That was my first metal mouthpiece about 40 (!) years ago. I no longer know why I got another one. Probably just youthful ignorance! Thanks as ever, great review!!!
This is my 2nd metal 54 years old. S/S 110/2 M. Beautiful. I replaced my Selmer think it was a jazz with fluted sides as was a bit dull sounding on my MkVI. Tried a couple other mpcs since nothing as good.
pure class is what you are a real understanding of tenor sax and its feel sound and technical capacities..always enjoy the way you present and teach us as well as just purely listening to your wonderful playing ..sound and style ...always beautiful and inspiring..which is what to me...music and musicians is always about ..thank you so much ...
played a berg larson back in college for jazz band...director wanted me to use it and belonged to the college band...forgot what model it was but didn't think anything of it at the time but now wish I would of wrote down the specs on that mouthpiece...loved the sound....nice throaty growl with good control and not too edgy
Nice review..Great playing and go with a 120/1 it will give you a little more depth in the low range...the 0 designation is actually the baffle not the chamber, 0 is the most baffle and the way you master altissimo you dont need that much.. also sms is the medium (American) face...which is which makes it easyer to play as well. Lastly, stainless is the longest lasting material you can get and no plating to wear off...just a great mpc..love my sms Berg! wish I could play it like you LOL!
I couldn’t get a sound out of the berg😭. But I do play on a v16. Maybe it’s just not made for me. Edit: best player I’ve known and almost ever heard plays a berg.
To make Berg Larsen ligature work, put screws on top and loosen it up, insert reed, then as you tighten it up, the reed will shape the ligature to the mouthpiece shape. Use cork grease on screws
I'm glad you had fun with the Berg, I love them. I have a 105/1 on tenor that I play with Green Box 2.5 or 3s and a 115/0 on baritone that I play with La Voz Hard. I wish I had bought a 110 and 120 but they were both cheap on eBay because Berg Larsen seem to be unpopular now. I'm going to try the 0 chamber on tenor after hearing you. I still have a metal V16 T7 Medium that I enjoyed for a few years but almost never play since changing over. They take a lot of getting used to and can be screaming paint peelers but I've got the hang of mine and can play in sections or quiet ballads - they have a very warm, dark core tone I love. Yusef Lateef and Sonny Rollins were wonderful on theirs.
Thanks for the info. I sold mine so now I'm looking for a more open tip or maybe the New Vintage one. I don't know how the Vintage one's tip opening feels though.
I'm supposed to be painting the bathroom today. And here I sit watching you. My wife is not impressed, and has informed me that she will take my current mouthpiece, yes I just have one, and shove it up my "bell", if the current situation doesn't change soon. As it appears I will be needing a new mouthpiece very soon, and you mentioned selling some, will the Sugal you recently reviewed be one of the ones for sale?
I'll most likely be keeping those for a long period of time. I know they are on the pricey side but I think the new TAM's are pretty killer. I don't know if they are out yet but I do remember Gary saying something about late September. Thanks for watching
Sirvalorsax Unfortunately, I sold my tenor because it sounded stuffy. Turns out it was the Yamaha 5C that was the problem. The new owner played on his setup and it sounded great. He then played on the 5C and sounded very stuffy also. Naturally this is all your fault. If you had sold me the Sugal mouthpiece when I first begged for it, I would still have a tenor. Just kidding! I might buy it anyway. Then I can tell my wife I need a tenor because it’s pretty stupid to have a mouthpiece without a sax to use it on.
Lenny actually uses the stock ligature, with a 130/0 SMS from the 1950-60 era of BL’s history. I find if you want to recreate this “sound,” the new vintage-style model BL has on their website, 130/0SMS (I’m currently using the M facing, mostly because the American style facing has a more Trane vibe to it) will work perfectly. Stock ligature isn’t for everyone, I use a Rovner Dark, with a 3.5 strength ligature, cut, and shaved back down to strength, that’s how Lenny gets that “sound.”
Try shaping of the stock Berg ligature to the reed. I have a 105/2 SMS & 120/0 M that play incredibly on the *stock* ligs. I shaped both to the reed's general exterior shape & like them better than any of the leather or soft material ligs. The metal stock ligature seems to allow the range of vibrations of the reed speak without deadening or muffling the sound. I use Rico Plasticoat for the tiny extra brightness (also a Lenny P. tone fan). I believe Gato Barbieri played much of his tunes on a Berg.
I heard that he *hummed* as he played to give that sound quality. Much like a growl that some players, but less aggressive. There is a happy medium between them. Gato B. has been a favorite of mine since I first heard him.
Very excited for the bari sax video as I am a bari player great video and would love to see you try a Chinese bari metal mouthpiece. Really any mouthpieces lol. Keep up the nice work!
Matthew Stevenson I just got one but it’s leaking on my Bari neck so I’d have to add some cork or tape to my cork for it to seal because I feel air coming out the side
I play a alto and I have the 95/2 sms for my alto and the ligature fits good it just scrapes the reeds a bit, I really like how it plays and it’s a really good mounthpiece
Just got a 110/1 SMS "slim" model Berg Larsen in the mail. Took seven mail days to get it from Belgium to Ohio. My included ligature also looks like it needs manipulated, but I have an Alto/Slim Tenor Rovner Dark ligature I planned on using anyways. *Edit: got the ligature to work, a Rovner Alto/Tenor Slim ligature is actually too big for this mouthpiece. Will have to get a Rovner soprano ligature, or the just slim tenor (it's smaller than the alto/slim) lol.* I got the mouthpiece brand new half price from the Berg website based on your review's sound. They run half-off deals on mouthpieces that they have produced, but that came out with cosmetic damage (on the body). For my mouthpiece it was just some specs on the neck where they didn't engrave it perfectly. Definitely worth the savings if this is something you want and they have the right sizing for you. I took a bottle brush to the inside of the mouthpiece before playing bc there was metal dust leftover from the manufacturing--assume this is common with many metal mouthpieces, but wouldn't know--it seems visible in this video too. The Berg Larsen Special Promotions page is a little confusing in my opinion, bc they have two different chambers, the old or "slim" and the new and (only) the promotions page in no way tells you which you would be getting. I emailed them ahead of time to find out and got a reply back within a half day though. For
Two minutes of playing this thing and I can hit the altissimo G (with the alt high F key) which I was never able to do before with my Premiere by Hite. End of review.
I have always used Selmer MPCs on my Mark VI Tenor, starting with the Selmer C* metal Jazz from the 60's. I am very impressed by the Berg Larsen in this video. I just my buy one myself. In general, I don't play much Jazz - more Souza, Broadway, etc. in concert bands. Still, if I can play this and reach into the Altissimo range I'll be in 7th Heaven. We'll see.
Hi, Lenny's been playing a 130 for decades with Blue Box bass clarinet reeds; although, he has said he often using tenor reeds in morr recent times. I recall he's uses the SMS facing.
Great vid as always Adrienne. I used to play a metal berg 100 2 SMS (old but not vintage) with a rovner dark lig, and I loved it, but now I’ve switched to hard rubber pieces. The craftsmanship on mine isn’t as good as your piece here but it still played although i did struggle to get low notes out with it. You’re burning on this berg but I think that the 0 chamber has a little too much buzz for me, I used to find my 2 a little too mellow so I think 1 might cut it for me. Until next time D
Pete Chistlieb too. I played a 110/1 for most of my career. You sound great! Modern Bergs have a bad rep for QC. I was quite surprised by how great you sounded and how much you liked it.
I play a 110/2 M. It's 53 years old, made in London. Plays anything from a Getz ballad to hard driving rock. I love it. Plays cane and resin reeds. Heard the new ones are made in Belgium and not as good.
