[Brecker Fan]

Okay, so I have had this Berg Larsen for four years now. I've never had a problem with it, but lately it wants to squeak in the middle register. I haven't changed anything I'm doing. Any advice on this? I play a 120/3 with Vandoren V16s 2 strength with a Rovner ligature on a mid 80s Yamaha 62 tenor.

 

[Thomas]

Have you had your horn checked lately?

 

[RandyJ]

There are allot of "general" answers to your problem;
Remember "Most" of the time squeaking is a reed problem (if your rails are ok).
Reed warp is the biggest cause.
Reed strength might need to be increased (i.e. a beginner moves up as he progresses) even though you have been playing a while you might need to consider that.
Is your Berg metal or HR? HR has more (but not much is kept properly) chance of altering.
As Thomas stated, possibly could be a horn adjustment issue.

 

[Brecker Fan]

RandyJ, it is stainless steel. Also, I've just had it thoroughly serviced, so I don't think its the horn.

 

[RandyJ]

Well another thought, how long have you been playing? Do you play daily, weekly, what. A 120 Berg (even though Bergs tend to be smaller than stated) is a pretty large tip opening. The fact that it's also a 3 baffle which is the least amount in Bergs regular line dictates a softer reed in most situations. your #2 should not be causing the problem.

You state "I've just had it thoroughly serviced" that could be the problem, something was not done properly, one or any number of 'adjustments' a tech might have made could have screwed up something else. You might have to take it back and have it looked at again and be prepared to play it as the tech works it.

 

[SaxTMan]

That reeds are 'OK' with that mouthpiece so it should not be the reed... although you should try another ones like the ZZ, in my experience it's a better match..
But again, it should not be the reed

 

[Stephen Howard]

You state "I've just had it thoroughly serviced" that could be the problem, something was not done properly, one or any number of 'adjustments' a tech might have made could have screwed up something else. You might have to take it back and have it looked at again and be prepared to play it as the tech works it.

It could also be that the OP has been compensating for leaks for a while, and that having them removed has thrown things out a bit.
It can often take a while for the embouchure to adjust - but either way a trip back to the repairer won't go amiss.

Regards,

 

[saxphil]

A couple of obvious things to try:
- have the reeds you used on the Berg been used on another mpc(s)?
-perhaps you are playing in front of the break in the facing, you might try taking in a bit more mpc
- soak your reeds some before playing, if you don't already
- try 2.5s
- maybe your Rovner is wearing out and is no longer sealing the reed to the mpc table

 

[Mark Fleming]

I hope this isn't the case, but it could be that the mp was dropped or the horn tipped over with the mp on it. A metal tip rail can still look perfect and not be (although a SS Berg would probably be hardest metal mp to bend). If it left your sight or anyone else had access to it around the time the squeak appeared, this could be the problem.

Mark

 

[Brecker Fan]

Here's a thought. Why don't I go with something with a smaller tip opening. I am a fusion/pop player and I need a "Brecker" type of sound. Any mpcs that are under 200$?

 

[Brecker Fan]

I tried 2.5s and played them for two weeks and it squeaked on everything after middle C. Should I go to a 1.5?!

 

[SaxTMan]

I tried 2.5s and played them for two weeks and it squeaked on everything after middle C. Should I go to a 1.5?!

what about different reeds?

 

[Brecker Fan]

Are LaVoz reeds good? I know Brecker played them. Also, a description of ZZ reeds (tone, consistency, etc.)

 

[MojoBari]

Fibracells are pretty much squeak proof.

 

[Grumps]

I tried 2.5s and played them for two weeks and it squeaked on everything after middle C.

Make sure the body octave mechanism is working properly. That's probably the source of your problem... despite the recent thorough servicing.

 

[Brecker Fan]

MojoBari, what strength should I use on my facing. I know different reeds run different strengths depending on brand.

 

[MojoBari]

Try a 2.5. You might need a 2 but they sound a bit buzzy to me.

 

[Brecker Fan]

Okay, thanks!