Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long have you been making mouthpieces?
Q: Why did you begin refacing mouthpieces?
Q: Why should I buy a mouthpiece from Behn Mouthpieces International?
Q: Why do you have so many different lines of mouthpieces?
Q: What led you to decide to create the “Overture” line (your student line) of mouthpieces?
Q: What are the important factors in evaluating a mouthpiece?
Q: It seems that there are many types of mouthpieces and facings. How do I decide what type of mouthpiece is best for me?
Q: Do you have a trial policy so that I can try a variety of mouthpiece styles?
Q: Are your mouthpieces available in stores?
 

Q: How long have you been making mouthpieces?

A: I started refacing mouthpieces in the spring of 1992. Since then, I have refaced many mouthpieces for students and professionals. Now in addition to refacing and refurbishing mouthpieces, I make mouthpieces for purchase as well.

Q: Why did you begin refacing mouthpieces?

A: It was primarily a personal quest to find the “holy grail” of mouthpieces for my own personal use. During my student years at Northwestern University, while studying with Robert Marcellus I became very interested in realizing the full potential of a great mouthpiece. In my quest to create the best sound that I could, I learned how to make reeds from tube cane and then started to tinker with mouthpieces. I learned quickly that a great mouthpiece could be the most important part of one’s equipment as it has a profound impact on one’s playing experience. Soon after I started my first orchestral position, I learned the techniques of mouthpiece refacing and eventually became successful at customizing mouthpieces not only for myself but also a large international clientele.

Q: Why should I buy a mouthpiece from Behn Mouthpieces International?

A: All Behn mouthpieces are designed to be efficient. Each facing is balanced to the internal details of the mouthpiece, creating a beautiful sound and an easy playing experience. When you try a Behn mouthpiece, you will find that they respond easily and allow for you to realize your concept without effort.

Q: Why do you have so many different lines of mouthpieces?

A: I carry different lines of mouthpieces to better serve the needs of many types of customers. My beginner line of mouthpieces Overture by Behn, made from acrylic, are meticulously designed, handcrafted clarinet and saxophone mouthpieces that bring uncompromising craftsmanship to the student musician. My professional line of mouthpieces Bradford Behn “Artist” delivers handmade, artistic quality to the professional musician. The Vintage Collection is my newest line of mouthpieces that are made from hard rubber that is an exact recreation 1930’s era Chedeville rubber.

Q: What led you to decide to create the “Overture” line (your student line) of mouthpieces?

A: There has long been a great need for a professional quality student mouthpiece at an affordable price. Unfortunately, many of the mouthpieces available today are not voiced well for a student’s unique needs. If left unmonitored, bad habits can develop, resulting in poor embouchure control, flawed articulation, inconsistent intonation, and shallow tone. I believe excellent equipment is just as important in one’s early developmental stages of musicianship as it is in the lives of professional musicians.

Q: What are the important factors in evaluating a mouthpiece?

A: A great mouthpiece must sound excellent and it must feel great to play. The question of feel is often overlooked as many people only assess the sound, but a great mouthpiece should respond and tune great as well. A great mouthpiece must have the correct amount of “working resistance” and it must allow for the player to produce his/her concept of sound with the least amount of work. Please see page on Selecting a Mouthpiece for more information.

Q: It seems that there are many types of mouthpieces and facings. How do I decide what type of mouthpiece is best for me?

A: Over the years, I have learned that there are many types of facings but only a few facings that work efficiently. My mouthpiece designs are always created to resonate and respond efficiently. An efficient facing will allow for an easy response and as a result, you will have many more playable reeds that last much longer and you will be able to create a much more beautiful tone with greater comfort and ease. Feel free to contact us via phone or email and we would be happy to help.

Q: Do you have a trial policy so that I can try a variety of mouthpiece styles?

A: Yes, customers often request a variety of mouthpieces to try. We often send three or four mouthpieces, each with a slightly different facing. Please see Ordering & Trial Policies for more information.

Q: Are your mouthpieces available in stores?

A: Currently our mouthpieces are available in some stores. As we are a relatively new company, our distribution is somewhat limited. If you find it difficult to locate Behn Mouthpieces in your local store, please feel free to order directly from us.