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Brad Behn Blows it off the Charts

Author: ClarinetRobt
Date: 2015-07-18 02:15

Several years ago, I unfortunately had a bout of Bell's Palsy. The experience was disconcerting at best. With a lot of physical therapy and patience, not my strong suit, I've made a complete recovery. My stamina still suffers though. I'll admit that working 50+ hours a week doesn't lead enough fun, clarinet time. Now this coupled with my desire to try some new mouthpieces landed me to Brad Behn.

Brad's customer service is legendary and everything folks have mentioned about it is spot on. I told him of my medical past. He proceeded to find ways for me to work smarter, not harder while playing.
{I know clarinetist that have switched to his mouthpieces talk about having to change the way they have to play (in regards to reed/mthpc combo). That met with some criticism on this board. But his mouthpiece does force one to reconsider, for some, the efficiency on how your sound is created. Open/close...Hard/Soft reed.}
Brad's setup on his Vintage line forced me to use a softer 3,3-1/2 reed (Leuthner) vs my previous 4's on my Fobes Europa. Once I realized the key to his product was a softer reed, my sound was magnificent. (Insert bloviated terms like warm, pinging quality). I worked less to achieve the quality I desired. Plus the first time, in a long time, I could project above the wailing of out of tune oboes and obnoxious trumpets. My embouchure didn't poop out as quick and I could focus on my air support.

Even trying some of his new secret squirrel mouthpieces that hasn't been released yet, the Vintage was the best combo for me. It has dimensions similar to the Fobes Europa (which is a terrific mthpc too), but the difference with rod rubber and his craftsmanship has made me a better sounding player. I'm still bonding with it, but everyday I like more than the previous.

And yes, it was worth every penny.

~Robt L Schwebel
Mthpc: Behn Vintage
Lig: Ishimori, Behn Delrin
Reed: Legere French Cut 3.75/4, Behn Brio 4
Horns: Uebel Superior (Bb,A), Ridenour Lyrique, Buffet R13 (Eb)

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