Listening to this again. You are getting close to Garbarek here. I havnt heard any able to do that. I think Houston Person used one in the 70's before the Lawton. You got the Picket vibe and Houston Person briefly too. I have a 110, 0, I think I am going down to 100. 0 is the lowest baffle. (smaller chamber)
Something to think about with these stainless Bergs is that as well as the lay and tone chamber over the years they made different models, most of which you can now buy so they have metal, duckbill, vintage and bullet, these four all play differently for the same lay and tone chamber and sound a bit different from each other, most shops do not keep all models lays and tone chambers in stock so you may have to ring up Berg Larsen in Belgium to order and see if they will let you return them if it doesn't suit you.
To address question about durability; I have a Berg 105/1 M that I bought in 1975. Back then the ligature fit and worked ok, but has been replaced by a Rovner in spite of it still being usable. The mouthpiece has survived in tact, playable as the day it was purchased for 45 years.
Lenny is playing the SMS not the M. He has talked about this in some of his master classes that I have seen. I have tried the Berg Larsen mouthpieces before and I tried the 120/0 SMS. I was able to find a couple of them and they both had some manufacturer defects. I also play fibracell reeds and the reeds overhang the mouthpiece which made it really uncomfortable to play. I like playing synthetic reeds due to the climate/humidity in the places I play, and I couldn't find a synthetic reed that seemed to match up well with the berg larsen. I was really excited to see this video and see you play this piece because Lenny has been such a big influence on me. I love your channel and lenny picket both for my own altissimo studies. I have had some throat surgery so I can't seem to have as much success in the altissimo range. I can get to around the 3 1/2 octaves range. Thanks again for all of your reviews!
Thanks for the info on that. I had some issues with early synthetic reeds fitting properly on wider mouthpieces but the modern Legere and Fibracell reeds are quite excellent. I haven't tried them on this mouthpiece though. I would have but I don't have access to most of my stuff right now
@@Sirvalorsax Cool! Thanks for letting me know. If you ever get to try different reeds on this piece I'd love to see how that impacts the ease of playing and how much trimming you have to do to make things fit. I have been using the new Fibracell Prremier reeds and also use the Legere Signature reeds mostly for practice. I feel that I do have to adjust to the response of these reeds and I typically like the response of the Fibracell reeds as I play in a lot of loud settings mainly doing jazz/funk/rock gigs.
I have the 110 0 SMS for the tenor sax and love it. Bought mine in 1993 and it has held up over the years. Interesting the ligature was bad. Mine was fine and held up several years. I would rate the Berg Larson in quality very similar to the Beechler metal mpc I use on Alto. I just prefered the rollover baffle on Alto. My Alto is a 7 facing. You might want to try a beechler metal mpc for tenor. Similar feel and sound but not as focused.
The review... I’ve been waiting for Adrian!!! I too heard of Lenny Picket and was awed by what he was doing (and then you also came along man =_)). I purchased a Berg Larsen Metal 130/0/SMS (direct from Berg’s website) as this is what he says he plays, per the RUclips videos he’s been on. Great investment! I agree also on the ligature but in my case, it was just ripping the top of the reeds apart. Eventually upgraded to a Rovner Platinum Alto (P-2M w/ matching silver screw) because the metal tenor berg mouthpiece’s are on the thinner side. I also tried Lenny’s #3 Vandoren Traditional Bass Clarinet reeds and the combo was solid (from what I’ve read the tip is thinner/stronger!? which is better for altissimo!?). Got turned on to BG Clear teethsavers too. Post some more Berg Larsen videos. Thanks for all of your sharing Adrain! It’s really helped! Looking forward to an altissimo book man!?
Thanks for another great review. After a decade of not playing I'm looking for something easier to blow, but I'm also looking for some flexibility in sound as far as darkness versus brightness .
Are you looking for metal, hard rubber or plastic? The Rico Metalites are really inexpensive and a great way to get back in the game if you aren't willing to commit to a high dollar mouthpiece yet.
I currently have a selmer s80 c*, a jumbo java t55, a Vandoren T25, and a Claude Lakey JAZZ 5*3. I was interested in the Gary Sugal TAM III that you recently reviewed at a price point of $450 but Gary wrote me that he’s going to be raising the price on that mouthpiece to $695 after September. It looks flexible as you described it but I’m only planning on purchasing one mouthpiece later this year and want my armature to be back in shape before doing so. I’m most interested in flexibility for changing darker to brighter within the same tune. I’m fairly happy with my overtones and overall sound, it’s coming back quickly. I actively played for over 40 years before giving it up a decade ago. I appreciate your reviews. I’m playing my super action 80 and had it completely overhauled by Saxquest. I had a Mark VI before that. Call me crazy, but I like the sound of this SA80 better.
@@norsktube I like the Series One super action 80 horns BIG TIME. I think they are very under rated. I would start with some of the really inexpensive mouthpieces that play very well. There are some nice pieces that play well for under $100. I would hate to spend $700 only to remember why I gave it up in the first place. Here are some under $150 pieces: Vandoren T6 Ebonite, Rico Metalite, Aibay from Amazon, Yamaha 4C/5C, Cannonball 5J
I play a 120, 0 and sms berg on tenor. Platinum rovner ligature and vando green 2.5. I sand the edges of reed down to better fit the narrow opening. Saw comment and also read in a book Lenny Pickett plays bass clarinet blue box three reeds. Never tried that combo but might be interesting video
So because you mentioned Larry Pickett I searched him on RUclips and listened to his album and my freaking jaw dropped😳! Now I understand what you mean and why he got your attention. So I immediately got myself a Berg Larsen and now I can play exactly like Larry Pickett!…(ya right! 😄) but seriously I love the sound of this mouthpiece! I got 100/1 which bright but still have the beefy midrange that I like.
Recently bought my first Berg. It is an old one long shank, stainless. 105 1 M and the "B" in the Berg is curiously double-stamped. With these old ones one can see the hand finishing on the rails, etc. And this one had "Bob Ackerman" lightly engraved on the body. As it is, this thing plays and SOUNDS great! My $800 piece will soon be sold as this $114.00 used Berg just blew it away!!? I'm still laughing. Thanks for your evaluation on a new Berg.
Bob Ackerman was known as “the mouthpiece doctor”. Back in the 80s I went to his house in NJ and bought one of his Selmer Mk VI. I found him to be truly great guy.
Do you have absolute favorite pieces for the different musical situations you play in? If so, I would like to know because although I can hear the subtle and sometimes major differences in the sound of the pieces you review, you sound great on all of them. Every so often like maybe twice a year, it would be good to get an update on if your favs have changed and why. Also, it would be nice to know your pick for the most versatile piece. Keep reviewing because your vids are informative and awesome!!!
Great playing as always. Just a point of clarification, according to Berg Larson the 0, 1, 2, 3, numbers indicate the baffle height. 0 being the highest and 3 being the lowest.
The ligatures BL supply are pretty hit and miss but I've been experimenting with ligatures I had lying around that were the right size. The one that works best for me is the Rovner Platinum. I tried a Saxxas, Rovner Classic fabric, and the stock BL. They're all good but I found the Platinum seemed to free the piece up more, while the Saxxas darkened it (pulled back the overtones a little). Berg Larsen 105/1 tenor stainless steel, Java Green 2.5 to 3.5. It's pretty reed friendly.
Thanks for the tip. I'll look into that because I'm using a great Chinese mouthpiece that is small. I sold this piece with the ligature that I bought so need a new one
late 1960s berg larsen 100 sms 2 straight type baffle in mine not parabolic. is also really punchy and easy to play. nicer sound than my 6star otto link. i think my link is maybe a 1991 .
You sound really good on this piece, but, then again, you sound good on a Yamaha 4C! Anyway, Bergs are notorious for having smaller tip openings than marked. I'll bet that the actual tip measures between 90 and 95.
Hello Adriano, you are a really impressive sax player! and I love all your description. I still have a metal BL since 1970! ... could you, please, tell me if that one is slim or large body mouthpieces? I just found a vintage one, is slim so not so comfortable for me to play but the sound is the best I ever had ( my amber opinion...) Berg have the vintage large body? thank you
I like this sound the best of all the pieces you've reviewed. You seem very relaxed on it, It's incredibly fast and also has something extra going on that eg the Vandoren metals that you reviewed don't have There is a little bit of an edge which gives bit more interest, But I'm also starting to think that the differences that really matter are how it actually feels to play and how it makes you feel when you play it.
