[Peter B]

I'm currently playing bari with a Selmer S80 D and it's kind of OK, but I borrowed a vintage Berg 100/2 SMS, (1970s I think) to try and liked it a lot.

So having been advised that modern Bergs can be a bit inconsistent in quality, I set about trying to find a used vintage Berg like the one I'd tried.

Haven't found one yet, but along the way I've come across a few Berg bari mpcs which are describes as 'tenor lay' and I'm not sure what that means.

So I'd be grateful if anyone could explain what a 'tenor lay' baritone mouthpiece is.

It implies that tenor reeds can be used, but if that's what it does mean then does it mean that only tenor reeds can be used on it and if so what's the advantage/benefit?

 

[LateNiteSax]

I've never heard of such a thing. Please post a link to some of these "tenor lay" Bergs so we can understand.

 

[Sigmund451]

My guess is it is intended to be a short facing.

That said, Berg facings tend to have a lay that is never ending. Often times the gauge to measure the lay goes to the end of the table...it just slides on down.

My suggestion is dont buy without the ability to return the piece. A lot of them dont behave so well. My experience is more with tenor and alto but I dont know if the QC is any better on baritone.

 

[Peter B]

I found this one on line yesterday after I posted. It's a 95/2, not the 100/2 I borrowed to try, but couldn't resist buying it. The seller tells me it belonged to an ex military bandsman who used to play tenor reeds on it. The seller himself says he's played both tenor and bari reeds on it. He'll take it back if I don't like it, so I'm looking forward to getting it and trying it with both.

 

[B Flat]

I had the opportunity to try a Very Vintage Duckbill HR Baritone with a Tenor lay some time ago.
If that one is anything to go by, they are rubbish.
It was a horrible piece.
I have an original Very Vintage Duckbill HR piece with its intended Baritone facing and it is fabulous.
I have seen a Tenor lay piece on eBay for ages which the seller doesn’t seem to be able to sell.
After trying the one I did, I can see why.
I wouldn’t waste my money on one of these pieces.

 

[reeddoubler]

Apparently in post war England a shortage of baritone reeds prompted Berg Larsen to manufacture baritone mouthpieces that could play with tenor reeds.