Gear article
BG Mouthpiece Cushion Small 0.9mm
The BG Mouthpiece Cushion is a protective accessory designed for both clarinet and saxophone players, offering a soft interface between the teeth and the mouthpiece. These 0.9mm black cushions are supplied in packs of six and are engineered to reduce vibrations while preventing physical wear on the mouthpiece surface.
See live pricesOverview
The BG Mouthpiece Cushion (Small, 0.9mm) serves two primary functions for woodwind musicians: enhancing player comfort and preserving equipment integrity. By providing a durable barrier on the beak of the mouthpiece, these patches mitigate the high-frequency vibrations often felt through the upper teeth. This specific model is sized 'Small', making it particularly suitable for narrower mouthpieces such as those found on clarinets or soprano and alto saxophones.
Material and Durability
Constructed from a soft yet resilient material, the 0.9mm cushion is thicker than standard clear patches, providing a significant buffer for players who exert more downward pressure with their teeth. A key technical feature of the BG cushion is its adhesive backing; the manufacturer specifies that the cushions are designed to be removed without leaving glue residue, allowing for clean replacements and maintenance of the mouthpiece surface.
Sound and Player Experience
While the cushion does not directly change the internal acoustics of the instrument, it significantly alters the player's perception of the sound. By dampening the direct transmission of vibrations from the mouthpiece to the skull via the teeth, the cushion can lead to a more comfortable and stable playing experience. This allows the musician to focus on embouchure control without the distraction of physical discomfort or 'teeth chatter'.
Application and Comparison
The 0.9mm black cushion is often preferred over thinner 0.3mm or 0.4mm clear patches by students and professionals who require more cushioning or who wish to slightly open their jaw position. When compared to accessories like the Yamaha 5C Soprano Mouthpiece or high-performance options like the JodyJazz Super Jet, the BG cushion serves as a universal protective layer that can be applied to virtually any brand's mouthpiece to prevent the 'tooth marks' that often diminish the resale value and aesthetics of the gear.
Related gear
£21.80 ($28)Daddario
DAddario Organic Select Jazz Unfiled Tenor Sax Reeds 4H (5 Pack)
£31.00 ($39)Rovner
Rovner 3RL Dark Bass Clarinet/Saxophone Ligature and Cap
£22.40 ($28)Vandoren
Vandoren Java Tenor Saxophone Reeds 1.5 (5 Pack)
£25.25 ($32)Daddario
DAddario Organic Select Jazz Filed Alto Sax Reeds 4M (10 Pack)
£7,531.00 ($9,564)Yamaha
Yamaha YBS480 Baritone Saxophone Silver Plate
£40.00 ($51)Yamaha
Yamaha 5C Soprano Saxophone Mouthpiece
£85.70 ($109)Vandoren
Vandoren Cuir Alto Sax Ligature Leather with Leather Cap
£395.00 ($502)JodyJazz Inc.
JodyJazz Super Jet Baritone Saxophone Mouthpiece 6
Frequently asked questions
- What is the primary purpose of the BG 0.9mm Mouthpiece Cushion?
- The cushion provides a soft, durable barrier between the player's teeth and the mouthpiece. It is designed to mitigate uncomfortable vibrations and protect the mouthpiece from developing tooth marks or scratches.
- How many cushions are included in a standard pack?
- Each pack contains six individual small mouthpiece cushions. This ensures that players have multiple replacements available when a cushion eventually wears down.
- Will these cushions leave a sticky residue when they are removed?
- No, the BG Mouthpiece Cushions are specifically designed to leave no trace of glue when removed. This allows players to swap patches without needing harsh cleaners on their mouthpieces.
- Can these be used on both saxophones and clarinets?
- Yes, they are compatible with both saxophone and clarinet mouthpieces. The 'Small' size is generally preferred for clarinet and smaller saxophone mouthpieces like soprano or alto.
- What is the thickness of this specific BG model?
- This specific model features a thickness of 0.9mm. This is considered a thicker cushion, providing more padding compared to ultra-thin transparent alternatives.
- Does the cushion affect the sound of the instrument?
- The cushion does not change the external sound produced by the instrument. However, it changes the internal vibration the player feels, which can improve focus and embouchure stability.
- How does the cushion stay attached to the mouthpiece?
- The cushions feature a self-adhesive backing. You simply peel the cushion from the backing paper and press it firmly onto the clean, dry 'beak' of the mouthpiece.
- Is this cushion suitable for a JodyJazz Super Jet Baritone mouthpiece?
- While it can be used on baritone mouthpieces, the 'Small' size is narrower. Users with larger baritone mouthpieces may prefer a 'Large' size cushion for better coverage, though the small size will still protect the specific area where the teeth rest.
- What colour are the 0.9mm BG cushions?
- These 0.9mm cushions are black. This is standard for thicker BG cushions, whereas their thinner variants are often transparent.
- How often should I replace my mouthpiece cushion?
- You should replace the cushion when it shows signs of deep indentations, becomes thin, or starts to peel at the edges. Since this is a 6-pack, replacements are easily accessible.
- Can I use these cushions with a Yamaha 5C Soprano mouthpiece?
- Yes, these small cushions are an excellent fit for the Yamaha 5C Soprano mouthpiece. They protect the plastic from bite marks and improve comfort during practice.
- What are the benefits of using a 0.9mm cushion versus a thinner one?
- A 0.9mm cushion offers maximum vibration dampening and protection for the mouthpiece. It is ideal for players who find thinner patches insufficient for tooth comfort or those who prefer a slightly more open embouchure feel.
