Saxophone Forum


by svCompassRose
(1 post)
5 years ago

Brilhart Level Air Tenor MPC - what reed?

I recently bought a 60s vintage tenor sax.  Someone in the family who sold it played alto and there are some alto reeds in the case.  The horn came with three mouthpieces - one is clearly the original tenor and the second is clearly a basic alto mpc.

The third mouthpiece is a stainless steel Brilhart.  It is labelled Designed by Arnold Brilhart and  10772 4 which I believe is the serial number and tip opening.  I'm pretty sure it is an old Level Air.

The mouthpiece fits the tenor neck, but it is very narrow.  It will take a tenor reed and play OK, but it is so narrow that a tenor reed sticks out well beyond the rails.  Interestingly, an alto reed fits perfectly and plays well, but the mouthpiece is way too large to fit an alto neck - it literally falls off.

The first question is whether it is a tenor mpc or is there something missing to make it fit an alto?

If it is inteded as a tenor mpc, did Brilhart intend the old Level Airs to use an alto or tenor reed?

I don't see any reason not to use an alto reed, but it just seems odd?

 

Reply To Post [Report Abuse]

Report Abuse

Replies

  1. No replies yet. Be the first!