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Sax on the Web Forum Archive / Baritone Saxophone / Ligature for Berg HR

Gary Hartle
User ID: 1529574 Nov 22nd 3:54 PM
I just found a Rovner ligature that fits my Berg Larsen Ebonite bari mpc. It's a #2 for tenor HR. In particular, this one is a MkIII, but any of the tenor #2 ligs for HR mpcs will work. The Berg HR bari piece is very slim. In fact, the tenor lig is almost too big, but just does fit (doesn't quite close all the way under max torque). I have a gig coming up on 12/14 where I can play some bari, and I'll post how it works. I've been using the stock Berg lig, which is fine, but I've switched to a Rovner on my alto Guardala, and thought I'd try one on bari. I've been getting my Rovners from 'express' on ebay - good prices and a reliable seller.

super20dan
User ID: 7705853 Nov 22nd 9:49 PM
i think you will find that set-up to work great ,i have used a rovner mk3 on my rubber berg bari for many years and nothing else has worked nearly as good.

Helen
User ID: 1007814 Nov 24th 5:51 AM
Another vote for the Rovner. I use a light tenor lig. on my h/r Berg.

Gary Hartle
User ID: 9579203 Dec 3rd 8:00 AM
Had a chance to gig on it sooner than expected - the Rovner ligature was fine, and seemed to have the same effect on bari as on alto - a certain 'leveling' of response throughout the range. Low notes were more resonant, and high notes seemed to 'pop' out better. I'll be using it from now on, and will compare it to the original Berg ligature after a few more gigs. BTW, the bari is a 1955 'The Martin', with the typical huge low end and sharp high register. The Berg (130/1 M) is the best piece I've tried on it so far, giving a full low register while controlling the high register to the point of playability. I'm blowing a Rico Plasticover #3 on it.

super20dan
User ID: 7705853 Dec 3rd 6:35 PM
knew you would like it. i wouldnt steer you wrong. hr berg bari is hard to beat

Gary Hartle
User ID: 1529574 Dec 4th 6:31 PM
Yeah, I was really surprised by this Berg - it's the only non-metal mouthpiece I've actually used on any sax for over 35 years. The stock lig was fine, just thought I'd try something different. Let's put it this way - I'm not looking for bari pieces to try out anymore. I even tried a Sugal - it stunk. Some horns just blow with most any mpc, and some don't. I don't know what Steve Goodson plays on his Martin bari, but it's worth the trouble to find the right piece for it. I also adjusted palm key and upper stack opening heights, which made a huge difference in the intonation. Most any old bari you find will have the palm keys opening about an inch, so you need to at least take care of that by adding cork under the key feet. Also, get a snake and make sure the upper bow is clear and clean. I found a big dust bunny in mine - played a lot better without it.

Gary Hartle User ID: 1529574	Nov 22nd 3:54 PM I just found a Rovner ligature that fits my Berg Larsen Ebonite bari mpc. It's a #2 for tenor HR. In particular, this one is a MkIII, but any of the tenor #2 ligs for HR mpcs will work. The Berg HR bari piece is very slim. In fact, the tenor lig is almost too big, but just does fit (doesn't quite close all the way under max torque). I have a gig coming up on 12/14 where I can play some bari, and I'll post how it works. I've been using the stock Berg lig, which is fine, but I've switched to a Rovner on my alto Guardala, and thought I'd try one on bari. I've been getting my Rovners from 'express' on ebay - good prices and a reliable seller.
super20dan User ID: 7705853	Nov 22nd 9:49 PM i think you will find that set-up to work great ,i have used a rovner mk3 on my rubber berg bari for many years and nothing else has worked nearly as good.
Helen User ID: 1007814	Nov 24th 5:51 AM Another vote for the Rovner. I use a light tenor lig. on my h/r Berg.
Gary Hartle User ID: 9579203	Dec 3rd 8:00 AM Had a chance to gig on it sooner than expected - the Rovner ligature was fine, and seemed to have the same effect on bari as on alto - a certain 'leveling' of response throughout the range. Low notes were more resonant, and high notes seemed to 'pop' out better. I'll be using it from now on, and will compare it to the original Berg ligature after a few more gigs. BTW, the bari is a 1955 'The Martin', with the typical huge low end and sharp high register. The Berg (130/1 M) is the best piece I've tried on it so far, giving a full low register while controlling the high register to the point of playability. I'm blowing a Rico Plasticover #3 on it.
super20dan User ID: 7705853	Dec 3rd 6:35 PM knew you would like it. i wouldnt steer you wrong. hr berg bari is hard to beat
Gary Hartle User ID: 1529574	Dec 4th 6:31 PM Yeah, I was really surprised by this Berg - it's the only non-metal mouthpiece I've actually used on any sax for over 35 years. The stock lig was fine, just thought I'd try something different. Let's put it this way - I'm not looking for bari pieces to try out anymore. I even tried a Sugal - it stunk. Some horns just blow with most any mpc, and some don't. I don't know what Steve Goodson plays on his Martin bari, but it's worth the trouble to find the right piece for it. I also adjusted palm key and upper stack opening heights, which made a huge difference in the intonation. Most any old bari you find will have the palm keys opening about an inch, so you need to at least take care of that by adding cork under the key feet. Also, get a snake and make sure the upper bow is clear and clean. I found a big dust bunny in mine - played a lot better without it.