Vandoren BLACK DIAMOND 4 (BD4) - CM1004

Black Diamond: An Iconic Mouthpiece in the Vandoren Range

With the Black Diamond series, Vandoren offers a vision that is both modern and faithful to clarinetists' demands: a balance between richness of timbre, ease of control, and a feeling of comfort. The BD4 fits into this lineage by retaining the qualities of its predecessor while providing a more immediate response thanks to its slightly larger opening. A model designed for those seeking a freer sensation, while remaining within a clearly oriented Bb classical clarinet aesthetic.

For Which Clarinetist and in Which Styles?

The Vandoren BD4 is primarily aimed at intermediate to advanced clarinetists who want to gain ease of response, especially in demanding passages and piano dynamics. Its profile is particularly suited for the classical repertoire (soloist, chamber music, orchestra, conservatory), where a centered, homogeneous, and controllable sound is expected. It will also suit musicians seeking a broad and noble sound, with a clear but never aggressive attack, provided they pair it with a reed and ligature consistent with its resistance.

Sound and Design

The BD4 stands out with a round and full sound, with good presence and a sense of homogeneity between registers. The 1.155 mm opening promotes a quick vibration start : the air "catches" more easily, which helps stabilize the high register and chain articulations with less effort. Made of ebonite, the mouthpiece benefits from a material known for its consistency and warmth of timbre, with a refined finish: a large part of the exterior surface is polished, while the table remains intentionally raw to preserve precise contact with the reed and avoid any variation linked to excessive polishing.

Recommended Compatible Accessories

To fully exploit the Vandoren BD4, pairing it with Bb clarinet reeds adapted to the mouthpiece is essential. The strengths recommended by Vandoren (depending on the cut) provide an excellent starting point to find the right balance between flexibility, projection, and stability.

Technical specifications

Category	Bb clarinet	Style	classic
Material	Hard rubber	Color	Black
Opening	1,155 mm	Finishing	Glossy

Nickel	No	Recommended Traditional reed strengths	3 to 3.5
Interior and exterior design	Unique (Black Diamond series)	Recommended V12 reed strengths	3 to 3.5+
Table length	Medium long	Recommended 56 RUE LEPIC reed strengths	3 to 3.5+
Finish	Raw table (to preserve precision) / mostly polished exterior surface	Recommended V21 reed strengths	3 to 3.5+