Otto Link vs Otto Link Sax Mouthpieces

[@kpoudavoff]

New vintage series are the best modern ones. Have had one for several years, but nothing can beat real links from 50s-60s.

[@1dotele]

I just bought an old 10M Conn and with it was a no USA sig slant 7 hr do you know what year these came out?

[@kpoudavoff]

james moscoso I’m not specialist in HRs , but according to Theo Wanne website it’s around early or late 50s.

[@Sirvalorsax]

I'd love to take a look at those pieces and get a good look at its specifications

[@1dotele]

@@kpoudavoff Thanks for the info

[@1dotele]

@@Sirvalorsax I'm in SWFL if thats close to you I would love to let play test and inspect it

[@scottclemens7966]

cruise ship gig? thats one lucky show band

[@javierquesada798]

the regular one sounds softer I definitely like it

[@TheDeafStingrays]

Great Review!! I have an Otto Link modern vintage 7 mouthpiece for tenor sax and it is the best mouthpiece I've ever had! But unfortunately the bore is too small so I am planning on buying a new neck.

[@MO-1888]

Thank you, nice playing, nice work.

[@Sirvalorsax]

Many thanks!

[@jjlivepattern]

otto link is a lot like Selmer use to be and is. That ‘finish’ that plating is going to come off. Apparently Its only temporary. I was surprised. These modern links sounded really really good. Great even. The standard / regular Link sounded fine. I think I would buy that one. I am an Otto Link Fan. Great playing and channel as always! 🌟 World Peace Hey Trains are CooL

[@UserUser-pv2wo]

sound with STM MV 6 - is what I will try to do when I start playing something over than chromatic scale :)

[@ernietollar407]

2:28 STM 8* .. beautiful

[@wkrnalrib4445]

So i did a bit of research on gold plating brass, since I might as well use my Chemistry knowledge for something. The staining you see on your links can be caused by a few things; - The chemistry is bad i.e. the chemicals used were not in the correct concentrations - The type of plating. i.e. the metal used for "barrier" plating - The thickness I really doubt its the chemistry since a high school student could do it. I don't know why but I always had the idea that links are silver plated then gold plated but I might just be mistaken. If that is the case and there is no nickel plating or no nickel in-between the gold and the silver plating the zinc in the brass can leach through. Or the plating could too thin in those areas. on my link (stm ny 5yo~) it has very clear black staining (corrosion) where it was refaced and a clear line where the baffle was touched up. And it has a dotted line where the two halves of the mp meets (i think it looks cool). tl;dr From the defects on my link and others ive seen Im guessing jj babbitt either needs to modernise their QC or their process. If vandoren can manufacture a gold plated MP in the EU with almost no defects, why cant babbit make a link of the same quality in the US

[@Sirvalorsax]

Big time. Vandoren QC is really good in my opinion. I think the issue is leaching from thin plating where the metal is porous.

[@BrandonAlexander-sj2qm]

Read my new comment about the Namm show and the Babbitt company if you would like to know some things about my opinions and their terrible quality control.

[@BrandonAlexander-sj2qm]

I went to the Namm convention in January. And the person I spoke to from the JJ Babbitt company was a brass player. I believe that’s a little odd to have somebody who doesn’t even the mouthpieces or even the instrument represent the company. I also debate whether I should even purchase mouthpieces from them because of their terrible quality control. I would like to buy one of their new Florida Links but unfortunately they have crooked baffles and other cosmetic issues. I would prefer to invest my money in a product that does not require refacing. Another great video, just had to say my thoughts since it’s about Otto Link.

[@BrandonAlexander-sj2qm]

I almost forgot, I asked why the bore shapes were so small. The representative told me they make them so tight so they “fit all mouthpieces”. I think that’s a little strange and ridiculous, if it doesn’t fit somebody’s mouthpiece, they could get their neck recorked.

[@Sirvalorsax]

I think I might get one of the tribute expensive mouthpieces next time.

[@joannesvanhoudt1363]

The only mouthpieces I bought that didn't need adjustments were Drake and Ponzol. But Link is the worst! But after refacing they are the best for me!

