Backun McGill Signature clarinet mouthpiece
The Backun McGill Signature was developed in close collaboration with Anthony McGill, principal clarinetist of the New York Philharmonic. This clarinet mouthpiece is aimed at players looking for strong projection without giving up warmth, with a centered, dark sound that holds up well in a large orchestra.
The combination of a relatively narrow 1.12 mm tip opening and a long facing gives the mouthpiece a high level of stability and a wide dynamic range. The McGill Signature is also known for its exceptional evenness between the low register and the altissimo, so register changes feel controlled and consistent.
Construction and fit
Backun makes this mouthpiece from marbled Deep Blue hard rubber. Instead of cork, the McGill uses three interchangeable O-rings in sizes S, M and L, just like the Corrado and Shifrin models. This creates an airtight seal and direct vibration transfer to the clarinet.
The 9-axis CNC manufacturing keeps every Backun McGill mouthpiece exactly the same as the one Anthony McGill plays himself. If you want advice on mouthpieces, reeds or the right fit on your instrument, Magna Music can also help with personal guidance from musicians in the shop.
Reed strength and application
With its 1.12 mm opening, the Backun McGill Signature sits right between the extremes. Recommended strengths for cane reeds are 3.5 or 3.75, for example Vandoren V12. If you play synthetic reeds, the suggested strength is 3.50 to 3.75, and Anthony McGill himself often uses Légère European Cut.
That makes this clarinet mouthpiece especially interesting for players who specifically want control, projection and an orchestral sound concept, from the low register well into the altissimo.
