model Bb — Open/Long
The most open facing in the lineup, the H is both smooth and dark, with ample cushion for those who need more robust flexibility throughout the registers. This mouthpiece gives as much as it takes, requiring balanced breath support and unyielding passion in performance.
✔️ Ideal for: professional soloists; jazz musicians; performers seeking maximum dark colour; musicians with strong embouchure
✔️ Sound character: dark, rich, powerful
✔️ Resistance: medium-high
✔️ Tip opening: open
✔️ Facing length: long
✔️ Recommended reeds: 3.5-4.5 (Vandoren V21, D'Addario Reserve Evolution, Légère European Cut)
"The H Model is a mouthpiece for those who know what they want. It demands control but gives incredible flexibility and colour." — Jazz clarinetist
📊 Technical Specifications
| Parameter | R Model | G Model | H Model |
| Key | Bb (B-flat) | ||
| Tip Opening | Close | Medium | Open |
| Facing Length | Short | Medium | Long |
| Material | Premium hard rod rubber | ||
| Manufacturing | 9-axis CNC machine, done-in-one machining | ||
| Machining precision | ±0.001 mm tolerance | ||
| Pitch | A=440 Hz or A=442 Hz (choose) | ||
| Reed compatibility | Synthetic and cane, strengths 2.5-4.5 | ||
| Recommended reeds | 2.5-3.5 | 3.0-4.0 | 3.5-4.5 |
| Resistance | Medium | Medium+ | Medium-High |
| Sound character | Focused, clear | Balanced, round | Dark, powerful |
| Ideal for | Students, educators | Universal use | Soloists, jazz |
| Country of manufacture | 🇨🇦 Canada (Backun Musical Services, Burnaby, BC) | ||
📦 Included
✔️ BACKUN Vocalise Bb Mouthpiece (selected model: R, G, or H)
✔️ Mouthpiece patch for protection and comfort 
✔️ Official BACKUN warranty
✔️ Certificate of authenticity Richard Hawkins × BACKUN
⚠️ Ligature not included — we recommend BACKUN Vocalise Ligature, Rovner Dark, or BG Revelation for optimal compatibility
🎬 Videos and Comparison Chart
Watch the Vocalise Series video review:
BACKUN mouthpiece comparison chart:
Sound demonstration of different models:
🎯 Who Is Vocalise For
✔️ Conservatory and music college students — ideal step-up mouthpiece for serious study
✔️ Professional orchestral players — stability, consistency, and versatility for daily work
✔️ Music educators — reliable instrument that works with any reeds
✔️ Jazz musicians — H Model for dark, rich sound
✔️ Chamber performers — tonal flexibility and intonational stability
✔️ Musicians using synthetic reeds — the first mouthpiece optimized for Légère, Forestone, D'Addario Reed
🏭 About Richard Hawkins and BACKUN
Richard Hawkins is a legendary figure in the clarinet world. Outstanding performer, renowned educator (many of his students have become soloists in leading world orchestras), and master craftsman in mouthpiece making. After decades of working with the world's finest artists, collecting and studying thousands of mouthpieces, Hawkins partnered with Backun Musical Services to create a series that will change history.
Backun Musical Services (Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada) is a world leader in professional clarinet and accessory manufacturing. The company is known for its innovations: New Traditional, MoBa, Lumière barrels; Q Series, Protégé clarinets; and now — Vocalise mouthpieces by Hawkins.
The Hawkins × BACKUN collaboration combines decades of Hawkins's experience with BACKUN's cutting-edge manufacturing technologies. Result: mouthpieces that satisfy the world's most demanding musicians.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which Vocalise model to choose: R, G, or H?
R Model (Close/Short) — for students and musicians needing easy articulation and focused sound. G Model (Medium/Medium) — universal choice for professionals, suits most styles and situations. H Model (Open/Long) — for experienced musicians with strong embouchure seeking dark, powerful sound. If uncertain — start with G Model.
Does Vocalise really work equally well with synthetic and cane reeds?
Yes, this is Vocalise's first key innovation. The tip rail, facing, and table geometry is specifically designed to provide optimal response with both reed types. Most traditional mouthpieces are optimized only for cane reeds, creating problems when using Légère, Forestone, or D'Addario Reed.
What is Articulation Management?
