Otto Link Super Tone Master 7 review

[@benjaminfalcone2074]

Editing is flawless as always

[@Sirvalorsax]

Thanks

[@kingzephyr9897]

Even coming off that 20 year old VHS tape that old Martin sounds awesome.

[@BenRodenburg]

Man, your toptones are killer! Big respect!

[@Sirvalorsax]

Thanks

[@ionadam6775]

Grazie anche io vorrei fare 4 octave con il saxofon tenor ,,,devo usare mouthpice Otto link supertone master ????e ancie da 2,5 Vandoren ???

[@chrisalien62]

You always play the most beautiful phrases when you review a mouthpiece, such as at 6:00-6:30. Where is that from?

[@Sirvalorsax]

This is stuff that I write. I had a video get flagged by youtube so I just use my own stuff most of the time now. Thanks

[@billducker7404]

A gift from God!

[@JRM---516]

Just picked up Otto Link STM 7 -- Love it. I've heard great players on stock Links and they sounded great. My ligature is good, and so is the finish ... knock on wood! This MP has tons of potential.

[@ratty345678]

How are you liking it.

[@mariomalette4155]

Very nice tone Sir Like the dark tone you get on it,,and of course marvelous playing ! Cheers from cold Canada Mario ✌️

[@Sirvalorsax]

Cool, Thanks for watching.

[@belibeki]

I also have Otto Link mouthpiece, it was a joice of famous sax players such as John Coltrane, Ben Webster, Coleman Hawkings, so I proudly play on this lovely mouthpiece. I dont like that metal ligature that comes with Otto Link, so I use BG Jazz ligature for metal Otto Link mpc. Problems with golden varnish, can be easily solved with tooth paste. Those dark dots on the varnish simpy disappear when you clean them with tooth paste. I had that kind of problem and I managed to clean the mouthpiece easily with cloth and tooth paste.

[@Sirvalorsax]

I'll give the tooth paste a try. Thanks for the tip

[@Ryan-ft2kd]

god i was so lucky to find it for 170 CAD thats about 130 USD, what a steal lol

[@tfang893]

I have the 5 star OttoLink super tone, its soo good

[@EvanioEvangelista]

Ola! Essa boquilha é a sua atual? O que te fez optar por otto? Estou querendo migrar da Lebayle para otto. O que me diz?

[@AlexRodriguez-nm5dh]

Wow, a year and two days since this video was uploaded! What's the name of the piece you play in 9:33 - 9:53?

[@sirrjazz734]

What is your opinion of Claude Lakey Mouthpieces? Have you played one or reviewed one?

[@Sirvalorsax]

I haven't played a Lakey in a really long time. They were the "go to" bright mouthpiece for alto when I was in college. It is on the list of mouthpieces to get when I get an alto sax again.

[@sirrjazz734]

@@Sirvalorsax Thank you for your response. I have a Lakey 7. I want to get an Otto Link Tone Edge so badly. I've played my Lakey for about 10 years

[@bobblues1158]

Extraordinary Adrien. I can completely identify-i walked the bar. That stuff is fun. Your background music on this is really interesting. Are you using a lot of time on composing? Thanks for doing your vlog!

[@Sirvalorsax]

I have around 20 years worth of stuff like that. A couple of my free usage videos got flagged so I use my own stuff now. Thanks for watching

[@javierquesada798]

sandpaper may pass on the table of the nozzle and can be polished properly

[@Njderig]

Damn bro you were playing crazy fast. I agree that a 7 seems the perfect tip opening for me too. Do you feel that if the tip opening is too large you can’t play as loud? For me a 8 and up just kills my tone and projection no matter what mouthpiece brand. I think what happens is if the gap is too big between the tip and the reed you loose tone quality especially the fat buzziness of the sound. I read everything about mouthpieces and every “expert” mouthpiece manufacturer says the same thing about a bigger tip opening means more projection and is better for rock n roll. Yes that’s true up to a point. Obviously a 6 is better than a 3 or 4 but once you get above an 8 everything starts to go downhill with a Tenor. It’s a completely different story with alto because the corresponding tip number represents a smaller tip opening. I use a 9 on alto and it’s visibly still a bit smaller than a 7 tenor. Lol ok I went on way too long.

