Hawkins Signature Bass Clarinet Mouthpieces

Three Mouthpieces. One Design Philosophy: Resonance, Projection, Stability, and Freedom

After nearly four years of research, development, testing, and refinement, Backun is proud to introduce the Richard Hawkins Signature Bass Clarinet Mouthpiece Series. Designed to offer exceptional resonance, projection, response, and pitch stability, these mouthpieces represent decades of performance experience and extensive study of the bass clarinet's finest players and equipment.

The series was developed specifically around the acoustical design and performance characteristics of the Backun Alpha and Q Series bass clarinets, while also being extensively tested on many of today's most popular professional bass clarinet models. The result is a mouthpiece collection that delivers outstanding consistency, flexibility, and performance across a wide range of instruments.

Each model offers its own unique character while sharing a common design philosophy: a resonant, colorful sound with remarkable ease of response and consistency throughout the full range of the instrument.

All Backun Signature Series Mouthpieces come with medium-sized O-Rings installed, which fit a majority of clarinet barrel tenons. 

RH− Signature Bass Clarinet Mouthpiece

1.60 mm Tip Opening • Close Opening • Medium Facing

The RH− is the most focused mouthpiece in the series and is ideally suited for players seeking a refined orchestral sound with exceptional control and stability. Inspired by many of the mouthpiece characteristics I have encountered while studying some of the great bass clarinet artists of the past and present, the RH− provides a beautifully centered sound, excellent pitch definition, and effortless clarity throughout the instrument. It offers the resistance and precision many orchestral players prefer while maintaining the resonance and projection required in today's performance environments.

RH Signature Bass Clarinet Mouthpiece

1.90 mm Tip Opening • Medium Opening • Medium Facing

The RH is the centerpiece of the series and offers an ideal balance of freedom, power, and control. In many ways, it reflects the characteristics that have made my Signature B-flat clarinet mouthpiece so successful. The RH is remarkably free-blowing, produces outstanding pitch stability, and offers tremendous projection without sacrificing warmth or color. It responds effortlessly across all registers and provides the versatility needed for orchestral, chamber, solo, and contemporary performance. For many players, the RH will represent the perfect balance between the focused feel of the RH− and the expansive freedom of the RH+.

RH+ Signature Bass Clarinet Mouthpiece

2.10 mm Tip Opening • Open Opening • Medium+ Facing

The RH+ is the most open mouthpiece in the series and has quickly become one of my personal favorites. Despite its larger tip opening, it remains remarkably easy to play. The sound is broad, rich, covered, and full of resonance, with a wonderful sense of freedom that encourages expressive playing from the very first note. The medium-plus facing and open tip opening create an expansive tonal palette with tremendous flexibility and power. The RH+ is especially attractive for contemporary performers, soloists, and jazz musicians, but it is equally capable of producing a beautiful and sophisticated classical sound. It offers a level of openness and ease that makes it simply fun to play.

A Personal Note

The development of these mouthpieces has been one of the most rewarding projects of my career. Nearly four years of design work, prototyping, testing, and refinement have gone into creating a series that I believe offers something truly unique for bass clarinetists. I am excited to finally share them with the public and look forward to hearing the artistry and creativity they inspire. — Richard Hawkins

Measurement Chart