[RCNELSON]

I know...here we go again. Another thread on changing mouthpieces. But the first one from me. After a lot of years of playing the Berg (and a lot of hours recently), I'm thinking of trying something different. A metal or HR Link? I would like to try the JodyJazz DV or HR but JJ' prices are a bit hight.

I would like a slightly darker sound so rubber might be it.

Thoughts?

 

[luispa]

I you want slightly darker sound then forget about the Otto Link HR if you're coming from a metal Larsen. The Otto Link HR is far darker than metal Larsens. The metal Otto Link is also too much darker in comparison. I think you should look for a mouthpiece in the middle of the road between Larsen an Otto Link. I'd suggest:
- SR Tech Legend
- RIA Metal
- Vandoren V16

 

[gelliot2]

As you're familiar with the Berg, why not try the bigger chambers 2 & 3 (which are progressively darker)?

 

[RandyJ]

I’ll second gelliot2’s suggestion.

I’ve played on #3 chambered Bergs (tenor & alto) for most of my career. They can be as dark as or darker than metal or rubber links, but still with a better edge, with slight reed adjustments depending on your preferences.

 

[dirty]

I don't know, Links aren't necessarily dark mouthpieces. Mine isn't, anyway. You should give them a shot. They're different animals than Bergs, though.

 

[RCNELSON]

Thanks for the replies. I may have to try a 2 or 3 chamber Berg.

 

[MojoBari]

Also consider going to a more open tip and using medium or medium soft reeds. Just a thought to try. You may also like some of the Runyon and Ponzol offereings. They each have a variety of baffle and chamber sizes to choose from.

The only problem sticking with Bergs is that it is more difficult to find one with a good facing on it. You have to try a bunch and weed out the ones that do not respond well. They also tend to run smaller than marked but they vary a lot. A 90 will usually have a .085" tip. Kinda small for a tenor MP. But I have seen them anywhere from .025" smaller to .010" larger than marked. I doubt yours is .025" small... it would be almost unplayable.

 

[gelliot2]

Mojo,

Do the very latest modern Bergs also suffer from the same poor facings? (i.e since the company moved out of the U.K).

 

[Sigmund451]

I have a 115 SMS 2 which Im not playing. The table has been flattened an the baffle tip rail corrected. I probably could be talked into letting it go (not sure though). It plays easier than a 115 due to the facing length. Its brighter than a link but still not shrill. It can be dark with the right reed.