Articulation Management is a chamber and bore design concept that allows musicians to easily control the length and character of articulation (staccato, marcato, legato) without additional effort or technique changes. The mouthpiece "understands" the performer's intent and responds naturally, particularly important for performing music of different styles and eras.
A=440 or A=442 Hz — which tuning to choose?
A=440 Hz — standard international concert pitch, used by most world orchestras, especially in the USA, UK, Asia. Choose this tuning for universal use. A=442 Hz — higher tuning (8 cents up), popular in European orchestras (especially German, Austrian, French) and chamber ensembles. Choose if your orchestra or ensemble plays at A=442.
Do I need a special ligature for Vocalise?
Vocalise works with most standard clarinet mouthpiece ligatures. BACKUN recommends its own Vocalise Ligature for optimal compatibility, but Rovner Dark/Light, BG Revelation/Tradition, Vandoren Optimum/M|O also work excellently. Avoid very tight metal ligatures that may restrict reed vibration.
How does Vocalise differ from Vandoren or D'Addario mouthpieces?
Key differences: (1) CNC manufacturing — absolute consistency of every unit; (2) Synthetic reed compatibility — optimized for Légère, Forestone; (3) Articulation Management — easier articulation control; (4) Hawkins design — unique chamber and bore geometry based on decades of experience. Vandoren and D'Addario are excellent mouthpieces, but they were created using traditional concepts.
How long does a Vocalise mouthpiece last?
With proper care, Vocalise can last 15-20+ years. Premium hard rod rubber is exceptionally resistant to wear, temperature changes, and mechanical damage. Care recommendations: wash with warm soapy water weekly, store in protective cap, avoid drops and impacts. Rails and tip opening don't change over time thanks to precise CNC machining.
Can I order a custom model with individual parameters?
The Vocalise Series is created as a ready-to-play model range with three carefully calibrated options (R, G, H) covering 95% of musicians' needs. For custom solutions, BACKUN offers the MoBa Mouthpieces series, where individual facing, tip opening, and other parameters can be customized. Contact SoundsGood manager for details.
Is Vocalise suitable for alto clarinet or bass clarinet?
The Vocalise Bb series is specifically designed for Bb (B-flat soprano) clarinets. For alto clarinet (Eb) and bass clarinet (Bb bass), BACKUN is planning separate series. Technically you can try Vocalise Bb on bass, but facing and chamber parameters aren't optimized for the larger instrument.
What if the mouthpiece doesn't suit me?
SoundsGood offers exchange within 14 days of purchase (mouthpiece must be in perfect condition without signs of use). You can exchange R Model for G or H, or A=440 for A=442. Check detailed terms with the manager when ordering. We also offer testing in our Kyiv showroom before purchase.
💡 Reed Selection Tips for Vocalise
For R Model (Close/Short):
• Vandoren Traditional 2.5-3.0 — classic choice
• D'Addario Reserve Classic 3.0 — balanced tone
• Légère Signature 2.75-3.25 — synthetic with natural feel
For G Model (Medium/Medium):
• Vandoren V12 3.0-3.5 — rich, dark sound
• D'Addario Reserve Evolution 3.0-3.5+ — modern approach
• Légère European Signature 3.25-3.75 — European-type synthetic
For H Model (Open/Long):
• Vandoren V21 3.5-4.0 — universal profile
• D'Addario Reserve Evolution 3.5+-4.0+ — maximum flexibility
• Légère European Cut 3.75-4.0 — synthetic for dark sound
🚚 Shipping and Payment
✅ Free shipping across Ukraine from 4000 UAH
🚚 Nova Poshta — fast delivery 1-3 days across Ukraine
💳 Pay in installments — Monobank, PrivatBank (no overpayments)
💰 Cash and cashless payment
✅ Official warranty from BACKUN Musical Services
🔄 Exchange within 14 days (without signs of use)
🎵 Showroom testing — opportunity to test in Kyiv before purchase
🇨🇦 Made in Canada — original mouthpieces with official import
SoundsGood — official BACKUN dealer in Ukraine. We guarantee the authenticity of every mouthpiece and provide full after-purchase support. Our team consists of professional clarinetists and educators who will help with model selection, setup, and reed choice.
🎵 Order the BACKUN Vocalise mouthpiece at SoundsGood — experience the Hawkins × BACKUN difference! 🎶