[KMR]

Can anyone help me to identify a mouthpiece.
It is a hard rubber BERG LARSEN.
Ive had a look on Theo Wannes article about BERGS, and he talks about vintage versions from the 1940s, which I think mine may be.
But he talks about identifying via markings on mouthpiece. In particular a tip opening, chamber size and “SMS”

Mine only has a tip opening, written on the shank. It is a 90. Below that it says PATS PEND
On the other side of the shank, it says BERG LARSEN PRECISION. This writing is at a slant. Above this it says LONDON. Below, it says ENGLAND

No other writing on the body or the table.

The table is long and the reed does not reach to the end. Wanne also talks about that.

I will try to link some pictures.

Can anyone confirm what I have.

I am going to sell it, so an idea of value would also be great, if possible.

 

[Kritavi]

Yes I would say that is a 1940's vintage. The earliest ones did not have the M or SMS. Great pieces.

 

[JoeRob]

Good Morning Kritavi - I have a Berg Larsen given to me by my HS Band Director circa 1967 - 68. It was used by the BD in his private band in which he played Tenor out in the nightclubs of the area. The mouthpiece has onlly the markings of "90 1 M". I believe he had the mouthpiece for a long time, probably back into the 50s.

 

[BOPITY FUNK]

Nice piece Brian, 100% genuine late 40's early mid 50's - the 0,1,23 chamber designations came after but they are roughly the equivalent of what became a '2'. They are very versatile and in my opinion some of the best tenor pieces ever. Where the heck did you find that!......???

 

[Kritavi]

Good Morning Kritavi - I have a Berg Larsen given to me by my HS Band Director circa 1967 - 68. It was used by the BD in his private band in which he played Tenor out in the nightclubs of the area. The mouthpiece has onlly the markings of "90 1 M". I believe he had the mouthpiece for a long time, probably back into the 50s.

Is the M directly below the 1 or offset to the side? That would help determine its age a little better.
And if this is your first post here as it appears to be, welcome!

 

[KMR]

Where the heck did you find that!......???

Great story.
Martin tenor sax advertised locally. So I went to see it .
When I get there it's a Handcraft. Good condition, but relacquered and the pads are shot.
I'm just about to walk away when I look in the case.
This Berg is there, together with a rare tenor Lawton, ( facing marked on table ), and also an Otto Link reso chamber for alto.
Wasn't sure of the value of any of the three, but probably about what the asking price was !!!!
Did the deal.
Want to buy a Martin Handcraft tenor ????? Cheap !!!!

 

[saxbrain]

I have a long body Berg Larsen 110. It is a very powerful fat player, I use it in a rock band but it plays even better in a jazz setting. It has a very nice dark low end, flageolets are not that easy. The image shows the long body next to a Larsen Slant tip 105 which is a also a fantastic player but quite a different animal.

 

[B Flat]

I have a long body Berg Larsen 110. It is a very powerful fat player, I use it in a rock band but it plays even better in a jazz setting. It has a very nice dark low end, flageolets are not that easy. The image shows the long body next to a Larsen Slant tip 105 which is a also a fantastic player but quite a different animal.

Do you mean long body or long shank?
The bottom one has a longer body.
I imagine this also has the slanted signature.
My Slant signature 1940's Bergs all have a long boat table body.
These are the best Bergs by a mile in my opinion.
Mind you I am speaking specifically of Baritone pieces.

 

[saxbrain]

You are right, the long body has a Slant Signature, but almost invisible. Couldn’t get it on the picture.