Berg Larsen Title
Choosing a Mouthpiece
Mouthpiece Diagram
Mouthpiece Diagram

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.

The tip openings available are shown in the green section of the table below, with the most popular ones shown in the red typeface. 


 
Mouthpiece Type
Tip Opening
Instrument
Ebonite
Stainless 
Steel 
Grained Ebonite 
Bronze 
Stainless Steel Bullet
Bronze Bullet
Duck Bill
Close
Medium
Close 
Medium
Medium 
Open
Open
Bb Soprano Sax
 
       
40
45
50
55
60
65
70
75
80
Eb Alto Sax
     
70
75
80
85
90
95
100
105
110
Bb Tenor Sax
90
95
100
105
110
115
120
125
130
Eb Baritone Sax
     
90
95
100
105
110
115
120
125
130

2) Tone Chamber
The degree of edge or brightness the player obtains is dictated by the size of the tone chamber. Refering 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.

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 sax mouthpiece indicates a medium-close tip opening, a brilliant tone chamber and a short facing length.

To order a Berg Larsen Mouthpiece please visit our Online Ordering Section. Proceed directly to our Checkout Page and enter your preferred mouthpiece details in the "Special Instructions" section.

Some models may need to be custom ordered. Call or E-Mail The Bandstand Ltd. for details.