[@ernietollar407]

love your sound man! I play metal links on alto

[@Sirvalorsax]

I might be looking into Meyer again when I get another alto.

[@curtisvalle5141]

Thank you, Good Sir. Bought 7* in 1978. Never researched but looks/plays radically different than 3 recently made OLs. I came across....? not sure about "new". ? Prefer the metal JJ7 these days. Was gonna comment on your great subtones until i heard the screamer tag. Snap....like butter...sure ..right. So, break out the flute.... then the oboe. Willing to grant you the entire clarinet. family :] Finally, plating is an art especially on heavily contured substrates.

[@Stephan-Kammerer]

Great video man! Yeah checking out the weight, it does make quite a difference.

[@vernonely9969]

Seasons greetings. At one time you was talking about getting another Tenor sax to replace your Cannon Ball. What did you decide on. Ihoping you would get thebYanagasawa T WO 20 with the undersling octive key . Or you would get the Giarfinelli 52 st tenor .

[@Sirvalorsax]

I recently play-tested the TWO20 and it was fantastic. I haven't play tested the Eastman 52 yet. I need to sell the Cannonball first though.

[@sleepy-beagle]

I wouldn’t go near a new Otto link. A friend of mine was struggling with her link. I checked out the flatness on the face which the reed sits against was terribly made. I’ve heard numerous other comments on bad manufacturing of Otto link mouthpieces too. I’d spend my money on better made equipment.

[@ernietollar407]

if i attempt to re-seat my metal otto link alto piece for a better seal i could lose it, so i just play 2 1/2 red box vandored with a soft rovner. and once it sealing great i leave it untouched as mush as possible

[@alsiemens2186]

Otto Link has quality control problems. My first mouthpiece (STM) had an asymmetrical spine so the ligature, which is shaped to the spine was useless. I took it back. The replacement was better and could hold the reed. It was later I discovered the chin was asymmetrical and the table was not flat. In addition, one rail had a curve in the middle and the finish is now spotted. It is one year old. Although it is playable, I am sure it could be better. I have been carefully correcting these issues, except for the finish, over time but none of this should have passsed final inspection at the factory.

[@Sirvalorsax]

Ill.try to get my hands on one of the specialized Otto Link tribute mouthpieces when things get back to normal

[@dextergordon3655]

Have You ever tried a GOTTSU mpc? They are very close to OttoLinks, but way 'better', free blowing from bottom to top and beyond. Try to order a "double ring" which is not yet offered in their regular program. I would like to have Your opinion on that.

[@Sirvalorsax]

I've been looking at some more expensive Link style mouthpieces and I saw the video on this one's production. Hopefully when things get back to normal I can look into it

[@barryfleischer6553]

You have a beautiful sound, and the horn and mouthpiece aren't playing themselves. I've been playing Super Tone Masters on Tenor and Baritone for over 30 years. My baritone is a #8 the tenor is a #10. In my opinion no mouthpieces are absolutely perfect. The sound actually begins in your head and the reed and mouthpiece are just tools you use the get out what your hearing in your head and feeling in your heart. Its been my experience that adjusting the reed a little will make up for and slight imperfections in the mouthpiece. Also, its the reeds that are way more inconsistent than the mouthpiece. My Tenors are a Dolnet Convair (1968) and a King Super 20 (1973) Both are a joy to play and have different qualities. My Baritone is a 1956 "The Martin" not a Low A. Who you listen to is also a factor in your sound. I'm an old school Illinois Jaquet, Flip Philips , Arnett Cobb, Lester Young throwback. I like my jazz swing'n and blusey. Your tone is stunningly beautiful, its the first thing you notice about a player . The sound says it all. I've just subscribed to your channel and even though I've been playing since 1967, its a great learning experience. The learning never stops!

[@javierquesada798]

en su cuarto in her room it sounds the same to me. I think with the echo the difference is more noticeable

[@Sirvalorsax]

They are similar. The MV is brighter overall though

[@WAXTRACK]

what piece were you playing at beginning?