@@Sirvalorsax Just to add I picked up a 100/1/M on ebay last week. The thing that doesn't come across from your review is just how small these things are in the mouth. Really don't like that. But sound good.
@@andrewhockley2579 Interesting point. For any other smaller mouthpieces I'll make a clearer point. This is usually typical of the slim metal tenor sax mouthpieces
I have two Berg Larsen mouthpieces, one for tenor and one for alto. I have no problems with the ligatures. I have the new style mouthpieces with a straight cut baffle. On the Berg Larsen web page it is listed two ligatures for SS mouthpieces, one for new style and one for slim style. Perhaps yours have been fitted with the wrong ligature ? Also I have been told that Rovner Platinium works well with Berg Larsen.
Sirvalorsax I belive you already got one. What they call «old style» has a parabolic cut out, and is supposed to be a copy of the mouthpieces that Berg Larsen created. I am thinking of buying one myself.
Great sound my friend!!! Congrats!!! I´m in Berg Larsen club now, I´m using a 125/2 SMS on my Conn New Wonder tenor and it feels great but I´m switching my Dukoff Hollywood to this new one, so figure it out what is my influence and tone goal....LOL!!! Any suggestions are welcome if do you have time to read this, thanks anyway, your channel is the best!!!
I want to suggest you to do a video testing vintage saxes, maybe you're in another boat but there are a lot of devoted people with old axes, what do you think?
First... very nice sound... I've been playing with a Pre-Released ('69) Straight Bill 130/0 offset M since they sent their first run to Los Angeles (I went through all 7 until I found THE one... lol). And gone through Custom Lakey's... Custom Lawton (12*)... CE Winds Legend II (.125)... 10mFan Merlot 9*... as you can see like larger opening... Well, I don't know if you've reviewed them yet (and I have no endorsement or anything from Beechler) but you might try a Beechler Tonalex... I've downsized to a 7 (.095), which is an extreme change for me... and surprisingly, it's just an easier blowing version of my other mouthpieces, be it much smaller. All this to ask you to do a review of the Beechler Tonalex Tenor mouthpiece... I believe you'll be as surprised as I was...
I really enjoy your videos. They are informative and your playing is great. My question is have you tried the SYOS mouthpieces and if so how do you like them and are they worth the price. By the way I have been playing on a Berg hard rubber 100 over 1 and I like it. I am trying a Jody Jazz Jet hard rubber 7. I concur with your assessment of the metal version it fizzles out in the high notes but sounds great in the normal range. I don't play altissimo well but I can get G over the palm F on the Berg but not at all on the JJJ. will try different reeds and update you later.
I think plastic will be the way of the future as far as mouthpieces go. They're much cheaper to make and they can sound great if they are made well. I just finished a review on a $10 Timiy Chinese plastic mouthpiece that I will post on Sunday Oct-13th. I also just posted a review of the Yamaha 4C. Modern manufacturing is spectacular nowadays.
Ehi man, your channel is awesome. I’m really loving it. However, I have a question for you. I think you’re the best person to ask. I’m searching for a Metal Tenor Mouthpiece. I really love being bright on tenor. I don’t know I you like it too. (In this video you’ve chosen the brighter Berg and that’s what I’d like to do), but anyway, I don’t know too many mouthpieces on tenor, so I’m asking you. What’s a good choose of Metal Mouthpiece to have a really bright sound on tenor without spending too much money. I mean, I’d like to stay on 150/200€ maximum even buying used mouthpieces. I’m an alto Player and I’m developing my sound on alto ... on tenor I just need a mouthpiece to put in a moment and play. I know that’s better having a mouthpiece with a bit of resistance that allows to get feedback and makes you develop your sound, but that’s not my case. (So I’d like even pieces like JJ that “Do to much for you” like you said in JJ review) maybe I’d prefer something less expensive than JJ😅 thanks
My best suggestion is a Dukoff. New ones are around 250dollars US and 200 for a blemished one. I'm looking to get one sooooon!! Hint hint wink wink Lol
I used a Berg Larsen on my Selmer tenor in the mid 60's. Paid about $45 for it which was a lot since I was making about $100 a week playing in clubs and college dances. Like your demo and my have to hunt for a BL. Cheers.
This is from Berg Larsen website, wonder why your one has such a low baffle! “Tone Chambers: '0' - BRILLIANT, '1' - BRIGHT, '2' - ROUND, '3' - MELLOW.”
I hope your book will have your modern era horn altissimo fingerings. I love my 105-1-M Berg. It's a shame your ligature didn't work, I feel like Berg players are in their own secret society and one of the doctrines is that you just use that ligature. Look at Lenny Pickett, Sonny Rollins, Pete Christleib, Gato Barbieri, Plas Johnson, Donny Mccaslin etc. I think the ligature metal is malleable, just loosen the screws, put an old reed on and force it into place. You only have to do it once, the mouthpiece is virtually indestructible.
The more open tip makes this one feel more professional for sure and the stainless steel is a nice touch. I'll be picking up another that's even cheaper than the Aibay soon. It does look exactly like it though but I want to see how low I can go in price
Great video! I have a Berg Larsen 100/2 M that I have played for almost twenty- five years and it shows. I never used a mouthpiece protector, do they work? Also, can you explain why you need a bigger tip opening if you like the sound and it is easy to play? Is it a volume issue?
I never play without the mouthpiece protector mainly because the vibrations on my teeth are very uncomfortable without it. I need a more open tip with this because I did struggle a little with this tip opening. I didn't put it in this video though. A slightly more open tip would still be just as comfortable and make it more balanced in the altissimo register for me
Nice - sounds great! I can't get the 110/0 M or the 120/1 SMS to sound like much on my tenor. My old 100/2 (SMS? possibly custom refaced) hard rubber piece is just perfect with my Super 20 tenor. If you or anyone have any ideas as to why this is, please share. I only tried the metal mouthpieces because I'm afraid the HR won't last forever. Oh and I tested these with the stock lig, so maybe I oughta try them with a different lig before selling them off.
Nope. The new TAM's from Sugal are really something special. Since I bought the silver one after I did the video, I'm going to do a more extensive playthrough of this mouthpiece later
@@jesuefeokagbare I like the Gold but I'm going to do a more extensive video play-through of the Silver very soon. I didn't buy it until I had already mostly finished the review so that will be coming soon
hey BRO U SOUND GREAT ON THAT BERG I HAVE A BERG ALSO BUT HARD RUBBER BERG ARE MOSTLY GREAT MOUTH PIECES WHAT KIND SILVER NECK DO YOU HAVE AND WHERE CAN I GET ONE IT SOUNDS REALLY NICE ON YOUR HORN BRO THANKS FOR YOUR ADVICE
OHHH YEHHH!!! One of the best sounding mouthpieces I've ever played was the Theo Wanne Mantra. This is a $500 mouthpiece with superb craftsmanship but it died hard in the altissimo register for me. ruclips.net/video/YDkHKGx3Igw/видео.html
Hi, Adriene. I'm from Brazil. Here It's difficult to try all mouthpieces we want. That's why I have a question... In terms of body and projection, wich mouthpiece would you take, Vandoren V16 Ebonite OR that metal Berg Larsen??? I use a Guardala MB2 made by Norberto. It's a very very good mouthpiece. But, how it's made of metal, the sound becomes more spread e loses body when you play it harder. I don't know if it happens because of the material...
I really like the Berg Larsen. I sold this one because the tip was too small for me but I plan on getting another one in the future. Maybe a new vintage
I deleted my earlier comment and I hope I get things correct this time around. I have a stainless steel or Larson tenor saxophone mouthpiece that I purchased sometime around 1975. It is a 105, 0, M facing. Would you be interested in a straight trade for the mouthpiece you review here? If so let me know and I can send pictures and face and curves if you would like. Either way keep the videos coming and I look forward to your baritone saxophone mouthpiece review.
