Mouthpieces Metal Berg Larsen Mouthpiece for Tenor Sax

[freddysilk]

Has anyone had any experience with Berg Larsen mouthpieces? I was considering a Berg Larsen for my tenor when I saw that my idol Sonny Rollins use. I know my tone will never come close to his but out of curiosity, has anyone ever tried the metal Berg Larsen for tenor, and if so what is your opinion of it?

 

[Saxlicker]

I think there is something inherent in the berg larsen that makes them largely recogniseable across all the models that distinguishes them 'as a berg' but the baffle number will ultimately steer you closer or further away from Rollins tone let alone your own ability to mimic or naturally sound similar.

I have tried a new metal duckbill 115 /3 but it wasn't for me I'm afraid.
If you go by what berg fans have to say then you could try 5 or more of the same model before you find one that you like.
But then thats all part of the addiction for me

I still fancy an old metal scoop or duckbill with a wedge baffle rather than the bullet shape.

 

[jonf]

I've got three, an old bronze 90/0, a newish steel 115/2 and a duckbill 120/0. (0 is brightest, then 1, 2 and 3 is usually a special order item). The bronze one and the duckbill are both UK made. I don't know about the other one - current production is in Belgium, I think.

I'm not too sure about the tales which abound on certain US boards about huge variability of Bergs (and other mouthpieces as well). I also just don't believe the hype peddled by mouthpiece refacers that all mass market pieces need 'perfecting'. I've got about thirty in total, and all play fine out of the box.

Anyway, I digress. I like Bergs, they tend to be bright, punchy and easy to blow. Of mine, the bronze is nice and bright, dead easy blow. The 115 has a full tone, quite fat with a bit of brightness. The duckbill is a rock n roll monster, loads of oomph and volume. Tend to work well with Rico Jazz Select. The duckbill can produce enough volume and brightness to knock a wall down with Rico Plasticovers.

Jon

 

[Jules]

I've got two- a bronze duckbill 115/2 and a steel 110/1- both great pieces. /0 ones turn your sax into the spawn of a blowtorch and a chainsaw, /1 pretty bright, /2 seem the best for flexibility while /3s are abit like metla otto links.
I've found they're one of the fewm outphieces where upgrading the lig isn't really worth the effort- the stock, two screw metal ones are great.

 

[thomsax]

I've been playing Berg Larsen since mid 70's. I switched to Dukoff en late 80's but now I'm back to Larsen. I just have stainless. 120/0SMS, 110/0SMS, 110/1M. I prefer the M facing to the SMS. I use LaVoz reeds MH or H together with a BG "FL" ligature. I think Larsen are very good on King and Martin saxes. Powerful combinations! Perfect if you are the only honker in the band. I found an old Czech bronze mpc the other day. From the 4o's, I guess. I think it stamped "F.Grolz.." or something like that. Very close to a Berg Larsen. Nice one. Cuts though everything.

Thomas

 

[greg_strange]

I play a Berg Larsen 100/0 M metal mouthpiece on my Walstein tenor. I think the Walstein tenor is a darker sounding horn (to my ears anyway) and I think the Berg Larsen gives it a bit of a 'lift'.
As Jon mentioned above, my mouthpiece is made in Belgium (birthplace of A.J. Sax), even though it has London, England engraved on the ligature.
The best thing to do is match you, the player, with the mouthpiece and/to the horn.
Happy honkin'
Regards,
Greg Strange.

 

[thomsax]

I heard that Berg Larsen mpc are nowadays being manufactoried in Poland!?!?

Thomas

 

[Jules]

Thomsax wrote:
I heard that Berg Larsen mpc are nowadays being manufactoried in Poland!?!?

Thomas

It's Belgium, somewhere near Antwerp.....