What Does the Lyre Symbol Mean?

Product Specialist and Artist Advisor Andrew Hadro explains the Lyre symbol on some of our clarinet mouthpieces. Check out our 5 clarinet mouthpiece models below.

Vandoren Clarinet Lyre Mouthpieces

The M13 Lyre is more open, has the same qualities as the M13, and is much easier to play in the upper register. Its facing gives it a particularly pure sound. This would be an excellent recommendation for beginning students because of the smaller tip opening. Many professional players still play on this mouthpiece as well.

The 5RV Lyre is more open than the 5RV with a longer facing. It is slightly more open than the M13 Lyre. This mouthpiece would make a great recommendation for younger students who need a slightly larger tip opening than the M13 Lyre.

Similar to the 5RV Lyre but with a larger tip opening and longer facing, the M30 Lyre guarantees flexibility and roundness. This mouthpiece has an exceptional quality of sound. Since it has a medium tip opening, this mouthpiece would make a great recommendation for high school level and above.

The B40 Lyre is the perfect blend between a round sound and rich tone color. Easy blowing especially in the upper register. Since it has a much larger tip opening, we would recommend this mouthpiece for college-age and above.

Characterized by a particularly large tip opening, the B45 Lyre offers a flexible, round sound and remains easy blowing. The B45 Lyre is a very open mouthpiece and would require a smaller strength in reeds and be used by a professional player.