At the moment I don't even have a real address. I'm not really interested right now because of BIG CHANGES happening at work over the next few weeks. How is the quality of stainless steel after 44 years?
To be honest, I have not been playing it regularly in that time frame. Certainly no corrosion. By the way, I would second what someone else said: you can bend that thin metal Berg ligature to your will. Put it on the mouthpiece and use the butt end of a dead reed to try to make the metal bend and fit the reed on the table until it fits. Good luck.
@@jaylozier4083 Yes. I 2nd the shaping of the stock Berg ligature to the reed. I have a 105/2 SMS & 120/0 M that play incredibly on the *stock* ligs. I shaped both to the reed's general exterior shape & like them better than any of the leather or soft material ligs. The metal stock ligature seems to allow the range of vibrations of the reed speak without deadening or muffling the sound.
Hello I'm from Brazil. tell me a site in the USA for me to buy mouthpieces because here in Brazil there are no varieties of brands and when we find some they are very expensive. thank you!!!
Do all metal mp have finger prints on the inside of the tip? Mine does, this one does, and another I saw on "better sax" channel has. So whats the deal with that?
0 is for the baffle hight! 0 is the highest(brightest) 3 lowest darkest. SMS is only refering to the facing curve.It comes SMS (short frecnh style) and M (american type, slightly longer and with a flatter curve ). There is no way to chose the tone chamber size in those Bergs. Bests www.berglarsen.com/howtochoose.html
Bergs are notorious for inconsistent measurements. I have a .100/1 that measured about 91. Had it opened and now it is a .100, they can be either larger or smaller than marked. Would be interesting to have the one you have measured and see the actual tip opening. ;)
Good point. I've heard that they consistently run small though. Usually when there is an aggressive baffle, the piece feels smaller but this one is low.
I just ordered the Berg 105/0 SMS tenor mouthpiece. I like the Berg but I can't get it to seal on the reeds and all my reeds are too wide for this very thin mouthpiece. Is this suppose to the be case or is this one made too thin?
Yes I did buy brand new. Got it two days ago. My main concern is the reeds are slightly wider than the rails and tip. But, it play well. I have this one and metal Vandoren I'm doing a trial on. I've already decided to send the Vandoren metal MP back, just too stuffy and takes too much air. I might still order the Sugal Kirk Whalum model to compare with the Berg.
Man, I’m searching for Chris White (dire straits) sound. He sounds a Berg Larsen Duckbill. What kind of mouthpiece do you suggest for having a similar sound? (this Berg?) I think Dukoff are too bright🤣
Sirvalorsax I think Chris sounds a Vintage one (very expensive and rare), the new one are Expensive too ... there aren’t enough reviews on the internet
I’ve already discovered that Retro Revival has done a new replica of Duck Bill Berg Larsen. I really don’t know if the Chriss White one is a 0 or 1. And I didn’t realized what’s the difference in terms of sound between SMS and M facing.
I always thought he played a Dukoff. I used to listen to my dad's records of street life back in the day. Also, that was one of the first solos I transcribed.
@@Sirvalorsax I had the pleasure of meeting Wilton and spending around 20 minutes chatting with him after a gig many years ago now, at that time he was using the narrow bodied stainless steel zero tone chamber mouthpiece similar to the one in your video however it had started off at around 120 but after some time he had it refaced down quite a lot to around 100 or maybe even 95, I remember it was a big change, also at that gig he was playing a silver plated Yamaha YTS-62 prototype that Yamaha had given him and not a King super 20 which I was expecting him to be using, he still sounded like Wilton Felder though regardless.
@@cfny i believe material is taken of the table and the curve is reshaped, i have no first hand knowledge of this, i'm just repeating what Wilton told me. He was a lovely guy, so sad that he's no longer with us.
I love the Berg sound, and you carry it out very well
Thanks
That was my first metal mouthpiece about 40 (!) years ago. I no longer know why I got another one. Probably just youthful ignorance! Thanks as ever, great review!!!
LOL! I wish I kept some of my first Otto Link mouthpieces
This is my 2nd metal 54 years old. S/S 110/2 M. Beautiful. I replaced my Selmer think it was a jazz with fluted sides as was a bit dull sounding on my MkVI. Tried a couple other mpcs since nothing as good.
Out of all the mouth pieces I've heard you play, this BL has the best sound .
I sold this to my friend. I'm looking to get one of the new vintage ones in the future
@@Sirvalorsax Try the Rovner Platinum Lig. Only lig that really works on my 50's Berg.
pure class is what you are a real understanding of tenor sax and its feel sound and technical capacities..always enjoy the way you present and teach us as well as just purely listening to your wonderful playing ..sound and style ...always beautiful and inspiring..which is what to me...music and musicians is always about ..thank you so much ...
Thanks
played a berg larson back in college for jazz band...director wanted me to use it and belonged to the college band...forgot what model it was but didn't think anything of it at the time but now wish I would of wrote down the specs on that mouthpiece...loved the sound....nice throaty growl with good control and not too edgy
Dude your voice and tone are so soothing I could watch this video to sleep
Wow, thanks
It sounds great to me. I’m currently playing a Theo Wanne Durga 9.
Nice review..Great playing and go with a 120/1 it will give you a little more depth in the low range...the 0 designation is actually the baffle not the chamber, 0 is the most baffle and the way you master altissimo you dont need that much.. also sms is the medium (American) face...which is which makes it easyer to play as well. Lastly, stainless is the longest lasting material you can get and no plating to wear off...just a great mpc..love my sms Berg! wish I could play it like you LOL!
@@kevinschulte7976 No, "M" is the American face, sir.
I couldn’t get a sound out of the berg😭. But I do play on a v16. Maybe it’s just not made for me.
Edit: best player I’ve known and almost ever heard plays a berg.
To make Berg Larsen ligature work, put screws on top and loosen it up, insert reed, then as you tighten it up, the reed will shape the ligature to the mouthpiece shape. Use cork grease on screws
Grover Washington hard rubber berg ,130/0, sonny rollinsb130/2 , and James Brown sax players used bergs
I didn't realize Grover was using an HR Berg.
Add Yusef Lateef and Gato Barbieri to the list.
Didnt Hawkins play on a berg?
I'm glad you had fun with the Berg, I love them. I have a 105/1 on tenor that I play with Green Box 2.5 or 3s and a 115/0 on baritone that I play with La Voz Hard. I wish I had bought a 110 and 120 but they were both cheap on eBay because Berg Larsen seem to be unpopular now. I'm going to try the 0 chamber on tenor after hearing you. I still have a metal V16 T7 Medium that I enjoyed for a few years but almost never play since changing over. They take a lot of getting used to and can be screaming paint peelers but I've got the hang of mine and can play in sections or quiet ballads - they have a very warm, dark core tone I love. Yusef Lateef and Sonny Rollins were wonderful on theirs.
Thanks for the info. I sold mine so now I'm looking for a more open tip or maybe the New Vintage one. I don't know how the Vintage one's tip opening feels though.
I'm supposed to be painting the bathroom today. And here I sit watching you. My wife is not impressed, and has informed me that she will take my current mouthpiece, yes I just have one, and shove it up my "bell", if the current situation doesn't change soon. As it appears I will be needing a new mouthpiece very soon, and you mentioned selling some, will the Sugal you recently reviewed be one of the ones for sale?
I'll most likely be keeping those for a long period of time. I know they are on the pricey side but I think the new TAM's are pretty killer. I don't know if they are out yet but I do remember Gary saying something about late September. Thanks for watching
Lmao 😂
I plan to sell the Silver Sugal. I need to get my website going and have a platform for selling on it.
Sirvalorsax Unfortunately, I sold my tenor because it sounded stuffy. Turns out it was the Yamaha 5C that was the problem. The new owner played on his setup and it sounded great. He then played on the 5C and sounded very stuffy also. Naturally this is all your fault. If you had sold me the Sugal mouthpiece when I first begged for it, I would still have a tenor. Just kidding! I might buy it anyway. Then I can tell my wife I need a tenor because it’s pretty stupid to have a mouthpiece without a sax to use it on.
