Mouthpieces Otto link ebonite tenor

FastFred · Apr 27, 2008

Hi
Been playing 6 months now and at grade 5 level but very much a beginner. Just upgraded to a YTS 62 second hand on ebay. The tone is much smoother now and I have been advised by my teacher that an Otto link ebonite should probably be my next mouthpiece.

Teacher advises a 6*, 7 or 7* and that I get 3 of each from different companies and trial them with him and then send all but one back. Is this realistic and will there be much variation in similar numbered/make items?

Also 9 x ?80 is a fair outlay on a credit card.. I am going to Montreal next week ansd suspect I could buy one half price. What do you think? And is their much difference in these numbers or would I adapt to it anyway?

Linky Lee · Apr 27, 2008

I Find that the otto links are very under par in the top range of the horn. Basically the reason I'm gradually moving to Yanagisawa pieces.

Your teacher can't really tell you which mouthpiece will suit you best, it's a very personal thing.

The best advice is just to go to a music store and try out anything and everything. Pick whatever feels, sounds maybe even tastes right to you.

Bobby G · Apr 27, 2008

Couldn't agree more with what Linky says - perhaps you've been pushed in the direction of an Otto Link because that is the perception your teacher may have of what will get you the sound he/she is hearing, but really you have to try as many different mouthpieces as you can to find the one you think will work best for you.

I've tried an Otto Link Tone Edge on alto, which may or may not be a valid comparison, and I found it to be a good sound if a little uninspiring, and decidedly quieter than other similar mouthpieces (Meyer, Selmer etc) when using the same reeds - then again, some people seem to really like them, obviously mouthpiece choice, like reed choice is an intensely personal thing and no combination is wrong if it feels right for you.

Welcome to the never-ending quest :erm: 😉

saxismyaxe · Apr 27, 2008

Caveat:

The generalized comments regarding the upper range on Otto Links may apply to Alto in your case, but not at all to the Tenor where Links excel in all areas.

The Altissimo on a properly tweaked Otto Link (STM paramount) is often effortless, full and in tune for example.

philthd · Apr 28, 2008

is like to add that your teacher has seen and heard you play a lot, presumably, and you have to trust that he know your embouchure and technique better than a group of people on a forum (however knowledgable)

i am always wary of anyone who tells you exactly what to do, just dont be so quick to discount the genuine advice of a good teacher.

jonf · Apr 28, 2008

Rather than messing about three shops in the knowledge that from two of them you will not buy anything, a far better bet is to go along to a good sax shop and play test a range of mouthpieces until you find one you like.

Linky Lee · Apr 28, 2008

Saxismyaxe, I wasn't specifically referring to the link for alto there. I have owned and used both alto and tenor links, metal and ebonite. I still actually use a STM on Tenor because I can't afford a new mouthpiece yet. I also find them very imposing upon your tone.

*For me* I've found a trend that they don't have the quality of tone associated with their lower end, and found that other mouthpieces could give *me* a better balance across all the registers.

I'm sure the altissimo on a properly tweaked anything is often effortless, full and in tune.
But then I wouldn't know as I can't play altissimo.

I think for the most saxophonists, you want the mouthpiece to work for you out of the box. You don't want to have to research into what would be a good modification specifically for your set-up and whatnot to get the mouthpiece working at it's best.

You just want something that suits you well to allow you maximum control with minimum effort and therefore allow you to express yourself most efficiently and produce 'your' tone.

Bobby G · Apr 28, 2008

Linky wrote:
Saxismyaxe, I wasn't specifically referring to the link for alto there. I have owned and used both alto and tenor links, metal and ebonite. I still actually use a STM on Tenor because I can't afford a new mouthpiece yet. I also find them very imposing upon your tone.

*For me* I've found a trend that they don't have the quality of tone associated with their lower end, and found that other mouthpieces could give *me* a better balance across all the registers.

I'm sure the altissimo on a properly tweaked anything is often effortless, full and in tune.
But then I wouldn't know as I can't play altissimo.

I think for the most saxophonists, you want the mouthpiece to work for you out of the box. You don't want to have to research into what would be a good modification specifically for your set-up and whatnot to get the mouthpiece working at it's best.

You just want something that suits you well to allow you maximum control with minimum effort and therefore allow you to express yourself most efficiently and produce 'your' tone.

Aye, quite right Lee. For me it's called a Meyer 8M.

saxismyaxe · Apr 29, 2008

It would seem that our differing opinions on the worth of the Link designs justifies the bewildering variety of Mouthpieces available to the modern saxophonist then, huh?😉

FastFred · May 13, 2008

Hi
Was in Montreal last week on business and decided to ignore your advice (! sorry) and bought a 7* Otto Link ebonite from a great shop called Maurice Twigg, ful of stuff. Tried it on a YTS62 when there, ideally would have liked a 7 but not in stock.

Had first blow last night at home. Low end nice but it takes some air for sure and is a barsteward on the high notes. Sure I will 'grow into it' as my mum used to say but more realistically have probably just entered the world of multiple reeds and mouthpieces to accomodate for a lack of playing ability....
Cheers

Col9 · May 13, 2008

I had a alto Otto link ebonite 7, It came with my sax. It took as much air as I had and then some. I sold it, probably should have kept it. At the time it took the enjoyment out of playing as it was a constant battle, although it had a lovely tone.
I dare say I would have grown into it but as a learner anyway I have enough to worry about. I wouldn't mind trying it again now though as I have a few old/vintage ones and they are joy to play. Faves at the mo are ebonite, a really old Buescher true tone and an old Berg Larsen.

Good luck with it, it will be worth the effort.

Col.

FastFred · May 14, 2008

Picked up the sax tonight, probably second full hour on the new mouthpiece. Tried a different 2&1/2 reed and could hit all high notes, well chuffed. Sax sounds great, amazing tonal range compared to Yamaha 6c, Think the teacher was right.

milandro · May 21, 2008

I just started to fight/enjoy a Otto Link tenor tone edge 7 refaced to a 8 by my friend Daniele Lucchetta (a.k.a. Stan) from Italy. The sound is great very wide and spread but it really takes a lot of air and a fresh embouchure (I tire very easily on it). I am playing on Vandoren java 3 I probably should go down to 2,5. It has much less volume and projection than my Vandoren Java T55 but here is a richness of sound worth exploring. Much better than a standard " out of the box" Link (this is my first customized mouthpiece, now I also own a Phil Barone NY for alto). Subtones on this Link are difficult to me, my friend Daniele says that I do need a softer reed.....I shall see.

Kinda · May 21, 2008

I just bought an Otto Link ebonite from Linky and my previous for years has been the Otto Link Tonemaster. What a difference, easier to get the high and low notes and my music teacher said what a difference in tone.

She didn't realise I had changed my mouthpiece. I'm not going to sell my tonemaster as I think it will be interesting to go back to when I get bored with the ebonite.

pete_canter · Jun 27, 2008

I have recently bought otto link ebonites for alto and tenor and on both occasions tried every single 7* in the shop (about 6 the last time). I found there was a considerable amount of variability between mouthpiecs in how they played even though they were ostensibly exactly the same and was able to choose the one that felt best for me.