Play Testing 6 Metal Tenor Sax Mouthpieces (Otto Link Inspired Designs)
- By Jay Metcalf
- Saxophone Equipment Reviews, Saxophone Mouthpiece Reviews
Hey BetterSax Players, today I’m going to play test 6 different professional metal tenor sax mouthpieces.
All but one of these mouthpieces are based on or inspired by the classic Otto Links of the 1950s but they are all modern versions that you can go out and buy new today.
For this play test, I’ll be playing a transcription of a chorus of blues by Michale Brecker off the Horace Silver Album the Hardbop Grandpop.
Every solo on that album by all the musicians is transcription worthy but this one is a great example of a Michael Brecker solo of moderate difficult so it’s very approachable if you want to explore his playing.
After taking a listen to each of the mouthpieces, let me know your thoughts and impressions in the comments below. Which one of these do you prefer the sound of?
For any of the Theo Wanne mouthpieces, you can use the coupon code BETTERSAX15 on the Theo Wanne website to receive 15% off.
6 Metal Tenor Sax Mouthpieces (Otto Link Inspired)
These are the 6 mouthpieces review in the video. Each of them is labeled with their timecode so you can scrub through easily and find the playtest for each one individually.
Vandoren V16 T7 Medium
Phil-Tone Tribute Ltd 7*
3:10 – Phil-Tone Tribute Ltd 7*
Drake Stubbie 7*
4:50 –
Otto Link Super Tone Master 7* (refaced)
6:54 – Otto Link Super Tone Master 7* (refaced)
Florida Otto Link 100 Year Anniversary 7* (refaced)
9:09 –
Theo Wanne Gaia 3 7*
For any of the Theo Wanne mouthpieces, you can use the coupon code BETTERSAX15 on the Theo Wanne website to receive 15% off.
10:58 –
If you have one of these pieces yourself let us know your experience with it.
Interested in more mouthpiece reviews? Check out “Best Tenor Saxophone Mouthpieces Under $200.”
Also be sure to follow BetterSax on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube to stay up to date with us for news, giveaways, and other saxophone tips and tricks.
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Jay Metcalf
As the founder of BetterSax.com Jay’s mission is to help developing saxophone players break away from traditional music learning methods and discover a more efficient, practical and fun way to become a Better Sax player.
The BetterSax YouTube channel’s videos have been watched by millions and thousands of students have made meaningful progress on their instrument thanks to BetterSax courses.
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5 Comments
What ligature were you using with the Florida Link?
Thanks,
Paul Schneidmill
That’s a Selmer 404 ligature. You can get the metal to conform to the ridge on the Otto Link mouthpieces using a rawhide mallet or something similar. It can be bent back to it’s original shape with no problems.
Thanks for doing these reviews. I was wondering if you might consider doing a review of the Yanagisawa Metal and HR Mouthpieces?
I’ll have to get some first but sure.
You are correct that the tenor medal Vandoren V16 T7 is certainly not impressive (stuffy), but after trying the T7 (M), I returned the T7 and latter tried and purchased the T8 (M) and it plays like an ideal Otto Link. The difference (per the Vandoren facing/tip opening chart) is that the lay for the T6 & T8 are listed as long and the T7 is a medium long which happens to make a significant difference. Vandoren should offer the T7 also in a long facing as an option. An interesting video could be made if a refacing expert altered a T7 to a long facing and it was compared to a medium long and also the T6 & T8 were included in the comparison study. The V16 is a compelling mouthpiece even in the HR versions with an Otto Link sound but manufactured with enhanced quality control.