My life is under threat myself here for exactly the same reason.
Finally!! Video we've been waiting on
Cool
Lenny actually uses the stock ligature, with a 130/0 SMS from the 1950-60 era of BL’s history. I find if you want to recreate this “sound,” the new vintage-style model BL has on their website, 130/0SMS (I’m currently using the M facing, mostly because the American style facing has a more Trane vibe to it) will work perfectly. Stock ligature isn’t for everyone, I use a Rovner Dark, with a 3.5 strength ligature, cut, and shaved back down to strength, that’s how Lenny gets that “sound.”
I heard he uses or used bass clarinet reeds also. I really like the stainless steel so if I get another one I'll look for the vintage
Try shaping of the stock Berg ligature to the reed. I have a 105/2 SMS & 120/0 M that play incredibly on the *stock* ligs. I shaped both to the reed's general exterior shape & like them better than any of the leather or soft material ligs.
The metal stock ligature seems to allow the range of vibrations of the reed speak without deadening or muffling the sound.
I use Rico Plasticoat for the tiny extra brightness (also a Lenny P. tone fan). I believe Gato Barbieri played much of his tunes on a Berg.
I heard that he *hummed* as he played to give that sound quality. Much like a growl that some players, but less aggressive. There is a happy medium between them.
Gato B. has been a favorite of mine since I first heard him.
Very excited for the bari sax video as I am a bari player great video and would love to see you try a Chinese bari metal mouthpiece. Really any mouthpieces lol. Keep up the nice work!
Matthew Stevenson I just got one but it’s leaking on my Bari neck so I’d have to add some cork or tape to my cork for it to seal because I feel air coming out the side
I play a alto and I have the 95/2 sms for my alto and the ligature fits good it just scrapes the reeds a bit, I really like how it plays and it’s a really good mounthpiece
Just got a 110/1 SMS "slim" model Berg Larsen in the mail. Took seven mail days to get it from Belgium to Ohio. My included ligature also looks like it needs manipulated, but I have an Alto/Slim Tenor Rovner Dark ligature I planned on using anyways. *Edit: got the ligature to work, a Rovner Alto/Tenor Slim ligature is actually too big for this mouthpiece. Will have to get a Rovner soprano ligature, or the just slim tenor (it's smaller than the alto/slim) lol.* I got the mouthpiece brand new half price from the Berg website based on your review's sound. They run half-off deals on mouthpieces that they have produced, but that came out with cosmetic damage (on the body). For my mouthpiece it was just some specs on the neck where they didn't engrave it perfectly. Definitely worth the savings if this is something you want and they have the right sizing for you. I took a bottle brush to the inside of the mouthpiece before playing bc there was metal dust leftover from the manufacturing--assume this is common with many metal mouthpieces, but wouldn't know--it seems visible in this video too. The Berg Larsen Special Promotions page is a little confusing in my opinion, bc they have two different chambers, the old or "slim" and the new and (only) the promotions page in no way tells you which you would be getting. I emailed them ahead of time to find out and got a reply back within a half day though. For
Two minutes of playing this thing and I can hit the altissimo G (with the alt high F key) which I was never able to do before with my Premiere by Hite. End of review.
Thanks for the info!!
I have always used Selmer MPCs on my Mark VI Tenor, starting with the Selmer C* metal Jazz from the 60's. I am very impressed by the Berg Larsen in this video.
I just my buy one myself. In general, I don't play much Jazz - more Souza, Broadway, etc. in concert bands.
Still, if I can play this and reach into the Altissimo range I'll be in 7th Heaven. We'll see.
Good Luck!!
Awesome review as always.... I’ll consider buying one of those mouthpieces from now on... thank you
Thanks
Hi, Lenny's been playing a 130 for decades with Blue Box bass clarinet reeds; although, he has said he often using tenor reeds in morr recent times. I recall he's uses the SMS facing.
Ahhh, thanks for the tip.
@@Sirvalorsax That might be cool video comparison; a couple mpcs with what you use vs. bass clar reed. Have a great week.
@@Sirvalorsax Was that a pun? :)
Great vid as always Adrienne. I used to play a metal berg 100 2 SMS (old but not vintage) with a rovner dark lig, and I loved it, but now I’ve switched to hard rubber pieces.
The craftsmanship on mine isn’t as good as your piece here but it still played although i did struggle to get low notes out with it.
You’re burning on this berg but I think that the 0 chamber has a little too much buzz for me, I used to find my 2 a little too mellow so I think 1 might cut it for me.
Until next time
D
Good points. I could use a stiffer reed on this but I love the ease of play from this piece
Pete Chistlieb too. I played a 110/1 for most of my career. You sound great! Modern Bergs have a bad rep for QC. I was quite surprised by how great you sounded and how much you liked it.
I might be selling this to a friend and getting a more open tip one.
I play a 110/2 M. It's 53 years old, made in London. Plays anything from a Getz ballad to hard driving rock. I love it. Plays cane and resin reeds. Heard the new ones are made in Belgium and not as good.
I have. Larsen bronze piece, it’s a great one. I like the looks too.
I haven't tried the bronze one
Listening to this again. You are getting close to Garbarek here. I havnt heard any able to do that.
I think Houston Person used one in the 70's before the Lawton.
You got the Picket vibe and Houston Person briefly too.
I have a 110, 0, I think I am going down to 100.
0 is the lowest baffle. (smaller chamber)
I think I need to go to the 110/0.
Something to think about with these stainless Bergs is that as well as the lay and tone chamber over the years they made different models, most of which you can now buy so they have metal, duckbill, vintage and bullet, these four all play differently for the same lay and tone chamber and sound a bit different from each other, most shops do not keep all models lays and tone chambers in stock so you may have to ring up Berg Larsen in Belgium to order and see if they will let you return them if it doesn't suit you.
To address question about durability; I have a Berg 105/1 M that I bought in 1975. Back then the ligature fit and worked ok, but has been replaced by a Rovner in spite of it still being usable. The mouthpiece has survived in tact, playable as the day it was purchased for 45 years.
That's awesome. I might get the new vintage one soon.
Lenny is playing the SMS not the M. He has talked about this in some of his master classes that I have seen. I have tried the Berg Larsen mouthpieces before and I tried the 120/0 SMS. I was able to find a couple of them and they both had some manufacturer defects. I also play fibracell reeds and the reeds overhang the mouthpiece which made it really uncomfortable to play. I like playing synthetic reeds due to the climate/humidity in the places I play, and I couldn't find a synthetic reed that seemed to match up well with the berg larsen. I was really excited to see this video and see you play this piece because Lenny has been such a big influence on me. I love your channel and lenny picket both for my own altissimo studies. I have had some throat surgery so I can't seem to have as much success in the altissimo range. I can get to around the 3 1/2 octaves range. Thanks again for all of your reviews!
Thanks for the info on that. I had some issues with early synthetic reeds fitting properly on wider mouthpieces but the modern Legere and Fibracell reeds are quite excellent. I haven't tried them on this mouthpiece though. I would have but I don't have access to most of my stuff right now
@@Sirvalorsax Cool! Thanks for letting me know. If you ever get to try different reeds on this piece I'd love to see how that impacts the ease of playing and how much trimming you have to do to make things fit. I have been using the new Fibracell Prremier reeds and also use the Legere Signature reeds mostly for practice. I feel that I do have to adjust to the response of these reeds and I typically like the response of the Fibracell reeds as I play in a lot of loud settings mainly doing jazz/funk/rock gigs.
Believe Kamasi Washington plays a 110/0 SMS, so this is basically his set-up (he uses a Rovner dark ligature I think).
I've been looking into his stuff recently
@@Sirvalorsax ditto, like his stuff a lot lol. Hope things are going well for you--now that you're on land again.
I have the 110 0 SMS for the tenor sax and love it. Bought mine in 1993 and it has held up over the years. Interesting the ligature was bad. Mine was fine and held up several years. I would rate the Berg Larson in quality very similar to the Beechler metal mpc I use on Alto. I just prefered the rollover baffle on Alto. My Alto is a 7 facing.