[@eoinryan8222]

Just curious, have you ever played a Master Link before?

[@eliottmorst]

very informative

[@Joshua-gv1ep]

One of my friends got a vintage Otto link with a horn for 125$. I think it has a scratch in the table though. How much would it cost to get something like that fixed? I might buy it from him.

[@yato6772]

I wouldn't get it but it's up to you.

[@kpoudavoff]

Josh ua depends on the scratch depth . If it’s on the table it’s not the problem at all though. You can check the seal , if it holds the vacuum- then don’t touch it, play it like it is.

[@Sirvalorsax]

How vintage is it?

[@anthonyando]

afro comb in the background!! love it. Can you play with it in your hair one time...................bit like John Drummond running the 4x100m with it in ;)

[@Sirvalorsax]

Lol

[@eliottmorst]

i got a regular one

[@johnkotches8320]

I know I’m late to the party, but did you consider having the bore opened up to more closely match the others?

[@Sirvalorsax]

I'd rather leave it as is and sell it later

[@alexwillats]

Just wondered if you've tried any of the 'Retro Revival' replica pieces, 'Falcon Woodwinds', SR Tech or any similar Otto Link replica pieces? I know it's all from your own pocket so maybe not yet...would love to know your thoughts on some of these. It's such a shame JJ Babbitt can't produce a quality, consistently made product. People would pay more for them too, without doubt, if the quality was there.

[@Sirvalorsax]

I know I would because I already have. My first choice in Otto Link replacements is the RR mouthpiece. I need to move some of the other mouthpieces I already have first though.

[@lucymaury858]

The otto link mouthpieces is good in the low note but I don't like the half /middle-half note

[@alice_atari]

Same feel on alto. I used an Otto Link for many years, and didn't realize how mellow it was until I got a new mouthpiece. It's better on the bottom, but the middle is a bit dull compared, and the high end is more fragile.

[@thomasjohnson395]

my yanagisawa metal mp does the black mark thing on the rails

[@Sirvalorsax]

Are they lined up evenly?

[@crizfdez]

10:17 song name?

[@Sirvalorsax]

This isn't a song. It was just me mixing up the modes of Jazz melodic minor.

[@javierquesada798]

with the opening of the mouthpiece, does the number of the cane change or not?

[@wiledmanrandall]

Usually the player will respond better to a lower reed number moving up to a larger tip opening. It also depends on how developed their embouchure muscles have become and if they play with a lower lip in or out approach.

[@Sirvalorsax]

Slightly. Sometimes I get 3's that feel like 2.5's and 2.5's that sound like 3's.

[@javierquesada798]

@@Sirvalorsax ,,,,,,, thanks health

[@stepanxol]

Leopard purse + golden chain returns! Seriously, the video was interesting... but your playing is just too good, it's impossibile to tell which mp sounds better. Seriously, dude.

[@amathesaxylady]

I was just about to post the same thing...

[@joannesvanhoudt1363]

Hey, you play great! So i'm sorry to hear you want to sell your best Otto Link mouthpiece! I hope you didn't do it yet! I had the same problem with a Link. It took me half an hour to adapt the bore of the mouthpiece, without changing anything on the sound. Ok, my dentist background helped me a little bit, but any refacer and even a handyman can do it for you! I think one should always go to a good refacer with any new Link mouthpiece: they sound amazing, but the finising sucks! By flattening the table, adjusting the rails and the tip and some other stuff, they will blow you away! If you are interested I will send you pictures of the equipment i did it with. You can buy it everywhere and is even very cheap! Just be sure you don't go to far in the mouthpiece! :-)

[@Sirvalorsax]

I've been looking on ebay for cheaper necks. I saw some by Eastern Music but I haven't picked one up yet. I saw a video by the Saxophonist.org but I think he has pulled the video down. I'll probably sell it anyway and get a Higher Quality Link inspired mouthpiece instead.

[@espr7564]

That 8 was really fat!!! 😎

[@lottierose8668]

after going through lot of metal links i ended up buying a used morgan fry original rhodium and stopped looking at links , the morgan fry was far superior than any link i used to own