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*

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 – Florida Otto Link 100 Year Anniversary 7* (refaced)

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.

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.
4 thoughts on “Play Testing 6 Metal Tenor Sax Mouthpieces (Otto Link Inspired Designs)”
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.