F.A.Q.-- Dr. Berp answers the most Frequenly Asked
Questions about the BERP

How can I place an order?

You can shop safely and securely on our website using our Google Checkout secure server. Simply add items to your Shopping Cart and purchase with your Visa or Mastercard. Or, you can place an order by telephone at toll-free 1-888-927-2448 or (415) 457-6529. You may also fax your order to (415) 236-6429, or email it to us at info@berp.com. School PO’s are welcome.

If you prefer to pay by check or money order, you can print, fill out and mail in this Order Form.

What payment options do I have when purchasing?

We accept Visa and Mastercard. You may also send a personal check or money order if you prefer. Retailers, Dealers, and Schools may contact us directly to establish an account. PO’s are welcome.

How long does delivery take?

We stock all products. Please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery, although most orders arrive in less time.

What if the item I want is out of stock?

Though we make every effort to keep all items in stock, occasionally we are temporarily back-ordered on an item. If this happens, we will inform you and give you the option to select an alternative item, or advise as to the time it will take to receive your product of choice. As soon as the back-ordered item arrives, it can be rushed to you at no additional charge.

How does the BERP help me play better?
Buzzing the mouthpiece exposes what you're doing or not doing with your air and embouchure. A good buzz on the BERP translates into a great sound on the horn. The BERP makes buzzing efficient and relevant by recreating the resistance of the instrument and allowing you to finger the valves or move the slide to the pitch your buzzing. The BERP can show you how to fix your sound before it gets amplified by the mouthpiece and instrument.

Should I use it as a "warm-up"?
Yes, it's a great warm-up because it gets the air going right away. It's also valuable throughout the practice session to fix problems and get you back on track. Try it as a quick way to focus the air before a performance and a way to get things back together after a hard playing session.

How can I use the BERP for a quiet practice session? I can't always play full volume and I don't like the alternatives of stuffy practice mutes and expensive electronic systems.
Great question! First of all, I agree that practice mutes and expensive electronic devices of all kinds should be avoided because of their unnatural and damaging resistance. I have come up with a quiet routine you can do using the BERP which will result in a beneficial practice session. Buzzing on the BERP with the energy that you normally play forte on your instrument creates a sound that is the equivalent of a large bee flying around the room. Your lips are getting a normal workout with resistance similar to playing on the horn. You should alternate loud and soft BERPing of your normal practice routine. You can then put the mouthpiece back on the horn and play very softly (something we never do enough of), alternating that with BERPing. Now you have a great routine for after the kids go to bed, in the hotel room, or while watching a great movie with dialogue you want to hear and all this for less than $20.00!

When I buzz on the mouthpiece alone, I get too open and stiff and my sound suffers. What's the difference with playing on the BERP?
There are many reasons why the BERP is more beneficial. When you buzz with the BERP while holding the instrument, you are at the same angle as when you play, and you tend not to use unnecessary pressure. The resistance dial will keep you from getting too open. The new clamp-on design will make it easier to go back and forth between buzzing and playing which is essential to keeping the sound free. You should also remember not to always buzz loudly.

Is the BERP just for more mature players?
No! It's for everyone at all levels. It is the most efficient way to start beginning brass players, and to keep young players focused on what is important. Our professional performer and teacher endorsement list is so impressive because they know the BERP works!

Why should I finger the valves or move the slide while buzzing on the BERP?
It's great ear training! The brain makes the connection between hearing the pitch and matching the valve combination or slide position to it. Additionally, it is crucial in teaching the concept of what makes notes change which is the action of the air and embouchure not wiggling your fingers or moving your arm.

How come it doesn't work, a) in the high register, b) in the low register, c) in-between registers, d) etc.?
Sorry! The BERP works great in all registers, with no gaps. It's you that's not working great. But the good news is that you own the tool that will help you fix those problems.

Can I use the BERP without clamping it on the horn? For instance, in the car on the way to a gig?
Sure, just a few words of caution however. I have found that when I've done that I tend to use more pressure than usual to keep in contact with the lips which results in more wear and tear before I get to the gig. Make sure your suspension is in great shape and avoid pot holes or your embouchure will pay the price! Remember the greatest benefits are derived from putting it on the horn, but we're all for any constructive uses. I had a friend who attached a BERP to the end of a seven iron for me to use on the golf course while waiting to hit my approach shot. Complaints were heard from the green about a noisy bee in the area!

I don't feel the same way when I BERP as when I play on the instrument. It seems like more work on the BERP. How can that be helping me?
Let me ask you some questions. Does a baseball player just practice hitting home runs? Does he use a weighted bat in the game? Does a sprinter only run 100 meters at a time? If a runner trains with weights attached to his leg, does it help when he takes them off to run the race? The BERP makes you work harder so when you get on the horn playing is easier, better, and more efficient.

Playing a brass instrument is a physical activity which we hope through hard work to create into a musical experience. The more we understand, the easier it will be to create the correct physical feeling for maximum performance. Analysis does not have to become paralysis. With the proper perspective it is a means to an end. The BERP is an efficient and essential tool in that process.

Shipping Information

1. Our orders are shipped promptly following payment. Once your order is placed, it is processed the same or the next business day. You should receive an email confirmation that your order has been processed. Please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery.

2. While we make every effort to ensure that your product arrives safely, we do lose some packages due to domestic and foreign postal systems. We want you to receive your new products as much as you want them—your patience is greatly appreciated.

3. For International orders, we offer INTERNATIONAL FIRST CLASS USPS mail. We offer this to keep prices down for our International purchasers. If you prefer to use UPS for your international order, please contact us directly. We value your business, and appreciate it—but, please keep in mind that we have no means to track INTERNATIONAL FIRST CLASS USPS packages. While most countries respect the USPS 14-day guarantee, we have had instances of this shipping method taking longer to reach you because of Customs.

4. For U.S. Domestic orders, packages under 1 lb. are mailed via USPS to keep shipping costs down for the customer. Please be advised that we cannot provide a tracking number for these orders. Orders weighing over 1 lb., and all Bags orders, are typically shipped UPS. Tracking information is provided to customers when UPS shipping method is used.