You might want to try a beechler metal mpc for tenor. Similar feel and sound but not as focused.
ok
The review... I’ve been waiting for Adrian!!! I too heard of Lenny Picket and was awed by what he was doing (and then you also came along man =_)). I purchased a Berg Larsen Metal 130/0/SMS (direct from Berg’s website) as this is what he says he plays, per the RUclips videos he’s been on. Great investment! I agree also on the ligature but in my case, it was just ripping the top of the reeds apart. Eventually upgraded to a Rovner Platinum Alto (P-2M w/ matching silver screw) because the metal tenor berg mouthpiece’s are on the thinner side. I also tried Lenny’s #3 Vandoren Traditional Bass Clarinet reeds and the combo was solid (from what I’ve read the tip is thinner/stronger!? which is better for altissimo!?). Got turned on to BG Clear teethsavers too. Post some more Berg Larsen videos. Thanks for all of your sharing Adrain! It’s really helped! Looking forward to an altissimo book man!?
I’ve got a Francois Louise lig for my vandoren v16 slim mp. It would be perfect for this Berg.
Thanks for another great review. After a decade of not playing I'm looking for something easier to blow, but I'm also looking for some flexibility in sound as far as darkness versus brightness .
Are you looking for metal, hard rubber or plastic? The Rico Metalites are really inexpensive and a great way to get back in the game if you aren't willing to commit to a high dollar mouthpiece yet.
I currently have a selmer s80 c*, a jumbo java t55, a Vandoren T25, and a Claude Lakey JAZZ 5*3. I was interested in the Gary Sugal TAM III that you recently reviewed at a price point of $450 but Gary wrote me that he’s going to be raising the price on that mouthpiece to $695 after September. It looks flexible as you described it but I’m only planning on purchasing one mouthpiece later this year and want my armature to be back in shape before doing so. I’m most interested in flexibility for changing darker to brighter within the same tune. I’m fairly happy with my overtones and overall sound, it’s coming back quickly. I actively played for over 40 years before giving it up a decade ago. I appreciate your reviews. I’m playing my super action 80 and had it completely overhauled by Saxquest. I had a Mark VI before that. Call me crazy, but I like the sound of this SA80 better.
@@norsktube I like the Series One super action 80 horns BIG TIME. I think they are very under rated. I would start with some of the really inexpensive mouthpieces that play very well. There are some nice pieces that play well for under $100. I would hate to spend $700 only to remember why I gave it up in the first place. Here are some under $150 pieces: Vandoren T6 Ebonite, Rico Metalite, Aibay from Amazon, Yamaha 4C/5C, Cannonball 5J
I play a 120, 0 and sms berg on tenor. Platinum rovner ligature and vando green 2.5. I sand the edges of reed down to better fit the narrow opening. Saw comment and also read in a book Lenny Pickett plays bass clarinet blue box three reeds. Never tried that combo but might be interesting video
Hmmm, I might be selling this to a friend. If I do, I'll get a more open tip one. I'll be sure to try those bass clarinet reeds with it
So because you mentioned Larry Pickett I searched him on RUclips and listened to his album and my freaking jaw dropped😳! Now I understand what you mean and why he got your attention. So I immediately got myself a Berg Larsen and now I can play exactly like Larry Pickett!…(ya right! 😄) but seriously I love the sound of this mouthpiece! I got 100/1 which bright but still have the beefy midrange that I like.
I sold this one but now a want a new one with a more open tip or the new vintage one.
Sirvalorsax perhaps you should get 110/2.
Recently bought my first Berg. It is an old one long shank, stainless. 105 1 M and the "B" in the Berg is curiously double-stamped. With these old ones one can see the hand finishing on the rails, etc. And this one had "Bob Ackerman" lightly engraved on the body. As it is, this thing plays and SOUNDS great! My $800 piece will soon be sold as this $114.00 used Berg just blew it away!!? I'm still laughing. Thanks for your evaluation on a new Berg.
Hallo. I wanna buy berg larsen 105 / 2 . Im begginer, is it hard and difficult to play, for me?
Bob Ackerman is my friend and great mouthpiece expert!
Bob Ackerman was known as “the mouthpiece doctor”. Back in the 80s I went to his house in NJ and bought one of his Selmer Mk VI. I found him to be truly great guy.
Do you have absolute favorite pieces for the different musical situations you play in? If so, I would like to know because although I can hear the subtle and sometimes major differences in the sound of the pieces you review, you sound great on all of them. Every so often like maybe twice a year, it would be good to get an update on if your favs have changed and why.
Also, it would be nice to know your pick for the most versatile piece. Keep reviewing because your vids are informative and awesome!!!
Man, great idea!!! I don't have access to most of my stuff right now but I will get to that one for sure.
Great playing as always. Just a point of clarification, according to Berg Larson the 0, 1, 2, 3, numbers indicate the baffle height. 0 being the highest and 3 being the lowest.
There is a paper insert that comes with this mouthpiece and that information wasn't there. I'll check again on it though. Thanks for the tip
And why is the 0 baffle looking so low? Or is this the brightest they make?
Very good mouthpiece i have one 130/0 and is easy for low And hight notes
The ligatures BL supply are pretty hit and miss but I've been experimenting with ligatures I had lying around that were the right size. The one that works best for me is the Rovner Platinum. I tried a Saxxas, Rovner Classic fabric, and the stock BL. They're all good but I found the Platinum seemed to free the piece up more, while the Saxxas darkened it (pulled back the overtones a little). Berg Larsen 105/1 tenor stainless steel, Java Green 2.5 to 3.5. It's pretty reed friendly.
Thanks for the tip. I'll look into that because I'm using a great Chinese mouthpiece that is small. I sold this piece with the ligature that I bought so need a new one
late 1960s berg larsen 100 sms 2 straight type baffle in mine not parabolic. is also really punchy and easy to play. nicer sound than my 6star otto link. i think my link is maybe a 1991 .
You sound really good on this piece, but, then again, you sound good on a Yamaha 4C! Anyway, Bergs are notorious for having smaller tip openings than marked. I'll bet that the actual tip measures between 90 and 95.
Thank you for the review.
Thanks
Hello Adriano,
you are a really impressive sax player!
and I love all your description.
I still have a metal BL since 1970! ... could you, please, tell me if that one is slim or large body mouthpieces?
I just found a vintage one, is slim so not so comfortable for me to play but the sound is the best I ever had ( my amber opinion...)
Berg have the vintage large body?
thank you
God bless his soul! I think Grover Washington Jr played on a BL 130/0 also. According to google.
I wonder if it was a hard rubber piece for a while.
@@Sirvalorsax As a matter of fact it was a HR. No wonder he had an explosive sound on tenor.
ruclips.net/video/NaeEEqA3pPs/видео.html I think he played on it on this track
I like this sound the best of all the pieces you've reviewed. You seem very relaxed on it, It's incredibly fast and also has something extra going on that eg the Vandoren metals that you reviewed don't have There is a little bit of an edge which gives bit more interest, But I'm also starting to think that the differences that really matter are how it actually feels to play and how it makes you feel when you play it.
Fantastic assessment. I always go for how a mouthpiece feels over how it sounds. The sound will come if it feels right
@@Sirvalorsax Just to add I picked up a 100/1/M on ebay last week. The thing that doesn't come across from your review is just how small these things are in the mouth. Really don't like that. But sound good.
@@andrewhockley2579 Interesting point. For any other smaller mouthpieces I'll make a clearer point. This is usually typical of the slim metal tenor sax mouthpieces
I have two Berg Larsen mouthpieces, one for tenor and one for alto. I have no problems with the ligatures. I have the new style mouthpieces with a straight cut baffle. On the Berg Larsen web page it is listed two ligatures for SS mouthpieces, one for new style and one for slim style. Perhaps yours have been fitted with the wrong ligature ? Also I have been told that Rovner Platinium works well with Berg Larsen.