[@anotsosexysaxman5914]

You're sort of right, sort of wrong. It all depends on the player. A larger tip opening will always allow for more power and projection, as physically the larger space between the reed and the tip rail allows for more air to go through the mouthpiece, it's just a question of whether the player is can handle putting enough air through the mouthpiece. A larger tip opening will mean putting more air through the mouthpiece just to get the reed to vibrate, but it also increases the potential volume you can get out of the mouthpiece. It also increases the breadth of tone that you can acheive, again, dependent on whether the player can handle it. So in that vein, the experts are right. There are many tenor players playing on 8* (.115) openings and larger, especially those who play pieces such as your Guardala MB I (like Brecker himself), MBII, Studio and King models. If you can't get power out of an 8 tip openings it's just a little too big a tip opening for you, and that's ok. In the old days heavyweight tenor players used like 5's and 6's, it's simply just a matter of what works for you. There's never a point where everything will start to go 'downhill' for any instrument, it's just what works for the player. Some people play on a 9 tip opening, and some on a 6. That being said, if you can play a 9 on alto, I'm surprised you can't play an 8 on tenor, i know the tenor opening is bigger but since alto and tenor reeds are different the tip openings tend to play pretty equally, maybe your tenor piece just has a few problems, I play a 7* on tenor, and a 7 on alto. Generally people have use similar tip openings on both alto and tenor, or the alto tip number is smaller than their tenor tip (e.g. 8 tenor --> 7 alto) because the shorter alto reed actually makes it less flexible, but i guess it's dependent on the mouthpieces you're using and your technique.

[@Njderig]

Aathavan Subakumar I see your point. I should also mention that I use hard reeds 3.5. I used a 9 tip opening and found a 2.5 to work ok with it but I was able to get a much bigger sound out of a 7-8 tip with hard reeds. It’s my preference. Altissimo pops easily with 3.5s but less than a 3 it’s difficult to play loud or get altissimo because the reed is too soft and just crumbles under a strong air stream.

[@chico305SIGMA]

I have a question guys I play Alto and I love playing pop music what size should I get?

[@BodhiFitness]

I got a 90s STM 8 for $95 on eBay a couple months ago. I love the sound but it doesn’t project enough to use with the band. Still undecided on whether I will use it. The Aibay #9 I just got from eBay is the perfect brightness and response. I love it!

[@Sirvalorsax]

I haven't seen a tip opening #9 for the Aibay. I will have to research it. The more I listen to my review video, the more I like the Aibay mouthpiece

[@BodhiFitness]

@@Sirvalorsax I'm still trying to find a good ligature for the STM. The BG lig I got for it is trash. I will make a better judgement when I find a functional lig, but it's one of those STMs with the larger body, so the selmer 404 didn't fit.

[@BodhiFitness]

I am in love with the Aibay. I'll send you the link where I bought it on ebay. So free blowing and projecting - it's really fun to play.

[@BodhiFitness]

www.ebay.com/itm/Brass-9-Bb-B-Flat-Tenor-Saxophone-Mouthpiece-Ligature-Cap-Kit-Rose-Golden/163720960609?_trkparms=aid%3D1110001%26algo%3DSPLICE.SIM%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20131003132420%26meid%3D698013a322bd47a7a1f1d3b22f5b7196%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D9%26rkt%3D12%26sd%3D401785965939%26itm%3D163720960609%26pg%3D2047675&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851

[@BodhiFitness]

Not the same seller, but clearly the same product. The finish would match your "vintage reborn" nicely haha

[@bandaeministerioportal7]

Top top top sond. Congratulations !

[@Sirvalorsax]

Many thanks!!

[@pedrodavidrodrigues3481]

Hello my friend SirValorSax!! Please, what do you think about the Vandoren Redbox?! Do you think it is the best reed in terms of response ,and dynamic control?? And does it have to be in the 2,5 size to be in its best performance potential??

[@martyg374]

Sounds good to me. Is it free blowing?

[@ilianthauby6048]

What do you think about SYOS mouthpieces? Great channel!

[@eliottmorst]

i have a 6*……stock model…..thinking of getting mine symmetrical…..who should i send it to…..

[@SaxoG]

Berglarsen vs otto link??

[@martinmoon7944]

What style of jazz are you playing in the VHS taping. That is the style I really like and I found a list of jazz styles which is so long that it will take a real long time searching samples in each sub genre to find the right one.

[@Sirvalorsax]

It's more of an instrumental funk. I think anything by Maceo Parker, Lenny Pickett,or David Sanborn should be what you are looking for.

[@martinmoon7944]

Sirvalorsax thanks. I am familiar with Maceo Parker. My 1924 Conn even has the Maceo sound with the STM. I will definitely check out the other two.

[@gangofgreenhorns2672]

I have two friends that play on these in the same band. One has a vintage 7*, and the other a modern 7*. The modern 7* played differently they said, and they ended up having it modified somehow--also they put an extension on it bc he had some issues with tuning I guess. I'd like to find out what the modification was. I remember them saying they had a little sort of diamond shaped divot or something machined out to match the vintage mpc better. Assume that it would be around the window (chin) area.

