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Behn Model A one year later

Author: Brother Joe
Date: 2014-07-29 04:10

Hello All,

I just wanted to give you an update on my Behn Model A mouthpiece after a year's use. When I first got the mouthpiece, I could tell that there was a big improvement in my sound, but I knew there had to be more. I had been playing a Gigliotti P34 for 20+ years. It was a great mouthpiece and I always got a good sound on it. I played my masters recital on it and was very pleased. I played Mitchell Lurie 5's.

I approached the new Behn mouthpiece the only way I knew how: with a very firm embouchure and "severe" breath support. After some experimentation and a willingness to improve my embouchure, I have learned to let go of a lot of tension in my embouchure and jaw which has allowed the mouthpiece to do what it is meant to do. The mouthpiece didn't open up-I did. When I stopped bottle necking the mouthpiece (some mouthpieces seem to need that) it really sang, going from a really good sound to a great sound. What amazing resonance and projection! In discussions of Brad's mouthpieces the word "resonance" is used a lot, and rightly so. It seems at times like the clarinet is going to jump out of my hands when I play it.

After learning to play with much less tension I have been able to make most mouthpieces play with a much bigger, freer sound. I have a couple other mouthpieces that I've always absolutely loved: Selmer C85 115 opening, and an ARB mouthpiece that I know nothing about but have given it A LOT of use! Now, in comparrison to the Behn, they sound like toys. The Behn just has more color and presence to the sound. More resonance.

Its response is very easy-much easier after getting used to it. I can use strength 3 reeds without sacrificing tone. I've never liked the thin, reedy sound that even many professionals have. I've never understood that. 3.5's work well too, but I want a good reason for stronger reeds and it's just no longer necessary for me.

The sound could be described as having great brilliance balanced with great depth. Someone in one of the posts about their Behn moupiece said that these mouthpieces are made for the concert hall and not for the practice room. I would agree. It's not at all hard to control, though. Playing very softly has never been an issue. When I want to play with an enormous sound though, and maintain a legato, singing quality, I can. That's my favorite.

brother joe

Post Edited (2014-07-29 04:15)

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