Mouthpiece Questions

[Storamin]

Hey!
I purchased a Berg Larson Metal 115-1 M a few months ago and I love it for solo work. However, it tends to go on the sharp side for me and does not go well with the rest of my high school jazz band. I'm looking for something that has a little more larger bore and can blend in with the ensemble better. I will only use this piece for my jazz band. The berg I use right now I can handle, but I'm often taking breaths every two measures or so. I do think I could go more on the tip opening, but since I'm still a student, I was wondering for your suggestions. Thanks.

[Kosma]

If you're already having trouble driving the .115, What makes you think that you could, or should, or need an even larger tip opening? Sounds like you may be having to work to hard with that setup.

There are plenty of pieces out there that could give you what you're after.
I play a Morgan 8J. It's easy to blend, easy to play, and easy to crank up for a solo. It has a medium large bore (best I can tell). If possible, try a 6, 7, and 8.

Good luck!

[MojoBari]

There are several "issues" here:

I purchased a Berg Larson Metal 115-1 M a few months ago and I love it for solo work. However, it tends to go on the sharp side for me and does not go well with the rest of my high school jazz band.

A Berg will typically measure small, like a .105" tip. But it could be on size. You may be biting it sharp. This happens when your embouchure closes off the tip opening too much. If the low notes are always sharp, it could be a small chamber problem.

I'm looking for something that has a little more larger bore and can blend in with the ensemble better. I will only use this piece for my jazz band. The berg I use right now I can handle, but I'm often taking breaths every two measures or so. I do think I could go more on the tip opening, but since I'm still a student, I was wondering for your suggestions. Thanks.

As for blending in, if you are the only one playing bright, it will stick out. If you can only play 2 measure phrases when playing loud, do not consider a larger tip. How can you make decent sounding music when you need to huff and puff for air? But I think you can grow into a .105" tip. Just stick to softer reeds.

A Runyon Custom Spoiler is a good choice to check out. Perhaps a 8, 9 or 10.

[Storamin]

Thanks for your insight, but I'm planning on developing a lot of wind over the summer by running, which I'm starting now. That's why I'm pretty sure I can handle some more air. The upper octave from D up is normally sharp, but I think that is due to the mouthpiece and my embouchure and the nature of the bari. The notes without the octave are normally right on the money for me.

[MojoBari]

Consider taking up flute. When I was in HS, this did more for my bari sax breathing that running. Plus it is a great double to have.

[1saxman]

I second the Runyon Custom recommendation. A #10 played very well on my Martin bari, with no intonation issues. Seemed to have plenty of headroom for solos, and had plenty of depth in the low end. Didn't like the Spoiler, though - too thin. But, most of all, the transparent amber just looked cool. I should have kept that one, but had already found a great Berg HR.

[Storamin]

No thanks Mojo, sax only for me. Flute isn't my instrument. I'm not going pro, so I won't have to play it.
I'll take a look at the Runyon Custom. Thanks again.