I will consider that ligature in the future. Thanks for the info. Do you know about the New Vintage Berg Larsen's?
Sirvalorsax I belive you already got one. What they call «old style» has a parabolic cut out, and is supposed to be a copy of the mouthpieces that Berg Larsen created. I am thinking of buying one myself.
What a Beautiful sound!! Have you try that BG ligature with your Vandoren t6 metal mouthpiece? I'd like to buy it for my Vandoren t6.
I haven't. I sold this piece with the ligature that I got for it. I'm looking to get a more open tipped new vintage one in the future.
Great sound my friend!!! Congrats!!! I´m in Berg Larsen club now, I´m using a 125/2 SMS on my Conn New Wonder tenor and it feels great but I´m switching my Dukoff Hollywood to this new one, so figure it out what is my influence and tone goal....LOL!!! Any suggestions are welcome if do you have time to read this, thanks anyway, your channel is the best!!!
Thanks
I want to suggest you to do a video testing vintage saxes, maybe you're in another boat but there are a lot of devoted people with old axes, what do you think?
The 100 sounds great bro, trust me
First... very nice sound...
I've been playing with a Pre-Released ('69) Straight Bill 130/0 offset M since they sent their first run to Los Angeles (I went through all 7 until I found THE one... lol).
And gone through Custom Lakey's... Custom Lawton (12*)... CE Winds Legend II (.125)... 10mFan Merlot 9*... as you can see like larger opening...
Well, I don't know if you've reviewed them yet (and I have no endorsement or anything from Beechler) but you might try a Beechler Tonalex...
I've downsized to a 7 (.095), which is an extreme change for me... and surprisingly, it's just an easier blowing version of my other mouthpieces, be it much smaller.
All this to ask you to do a review of the Beechler Tonalex Tenor mouthpiece... I believe you'll be as surprised as I was...
I'll look into it. Thanks for the helpful information
I use a 110/ 1
Hi, Love the tone. Just wondering if you could provide a comparison with the 110/0? Also, what model tenor are you using in this video?
It's a Cannonball Vintage Reborn with Dark Amber Lacquer
I really enjoy your videos. They are informative and your playing is great. My question is have you tried the SYOS mouthpieces and if so how do you like them and are they worth the price. By the way I have been playing on a Berg hard rubber 100 over 1 and I like it. I am trying a Jody Jazz Jet hard rubber 7. I concur with your assessment of the metal version it fizzles out in the high notes but sounds great in the normal range. I don't play altissimo well but I can get G over the palm F on the Berg but not at all on the JJJ. will try different reeds and update you later.
I think plastic will be the way of the future as far as mouthpieces go. They're much cheaper to make and they can sound great if they are made well. I just finished a review on a $10 Timiy Chinese plastic mouthpiece that I will post on Sunday Oct-13th. I also just posted a review of the Yamaha 4C. Modern manufacturing is spectacular nowadays.
Plastic does not sound as good as metal or rubber.
Ehi man, your channel is awesome. I’m really loving it. However, I have a question for you. I think you’re the best person to ask. I’m searching for a Metal Tenor Mouthpiece. I really love being bright on tenor. I don’t know I you like it too. (In this video you’ve chosen the brighter Berg and that’s what I’d like to do), but anyway, I don’t know too many mouthpieces on tenor, so I’m asking you. What’s a good choose of Metal Mouthpiece to have a really bright sound on tenor without spending too much money. I mean, I’d like to stay on 150/200€ maximum even buying used mouthpieces. I’m an alto Player and I’m developing my sound on alto ... on tenor I just need a mouthpiece to put in a moment and play. I know that’s better having a mouthpiece with a bit of resistance that allows to get feedback and makes you develop your sound, but that’s not my case. (So I’d like even pieces like JJ that “Do to much for you” like you said in JJ review) maybe I’d prefer something less expensive than JJ😅 thanks
My best suggestion is a Dukoff. New ones are around 250dollars US and 200 for a blemished one. I'm looking to get one sooooon!! Hint hint wink wink Lol
Thanks man, I don’t find videos about the new one ... Waiting for your😅
I have an alto Berg Larson 90/0 M and find it so so hard to blow and my embouchure becomes very fatigued what would you recommend
I used a Berg Larsen on my Selmer tenor in the mid 60's. Paid about $45 for it which was a lot since I was making about $100 a week playing in clubs and college dances. Like your demo and my have to hunt for a BL. Cheers.
Thanks
This is from Berg Larsen website, wonder why your one has such a low baffle! “Tone Chambers: '0' - BRILLIANT, '1' - BRIGHT, '2' - ROUND, '3' - MELLOW.”
I hope your book will have your modern era horn altissimo fingerings.
I love my 105-1-M Berg. It's a shame your ligature didn't work, I feel like Berg players are in their own secret society and one of the doctrines is that you just use that ligature. Look at Lenny Pickett, Sonny Rollins, Pete Christleib, Gato Barbieri, Plas Johnson, Donny Mccaslin etc.
I think the ligature metal is malleable, just loosen the screws, put an old reed on and force it into place. You only have to do it once, the mouthpiece is virtually indestructible.
LOL!! I will consider it.
How does it compare to the cheapo Chinese Yibuy/Aibay metal mouthpieces?
The more open tip makes this one feel more professional for sure and the stainless steel is a nice touch. I'll be picking up another that's even cheaper than the Aibay soon. It does look exactly like it though but I want to see how low I can go in price
Dónde puedo comprar esa boquilla desde Argentina?
Great video! I have a Berg Larsen 100/2 M that I have played for almost twenty- five years and it shows. I never used a mouthpiece protector, do they work? Also, can you explain why you need a bigger tip opening if you like the sound and it is easy to play? Is it a volume issue?
I never play without the mouthpiece protector mainly because the vibrations on my teeth are very uncomfortable without it. I need a more open tip with this because I did struggle a little with this tip opening. I didn't put it in this video though. A slightly more open tip would still be just as comfortable and make it more balanced in the altissimo register for me
I'd stick with the 100 it sounds like your totally in control,
Nice - sounds great!
I can't get the 110/0 M or the 120/1 SMS to sound like much on my tenor. My old 100/2 (SMS? possibly custom refaced) hard rubber piece is just perfect with my Super 20 tenor. If you or anyone have any ideas as to why this is, please share. I only tried the metal mouthpieces because I'm afraid the HR won't last forever. Oh and I tested these with the stock lig, so maybe I oughta try them with a different lig before selling them off.
I would try switching to a different reed brand or a different reed category
@@Sirvalorsax Thanks, will do.
Love your work man. Do you do bari sax? If so, can you review a Rico Metalite M7?
I’m a trombone/trumpet/bass player but I love tenor sax and am learning bari, and I heard the Metalite M7 is good for jazz
I mean doc kupka played an m9 for a little while
I play an M9 & love it. It gets me a little bigger & more robust sound than what Doc gets on his 120/0 Berg with a 1.5 plasticover reed.
Gotta laugh at my setup though. $32 metallite with a $900 Oleg neck! 😂
Do you have $1,000 rims on a $200 car also. LOL!!!
Dave koz too has a berg hard rubbber on his tenor sax
Nice review bro. Would you choose this over the Gary Sugal one you reviewed?
Nope. The new TAM's from Sugal are really something special. Since I bought the silver one after I did the video, I'm going to do a more extensive playthrough of this mouthpiece later
@@Sirvalorsax Cool. If you could choose between the silver or gold Sugal piece, which would it be?
@@jesuefeokagbare I like the Gold but I'm going to do a more extensive video play-through of the Silver very soon. I didn't buy it until I had already mostly finished the review so that will be coming soon
What is SMS and M of the berg larsen???
hey BRO U SOUND GREAT ON THAT BERG I HAVE A BERG ALSO BUT HARD RUBBER BERG ARE MOSTLY GREAT MOUTH PIECES WHAT KIND SILVER NECK DO YOU HAVE AND WHERE CAN I GET ONE IT SOUNDS REALLY NICE ON YOUR HORN BRO THANKS FOR YOUR ADVICE
Chill with the caps bud
It's a Cannonball neck. They sell them separately now. I have one for my Cannonball Vintage reborn tenor
@@Sirvalorsax HEY BRO BIG THANKS FOR THE HEADS UP ON THAT !!!!!!
