Clark W. Fobes has spent more than 30 years making clarinet mouthpieces by hand in San Francisco. In an industry increasingly dominated by automated production and outsourced manufacturing, Fobes represents something genuinely rare — a single craftsman whose name, hands and ears go into every mouthpiece that leaves his workshop. The culmination of that work is the 10K series — named for the milestone of 10,000 handcrafted mouthpieces — combining 30 years of expertise with German rod rubber and state-of-the-art CNC machining. 

MOUTHPIECES

The Nova Bb — The ideal step-up mouthpiece for advancing players who want professional quality at an accessible price. Custom proprietary mold manufactured at J.J. Babbitt Co., hand-bored for excellent response and intonation. The Nova bridges the gap between student and professional — delivering genuine Fobes playing characteristics without the premium price of his higher-end models.

The San Francisco Series — Clark Fobes' professional hard rubber lineup, hand-finished in his San Francisco workshop for Bb, Eb, bass and contrabass clarinet. German rod rubber, CF+ facing, professionally finished and play-tested. The San Francisco series is the choice of working professional clarinetists who want a hand-finished mouthpiece at an accessible professional price.

The 10K — The culmination of 30 years of expertise and 10,000 handcrafted mouthpieces. CNC-machined from German rod rubber, extensively hand-finished and play-tested for maximum response, resonance and beauty of tone. Clark Fobes' own three design priorities stated plainly — and delivered completely. Available for Bb and Eb clarinet. 

The SF 10K — The combination of the San Francisco series' custom Zinner blank heritage with the 10K series' CNC precision and German rod rubber. The most sophisticated mouthpiece in the Clark Fobes lineup — for the player who wants everything the San Francisco and 10K series offer in a single instrument. The pinnacle of Clark Fobes' craft.

The Virtuoso — A copy of Clark Fobes' personal mouthpiece that he has played professionally for the past 25 years. Combining elegance and projection with excellent intonation and ease of playing, now manufactured from German rod rubber by master craftsman Wesley Rice of Rice Clarinet Works. The most personal mouthpiece Clark Fobes has ever offered — what he plays on stage every night, available to every clarinetist who wants it. 

Nova Bass Clarinet — Clark Fobes' bass clarinet mouthpiece patterned after the core design of the 10K Series bass clarinet mouthpiece. Available in CF facing (1.70mm) for players who prefer a more closed tip and clear focused tone, and RR facing (1.80mm) for players who want more flexibility and a broader sound. Symmetrical rails, clear focused notes across all registers. The most capable bass clarinet mouthpiece in the Fobes lineup at an accessible price.

BARRELS

The HDP Synthetic Barrel — High-density polymer that never changes size or shape regardless of temperature or humidity. Responsive, focused tone ideal for cold and dry climates. Available in 64–67mm to fit Buffet, Yamaha and Leblanc clarinets. The most practical barrel for Canadian players who perform outdoors, travel frequently or play in variable conditions where wooden barrels expand and contract unpredictably. A barrel that plays consistently at -20°C in an outdoor performance and at room temperature in a rehearsal hall the same afternoon. Synthetic Barrels are fantastic options for dry climates, and ares where humidity levels change rapidly(Calgary climate).

Clark Fobes mouthpieces are difficult to find in Canada. Wind Instrument Proshop is one of the very few authorized Canadian retailers carrying his complete lineup. If you are considering a Clark Fobes mouthpiece and want personal guidance on which model suits your instrument and playing style, contact us before purchasing. Every product ships across Canada.