Biteplate is a bit gnarled, functional but could use some attention.
Berg Larsen 100/0 offset M Denim 1960’s
Berg Larsen 110/0 Offset SMS Denim TBL TYPE font 1950’s
This is a transitional very early Berg model, long long biteplate, long shank, likely soon after the slant sigs. Table milling is denim, facing stamp is old type font; this is very rare. It plays bright edgy and powerful, not shy at ALL.I’ve done a little bit of work on the facing and tip making it true and balanced.
Berg Larsen Stainless 120/1/Offset M (denim table) “marinated”
This piece is quite a player. It had denim table, with some rust and I cleaned that up. The tip and rail work were spectacular, probably done by Berg himself. I left most of that as it was with just some very gentle adjustment and clean up. The facing curve I adapted to the new clean table. The tip measures .118 at the inner tip rail so likely to be right on .120 at the end. This piece plays really amazingly well. It’s big, larger than I normally play, but still it plays very sparkly and defined for me.
Berg Larsen 105/0) offset denim table
Exactly that thing, 105/0 offset, denim, original.
Berg Larsen vintage Offset Denim table 110/2 SCOOP bill
Highly desired both tip size and model, denim table old model, Offset-M 110 stamped. These are very hard to find and players seem to love them. This is the actual thing. The table appears visually spotty but in fact has no significant pits of rust, just surface blemished. Tip is quite nice.
Selmer Soloist D-.100 “Marinated” player
Wonderful vintage Soloist from an old SBA case marinated to .100 tip with a nice rollover at the tip. Nothing plays exactly like a soloist with that phat focused cool.
Otto Link FL USA 7* near mint original
Near mint, barely played original 7* FL USA. This is a very nice player with a crisp edge and a huge deep vibe. It is of course very hard to find original untouched FL otto Link in this condition. This has the appropriate longer flat shelf baffle for the projection these mid-late FL’s are known liked for. Measures around .107.
Mayer Bros NY original 6
Best old hard rubber, these play rather bright and crisp on tenor in medium chamber with a very special complexity and focus. This one is in beautiful original facing and condition.
Otto Link Tonemaster Marinated Masterpiece .097
This is a wonderful player, “Bluetrane” period Otto Link Tonemaster restored to a tip size of .097. I would classify this as a chocolate butter rich complex tone. It has more clarity and projection than an original Tonemaster by a large measure, but is also not a super bright modern vibe at all. It is very much accurate to the aesthetic of the original Tonemasters but extremely clear and brilliant with a true facing making it very reed friendly and not stuffy in any way.
For modern mouthpieces this would be considered dark I guess, but for a vintage Link this is probably in the middle tonally, and for a Tonemaster it might be just a bit bright and shimmery- still not a bright piece. It is very organic and flexible. It’s a joy to play this one, no effort was spared in making it the best it could possibly be without hyping or altering the inherent character.
Obviously not a whole lot of plating left on this one. Biteplate shows some use (because it really was always just an inherently great piece) but the biteplate is functional and I will leave it. Will work fine with or without a patch.
