Mouthpieces Otto Link 5* Ebonite Mouthpiece

Lisa · Nov 22, 2006

Hi,

I've read on saxophones.co.uk that this is an excellent upgrade mouthpiece for a beginner. Aparently it has a jazzy, breathy sound (I was going to order a Selmer S80 C* but this has got me all excited and I'm having second thoughts now!)

Has anyone tried one of these Otto Links? Any comments?

Lisa

Linky Lee · Nov 22, 2006

Yep! Personally I love Otto Links. a 5* is a decent size but you'll probably want a slightly bigger tip opening for when you have the control to wield a really strong tone through one of these mouthpieces.

Saxophones.co.uk are a fantastic shop (online and off)
But before buying any mouthpiece I would play one on your saxophone before buying.

It is a very individual thing, mouthpieces play differently on different saxes and on different people.

1 person like myself could find any Otto Link mouthpiece absolutely perfect for their set-up and embouchure. Another could find that they hate Otto Links on their set-up and they don't get a nice sound.

Find the nearest sax shop to you and send them an E-mail/ call them etc. get a go on one before you buy.

Remember to take your saxophone!

Pete Thomas · Nov 22, 2006

yes, don't buy a mouthpiece on someone's recommendation.

Try them out. Lots of them. It's a bit like shoes.

robaldo · Nov 23, 2006

I've got a 10* link ebonite for my tenor.
Lovely fat sound, but not got much umpf to it.

After tonnes of work, I've managed to get the same fat sound on my link NY metal, but it also more naturally gives me the welly when I need it.

Lisa · Nov 23, 2006

Hmm... Thanks Robaldo.

I don't think I'm experienced enough to try a metal mouthpiece yet, and don't ever perform (people would run and hide) so the less Oomph volume-wise, the better!

I'll have to pop down to a local shop and test some out.

Cheers m'dears
Lisa

Pete Thomas · Nov 23, 2006

I don't think experience is an issue with metal vs HR. metal aren't harder to play or louder (well some are, but the same apples to HR).

They do tend to cost more though. Currently I use all HR mouthpieces, mostly RPC custom but occasionally a Selmer (soloist) on alto, a berg on tenor and a Link on bari.

Bobby G · Nov 23, 2006

I have a HR Link Tone Edge 5 for my alto which is quite nice, very easy to play and for those who like it, comparitively quiet. I don't use it very much any more as I seem to be favouring my metal mpc recently. For a rounded fat sound I like my Selmer Soloist, also easy to play, louder than the Link but plays nicely very quietly or when pushed a bit.

Cheers, Bob

Linky Lee · Nov 23, 2006

I think if you can honk it out the sound gets richer which can inspire a bit of confidence. It's certainly a great feeling to blast it out as loud as you can occasionally!

I like having the volume there. You can always play quietly on a mouthpiece capable of very loud sounds as well.

If I were you I'd be proud of everything you can do on the saxophone.
If you think about how many people can play saxophone, and say how many people can drive a car or something, you're in a rather elite group of people! At least in one sense.

Bobby G · Nov 23, 2006

The most elite group is, of course, those who can play saxophone at the same time as driving a car 😉

That's a fair point about a loud mpc - if you can get it working quietly as well, you always have something in reserve, like my Brilhart, and even the HR Meyer which can chuck it out a bit too.

Cheers, Bob

jambo · Nov 24, 2006

You could try Claude Lakey HR Mouthpieces.

They arnt too expensive, and have a large selection of Tip openings and Sizes to help you can get the tone you want.

david_tannahill · Nov 26, 2006

If you can try as many out as you are able. Some places will send two or three out on trial. (I think WoodWind and Reed do?). I have a 5* and was sold to my by recommendation rather than me trying them out. It is louder and jazzier than my other piece (Vandoren A15 V5), but at the minute I prefer the Vandoren as it is easier to control (remember I am a beginner). I feel that as a beginner there is more to do with control and embrochure than the actual mouthpiece, so I would get a nice one and stick with it- you can always change your reeds for subtle effects (I use Java 2s).