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How to Choose a Berg Larsen mouthpiece
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 When selecting a mouthpiece, there are a number of factors to consider.
1) Tip Opening
The tip opening is the distance between the tip of the reed and the tip of the mouthpiece, measured in thousands of an inch. Generally speaking, the wider the tip opening, the softer the reed that may be used. For most beginners a narrower tip opening will result in a clearer tone and more consistent intonation.
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| The tip openings available are shown in the section of the table below, with the most popular ones shown in the blue typeface. The tip openings shown in red typeface are custom models and carry a 30.00 GB Pound surcharge. |
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Ebonite
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Stainless Steel
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Grained Ebonite
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Bronze
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Stainless
steel
Bullet
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Bronze Bullet
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Duck Bill
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Close
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Medium
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Medium
Open
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Open
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| Soprano |
*
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*
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40
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60
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65
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70
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75
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80
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| Alto |
*
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*
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*
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*
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70
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90
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95
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100
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105
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110
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| Tenor |
*
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*
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*
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*
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*
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*
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*
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90
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110
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115
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120
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125
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130
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| Baritone |
*
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*
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*
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*
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90
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110
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115
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120
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125
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130
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2) Tone Chamber
The degree of edge or brightness the player obtains is dictated by the size of the tone chamber. Referring to the diagram above, the more 'baffle' that is built into the tone chamber, the more edge the tone will have. A '0' tone chamber will have the most edge and a '3' will have a more mellow tone. Chamber number '3' is a custom model and carries a 30.00 GB Pound surcharge.
3) Length of facing
The term 'SMS' or 'M' indicates the choice of facing. The SMS, or French facing is usually shorter with a steeper curve. The 'M' or American facing is slightly longer with a flatter type curve.
EXAMPLE
The designation 100/0SMS for a Tenor Saxophone mouthpiece indicates a medium-close tip opening, a brilliant tone chamber and a short facing length. |
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