Author: NBeaty
Date: 2018-03-12 19:34
The Sono mouthpiece may be the most underrated mouthpiece on the market. It sometimes falls into obscurity between the zinner line and the "flagship" Epic option.
I've worked with Brad at his booth at ICA and TMEA probably 8 or 9 times in recent years, which allows me to experience playing through the entire table of mouthpieces and have a keen understanding of what each line offers.
First, there are things that every one of Brad's mouthpieces, from his Overture model all the way to the Epic and Signature lines.
- Impeccably exact facing curve that is perfectly balanced. There's no person or machine that can get such a consistently exacting symmetry, as it takes an incredible amount of attention to detail as well as a standard for what is acceptable that is second to none.
- Predictable response, reed friendly, a comfortable blow-through that is balanced with great stability, all with an emphasis on a philosophy of less effort for increased result.
- A complex sound that allows for the upper partials to come through (the "ring" that he's well known for) without sounding brittle or shrill. While different models have more or less of the "highs" in the sound, it is an ever present quality that will help add ring to any sound, whether the player wishes to have more depth and/or cover ("darker") or a more brilliant sound.
- A unique and high quality product. There's just nothing on the market that equals, much less surpasses, Brad Behn. The Sono line of mouthpiece is made from Brad's less expensive Rod Rubber formulation (Behn Rod Rubber II), it is worth noting that this blank is of higher quality than the rest of the market. If the Vintage/Epic Rod Rubber I didn't exist, we'd be discussing this formulation as the highest quality out there. The Epic and Sono mouthpieces are unique designs that come from decades of refacing experience with just about any mouthpiece design imaginable. A process that spared no expense in time or investment to create designs that are uniquely Behn that he, rightly so, is very proud to stand behind.
- A true artist. I've spent time playing through every single mouthpiece he's brought to a conference many times (a process which takes quite a while) before the exhibit hall opens and I can say with 100% confidence and honesty that every single mouthpiece on the table looks like a true work of art. From perfectly even side and tip rails, to a uniform interior texture, to just making the mouthpiece look beautiful to show the care that went into every aspect of its design, construction, and final work.
It's very important to look at the Sono line of mouthpieces in the proper light. It would be a big mistake to look at them as a "poor man's Epic". They are a unique design that emphasizes the unique and high quality performance aspects of the Behn Rod Rubber II. First of all, there have been numerous times where I was noodling around on a Sono and forgotten that I wasn't playing an Epic! A few aspects of the Sono I feel are particularly good and unique (in addition to the aforementioned qualities):
-A velvety and luscious tone color. Clarinet sound has often been described as a "diamond wrapped in velvet". The Sono line is wrapped in perhaps a little bit more velvet than the Epic line to my ears, but retains clarity and brilliance.
-Due to the A-Frame, I feel they can take a lot of abuse in the more aggressive and demanding nature of much of the solo repertoire. It's important to note that it doesn't REQUIRE an increased quantity of air, but it will gladly accept it without losing stability or tonal center.
I'll end this post the same way I started it. The Sono line is both underrated and superior to any other offerings on the market, not to be overshadowed by the Epic line but should be thought of as simply a different design with different character.
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The Clarinet BBoard
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