[@Sirvalorsax]

Interesting. I'm always curious to know the little details about mouthpiece modification. It helps when analyzing the specs of a new piece

[@gangofgreenhorns2672]

@@Sirvalorsax I want to know how they changed the STM. The guy that worked on it said it was a common problem since they don't hand machine anymore. Friend uses a Conn 10M. They made the extension out of a piece of Oboe--where the bore matched lol.

[@ROY-COLLEY]

Hi Maestro, 😉I have a chance to buy one but a 5* 1980s . As I only just started on Tenor. Do you think a 5* would be good for me to start on Bro ?

[@Sirvalorsax]

Yes but... What were you playing on alto?

[@Amanet13]

Awesome video and playing.Otto Link did a very sloppy job,but it sounds well rounded and smooth warm sound...

[@Sirvalorsax]

Thanks

[@Amanet13]

Sirvalorsax did you get it new with that crack

[@Sirvalorsax]

@@Amanet13It's not cracked. It is discoloration on the table

[@shipsahoy1793]

Hi Sir, Quick Fyi.. I have an Otto Link STM like yours, but a 7*, that I bought new about 15 years ago (around 2005 or so), and it look looks a lot like yours except that there is NO problem with the finish even now. I didn't catch when you procured yours. PS) ..And I agree with you 100% on the supplied ligature, has its pros and cons..

[@Sirvalorsax]

This Otto Link was new at the time of the review

[@shipsahoy1793]

Sirvalorsax - Very interesting. I guess they really “don’t make ‘em like they yusta” .. I paid about $100 for mine, and now they’re about $230 !! I actually found myself wondering how the newer Vandoren metal V16’s compared to the older ones, as they changed the size designations. They were always even more expensive than the OL STM LoL

[@dennis92f]

What silver neck are you using? I'm looking to purchase a neck.

[@bobschmob8233]

My stm that's about 6 yrs old looks like a leopard but mybvintage link from the 50s has no spotting whatsoever. What's up with the spotting? Are they just using a cheaper metal alloy combination with barely any brass?

[@Sirvalorsax]

My Modern Vintage link looks great. I think its just quality control

[@jaymanjayman5704]

So did you make this intro song because I really want to listen to the full version. But I can't seem to find one

[@Sirvalorsax]

It's an original song. I haven't even finished writing it yet LOL. I'm working on getting all this stuff published though.

[@jaymanjayman5704]

@@Sirvalorsax wait so will we ever be able to hear it? Anytime soon

[@Professor_WAAHH]

Could I please get sheet music for that piano intro, that was honestly beautiful

[@Sirvalorsax]

I don't have that available yet. Many things will be available when my new website goes up. It may be a while before that happens because of what's going on right now

[@Professor_WAAHH]

@@Sirvalorsax alright, I look forward to learning this stuff

[@joer3481]

Sir, just wondering, what Martin did you play? I have a late 50's Martin Indiana that sounds great,, im using that more than my new Yamaha 62 tenor...

[@Sirvalorsax]

Martin Committee(pre 1940's). It got bent really badly when I had to check it at the airport one time. It was bad enough before that but after even after I got it repaired, It just never played well in tune. It sounded like a beast though

[@Bobbybabybobbybubbie]

Man, I know ships tend to look about the same, but that showroom in theole VHS looks EXACTLY like one I worked in around that time--Celebrity Horizon, or its sister the Zenith?

[@Sirvalorsax]

Horizon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Nailed it dude! WOW! You nailed it. Gold star for you man!! LOLOLOLOL

[@lafayettegunterjr2967]

I love otto links i got an otto link metal bari piece findly 😁

[@Sirvalorsax]

I'm still looking for more Bari sax pieces.

[@eoinryan8222]

What was the first pro mouthpiece you ever used.

[@Sirvalorsax]

WOW! It was maybe a Berg Larson or a Dukoff from when I was in high school but I clearly had no idea what I was doing. I got an Otto Link STM 6* with a Super Action 80 Series I when I was in college and started figuring things out.

[@OsvaldoBarco419]

Impresionante el vídeo, me suscribo !!!

[@T.H.W.O.T.H]

Cool video from the old days there. 👍 It's a full-time job keeping in that much shape. When did you ever find time to practice as well? 😀 I played a brass link for years, then went to a rubber link, then I diversified! I wonder were that first one is - sure I still have it somewhere. Might dig it out for old time's sake. 🎷

[@Sirvalorsax]

LOL!! I find the time to hit the gym now that's for sure. LOL!

[@acdc8857]

I just received my stm 7. Only $100 on eBay! I’ll find out how it works tomorrow

[@ratty345678]

how are you liking it?

