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Re: Brad Behn vintage review

Author: mnorswor
Date: 2010-03-21 22:22

It's been a long time since I've posted anything but this thread has brought me out of hiding.

I've played on Brad Behn's Vintage mouthpieces for years now and find that they really work better for me than anything else out there. I love the material, the craftsmanship and most importantly the sound and flexibility that I'm able to get out of his mouthpieces.

I've tried just about everything you can think of and for years played on a Zinner blank that Kal Opperman did up for me. This mouthpiece was difficult to get off of because of the sound and ease of articulation. Brad was the one who made the winning mouthpiece and I finally switched.

His meticulousness, thoughtfulness and care/attention given to each and every player he comes into contact with are a model of customer service and pride. Others I've dealt with that have given me the same care and attention include Clark Fobes and Dave McClune. He keeps very good company in the mouthpiece making circle and deserves every bit of respect that he's rightfully earned.

Many people talk about the price and balk at what they find. I'd mention that Brad makes a full line of mouthpieces from plastic beginner mouthpieces, Zinner/Behn creations and his Vintage and Signature line. His creation of this Vintage and Signature collection has been a labor of love and discovery for himself and his clients. Those that complain about price usually forget that there are those in other professions that spend 10X or more that amount for the tools that they need to perform at the highest level. Since playing concerts is what I do for a living, I want to have access to the elite tools in my field to help me do what I do better. In terms of making the sound I want and presenting myself on stage in front of an audience, I want to concentrate on music making. Brad's mouthpieces help me do this along with my Buffet clarinets and Rico reeds (disclaimer: I'm an artist for both of these companies)

In comparing them to my collection of vintage Cheds, Kaspars, Bettoneys, etc, I find that these are really the only mouthpieces that give me the same type of filled out sound (especially in the middle of the sound) across the harmonic spectrum. Perhaps some may not listen for the same things that I do, but with all of us being different, I'm glad that we have so many choices out there nowadays and glad that I found something that's helped me find my own unique voice.

Brad has become a good friend, a valued colleague and most importantly someone that I talk with on a regular basis in my own search for more knowledge about my instrument, literature and equipment. He's always willing to explore new possibilities with me and he's exactly the type of friend and colleague that I want along for the ride.

Thank you Brad and to my other friends in the field that help me every day. I appreciate your care, thoughtfulness and attention so that I'm able to continue improving and growing in my music making. You make all the difference and you're someone I simply couldn't do without!

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2010-03-10 02:22