Is there any mouthpiece that you haven’t been able to go into altissimo with or had the hardest time with?
OHHH YEHHH!!! One of the best sounding mouthpieces I've ever played was the Theo Wanne Mantra. This is a $500 mouthpiece with superb craftsmanship but it died hard in the altissimo register for me. ruclips.net/video/YDkHKGx3Igw/видео.html
Amazing player
Thanks
Hi, Adriene. I'm from Brazil. Here It's difficult to try all mouthpieces we want. That's why I have a question...
In terms of body and projection, wich mouthpiece would you take, Vandoren V16 Ebonite OR that metal Berg Larsen???
I use a Guardala MB2 made by Norberto. It's a very very good mouthpiece. But, how it's made of metal, the sound becomes more spread e loses body when you play it harder.
I don't know if it happens because of the material...
I really like the Berg Larsen. I sold this one because the tip was too small for me but I plan on getting another one in the future. Maybe a new vintage
@@Sirvalorsax Did you like it more than the Vandoren V16 Ebonite??? Thanks for the return
@@pedrofernandes152 Yes. The Berg is one of my favorites
I deleted my earlier comment and I hope I get things correct this time around. I have a stainless steel or Larson tenor saxophone mouthpiece that I purchased sometime around 1975. It is a 105, 0, M facing. Would you be interested in a straight trade for the mouthpiece you review here? If so let me know and I can send pictures and face and curves if you would like. Either way keep the videos coming and I look forward to your baritone saxophone mouthpiece review.
At the moment I don't even have a real address. I'm not really interested right now because of BIG CHANGES happening at work over the next few weeks. How is the quality of stainless steel after 44 years?
To be honest, I have not been playing it regularly in that time frame. Certainly no corrosion. By the way, I would second what someone else said: you can bend that thin metal Berg ligature to your will. Put it on the mouthpiece and use the butt end of a dead reed to try to make the metal bend and fit the reed on the table until it fits. Good luck.
@@jaylozier4083 Yes. I 2nd the shaping of the stock Berg ligature to the reed. I have a 105/2 SMS & 120/0 M that play incredibly on the *stock* ligs. I shaped both to the reed's general exterior shape & like them better than any of the leather or soft material ligs.
The metal stock ligature seems to allow the range of vibrations of the reed speak without deadening or muffling the sound.
Bro, are you on the Allure of the Seas here?! I think you're on my old gig!!!
Lol
What size BG Ligature is that? Thanks!
Hello I'm from Brazil. tell me a site in the USA for me to buy mouthpieces because here in Brazil there are no varieties of brands and when we find some they are very expensive. thank you!!!
I bought mine through musiciansfriend.com I don't know what kind of mark up there will be or if they ship to Brasil
Do all metal mp have finger prints on the inside of the tip? Mine does, this one does, and another I saw on "better sax" channel has. So whats the deal with that?
Good question, I never thought about that. Not all of them do but a surprising number of mine do have what looks like a fingerprint
0 is for the baffle hight! 0 is the highest(brightest) 3 lowest darkest. SMS is only refering to the facing curve.It comes SMS (short frecnh style) and M (american type, slightly longer and with a flatter curve ). There is no way to chose the tone chamber size in those Bergs. Bests
www.berglarsen.com/howtochoose.html
The info in this video comes from the pamphlet that comes with the mouthpiece. I'll check the website for any discrepancies.
Bergs are notorious for inconsistent measurements. I have a .100/1 that measured about 91. Had it opened and now it is a .100, they can be either larger or smaller than marked. Would be interesting to have the one you have measured and see the actual tip opening. ;)
Good point. I've heard that they consistently run small though. Usually when there is an aggressive baffle, the piece feels smaller but this one is low.
Brooklyn funk essentials "Bukabana".
I just ordered the Berg 105/0 SMS tenor mouthpiece. I like the Berg but I can't get it to seal on the reeds and all my reeds are too wide for this very thin mouthpiece. Is this suppose to the be case or is this one made too thin?
I didn't have any defects with mine with the exception of the ligature. Did you buy it new?
Yes I did buy brand new. Got it two days ago. My main concern is the reeds are slightly wider than the rails and tip. But, it play well. I have this one and metal Vandoren I'm doing a trial on. I've already decided to send the Vandoren metal MP back, just too stuffy and takes too much air. I might still order the Sugal Kirk Whalum model to compare with the Berg.
I will buy your berg Larsen mouthpiece,
I sold it already.:( I do want another one though. Maybe next time, the new vintage one
Feliz miércoles a que num corresponde gracias.
What tenor sax (brand and model) that you using ?
Cannonball VR
Hi! Is this one a slim model or new?
The ligature is a slim one
Man, I’m searching for Chris White (dire straits) sound. He sounds a Berg Larsen Duckbill. What kind of mouthpiece do you suggest for having a similar sound? (this Berg?) I think Dukoff are too bright🤣
I'm super interested in a Berg Larsen with a duck bill. The duck bill baffle is one of my favorites. Is that the new vintage one?
Sirvalorsax I think Chris sounds a Vintage one (very expensive and rare), the new one are Expensive too ... there aren’t enough reviews on the internet
I’ve already discovered that Retro Revival has done a new replica of Duck Bill Berg Larsen. I really don’t know if the Chriss White one is a 0 or 1. And I didn’t realized what’s the difference in terms of sound between SMS and M facing.
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
It seems as though BL has improved their quality
or he just got lucky! lol
I'm happy with the finish on the three I have.
your so gooooood
Thanks
wilton felton of crsusaders plays metal berg
I always thought he played a Dukoff. I used to listen to my dad's records of street life back in the day. Also, that was one of the first solos I transcribed.
@@Sirvalorsax I had the pleasure of meeting Wilton and spending around 20 minutes chatting with him after a gig many years ago now, at that time he was using the narrow bodied stainless steel zero tone chamber mouthpiece similar to the one in your video however it had started off at around 120 but after some time he had it refaced down quite a lot to around 100 or maybe even 95, I remember it was a big change, also at that gig he was playing a silver plated Yamaha YTS-62 prototype that Yamaha had given him and not a King super 20 which I was expecting him to be using, he still sounded like Wilton Felder though regardless.
@@chrislams8143 how do you re-face down? I thought you can only open up tips.
@@cfny i believe material is taken of the table and the curve is reshaped, i have no first hand knowledge of this, i'm just repeating what Wilton told me. He was a lovely guy, so sad that he's no longer with us.
What Ligature did you order from bg? Im having the same ligature problem except on bari.
I bought mine through musiciansfriend.com. I got the slim/thin metal tenor one
i like oleg on it.
Hi mate, I didn't get what this MP is... 105/..? Thanks a lot
100/0 SMS
@@Sirvalorsax thanks as always!
Hi how would you compare it with a jumbo java T55?
If the JJ is a hammer, this is a machete
@@Sirvalorsax thanks for replying i am confuse about what to purcahse jumbo java or berglarsen
Was the ligature too small?
I think it just didn't fit correctly but it wasn't too small.
@@Sirvalorsax a legend replied
I believe 0 is their most aggressive baffle.
Reed vandoren???
Vandoren Redbox 2.5
@@Sirvalorsax other mouthpiece too use vandoren reed 2 1/2 ??? Explain me
How long have you been playing sax?
35 years
Sirvalorsax well that makes me feel better I guess😂. I’ve been goin for 5
Greats sound pressure giant 🎷🇧🇷
I use a berg for bari sax
I hope it is as easy to play as this is for tenor.
Sirvalorsax it works really well and gives the bari a really tubby sound (good for jazz)
Easy as the Yamaha 4c to play?
Not quite, but still very easy for a metal mouthpiece.