[@acdc8857]

@@ratty345678 it would barely play with a V16 or V12 reed. I was scared I wasted my money. When I tried a Java it was great. Much more solid, powerful tone than my Meyer. Altissimo is easier. I got lucky finding it so cheap on eBay.

[@SaxoG]

admiration 🇲🇽🎷

[@sadiqmuhammad396]

I also play on one of those, best mouthpiece ever, but I think I paid 300, and I also have discoloration on mine as well, but I thought it was intentional

[@Sirvalorsax]

$300 US seems really high for a standard Otto Link. Are you in the U.S.A?

[@javierquesada798]

He has not dared to try a Chinese selmer?. And another thing in all the nozzles that his sound has used in his videos does not change that corroborates what was said before about the nozzles and the sounds

[@Sirvalorsax]

I don't review fakes. Intellectual property theft is a big problem and I don't want to contribute to that.

[@PhinAI]

I really enjoy your review videos. Just wondering again how your book is coming, and hoping for perhaps a light overview of your intent for what it might contain. Also, thought it was cool that you mentioned Martin. My sax is a 1922 Martin Handcraft. I love the fact that it's older than I am, and still quite playable. (I love history, and wish I knew more about this horn's owners, and this horn.) Be well, Sir!

[@Sirvalorsax]

I'm still working on it but it will be a basic tone production/altissimo book that will address the biggest issues with the difficulty of playing the highest notes on sax. It will also have a comprehensive fingering chart and musical phrases that will help the player know which fingerings are better than others in certain conditions

[@ryanstrohman7429]

Ayyyyy

[@michaelkipler7970]

Sounds Great! I am looking for a ligature for a recent Otto Link 7* tenor mouthpiece. I can't seem to find where to get one. Any ideas? Thanks so much

[@Sirvalorsax]

Check out BG's site. They have a list of moutpieces were you can find a ligature match

[@michaelkipler7970]

Thanks.

[@titcoivanov8146]

Woodstone Ishimori

[@javierquesada798]

In many cases you can not return it and come with defects and face

[@Sirvalorsax]

It depends on who the seller. Music123 is one of the best with a 45 day trial period for new stuff an 30 days for used stuff.

[@javierquesada798]

What happened to you that you lost your muscles?

[@Sirvalorsax]

I still have them. I've just added a protective cover of fat over them to keep them well insulated. LOL!!

[@javierquesada798]

If you find a cheap one that this reach me let me know to buy

[@jaisoofi5513]

The L I C C 10:52

[@Sirvalorsax]

LOL!!

[@jaareda9940]

Slight roll-over baffle, not a “forehead”. Window, not “chin”. 😉😉😉 Awesome playing. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@Sirvalorsax]

It translates easier in other languages for a book that I'm writing if I stick to "face" references.

[@joeblankenship377]

It doesn't look brand new. I'm guessing, if you got it from a music shop, it's been taken out, handled, tried out a few times. I'm also surprised you're just now reviewing the Otto Link. But maybe you're running out of new and interesting mouthpieces, gotta go with the classics?

[@Sirvalorsax]

I've reviewed other variations of Otto Links including both modern vintage (hard rubber and metal) also an old but not vintage 8* super tone master.

[@johnbull6909]

The older I get, the better I was.

[@brianpite0893]

Sounds great! But I think I saved 150 dollars by buying the Paititi. BTW, when you put the Sax down during the 20 year old tape you took me back to Monterey 1967, I thought you were going to take the lighter fluid out! Jimi

[@Sirvalorsax]

LOL!! Maybe if I get back in shape again...

[@javierquesada798]

I always wonder why a mouthpiece is so expensive just because someone has good and famous sound and people think it's the mouthpiece. And the sound is with us

[@chico305SIGMA]

The mouth piece has more of an affect on the sound then the actual saxophone itself.

[@anonymousguy7723]

I had this mouthpiece, but I’m glad I sold it and got a Theo Wanne Gaia 2 mouthpiece instead.. the quality really sucked...!!!

[@Sirvalorsax]

LOL!!

[@lafayettegunterjr2967]

Hey bro i got a video of a metal otto link bari piece check it out when u get a. Chance 🎷😎👍

[@Sirvalorsax]

I'll check it out. Thanks for the heads up.

[@spontaneousgroovincombusti2902]

Once again, further proof that you can play anything. For me, modern Link STMs are terrible pieces. Sound like kazoos. Even had one refaced by one of the top guys because I really wanted the look for tradition’s sake. Guess what? It sounded like a kazoo. :-(

[@Sirvalorsax]

I would suggest trying a different brand of reeds with different strengths that you aren't comfortable with and recording it to see how different the sound is.