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View Full Version : Berg Larsen Bb Soprano Sax

mm5agm
07-23-2003, 06:32 PM
After getting hit with a 300% tax on a mouthpiece import, ouch, I'm trying to avoid importing a soprano sax. I've come across

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?viewItem&item=2546815229&category=16 203

which the seller says is a Berg Larsen Soprano Sax. I can't find any information on these so it's over to you guys - anyone know anything about Berg Larsen Soprano Saxophones? Is this another one to avoid?
Many thanks
Colin
Andres
07-23-2003, 06:47 PM
There is no such thing as a Berg Larsen soprano. Soprano mouthpieces, yes (which they do list in the add). Looks like a MKVI -styled horn, but it could be anything, since it's such a crappy pic. I'd be very, very, very skeptical of this auction if I was you.

Skip it.
Andres
07-23-2003, 07:04 PM
There is no such thing as a Berg Larsen soprano. Soprano mouthpieces, yes (which they do list in the add). Looks like a MKVI -styled horn, but it could be anything, since it's such a crappy pic. I'd be very, very, very skeptical of this auction if I was you.

Skip it.
mm5agm
07-24-2003, 08:09 PM
Just had a reply from the seller. He says that both the mouthpiece AND the saxophone have Berg Larsen on them. However, I'm not convinced since I still can't find any reference to a Berg Larsen sop. Maybe a previous owner was an engraver :)
Colin
Dave dix
07-24-2003, 08:27 PM
It is a stencil horn useing the larsen name. I have seen one in england,didnt take much notice of it. Probably taiwanese origin
cmelodysax
07-26-2003, 06:44 PM
Indeed, Berg Larsen saxes DO exist, I saw a few (tenors, from memory, but it was a while ago) in the 70's or 80's, had more of an idea that they were East German rather than Oriental. Quite conceivable that soprano's etc. were also produced.

Don Makrill currently has a used Berg Larsen tenor for sale at http://www.donmack.com/ResultTenorSaxUsed.asp

- secondhand price confirms memories that they were functional student horns, but nothing special. I'm not sure whether they were (officially) linked to the mouthpiece company, possibly someone behind the iron curtain just hijacked the name. That sort of stuff would, of course, have stopped when 'the wall' came down......

Regards, Alan

P.S. Altho' reserve has not yet been met, current price of £165 / US$250 - with pukka Larsen mpc ? - certainly isn't excessive.