One of the best known and most widely played of all saxophone mouthpieces is the Otto Link brand mouthpiece.  Not only a choice of many Tenor Saxophonists but also many alto saxophone players, such as the great alto saxophone genius Charlie Parker and Sonny Stitt.





There are many models, starting from the Master Link model in the 1930s leading up to the four star (****) model in 1935.  The legendary “Tone Master” model came afterward, which was a choice of many sax masters such as Coleman Hawkins, Ben Webster and others.  There was even a custom Coleman Hawkins model issued.  Sometime in the 1950s, the Super Tone Master model was issued, which remains today, to be the most desired vintage metal mouthpiece of all.  The early models had a double band around the base of the mouthpiece and had serial numbers stamped on them.  Later on, when the Otto Link company moved to Florida, they began to change the design slightly with changes to the plating as well as some modifications to the baffle.

From Coleman Hawkins to John Coltrane and hundreds of others in between, the classic Otto Link mouthpiece has remained a favorite among hundreds of players.  Some saxophonists prefer the hard rubber and many others prefer playing the metal variety.

There are still quite a few of these vintage pieces floating around, but it is not easy to find a good one that has not been re-shaped or worked on.  If you find one that is worked on, that is not necessarily a bad thing, but it depends upon whom the work was done by.

Many people are known for their work, having specific expertise in that field of mouthpiece repair and re-facing.  Sometimes the tip opening has been opened up or the baffle and/or the chamber has been worked on as well.  The curve can also be altered for a different result and effect on the sound as well as the ease of playing.

If you are lucky enough to find one of these vintage otto link tenor saxophone mouthpieces in good shape, the ultimate test is to play it and judge it for it’s sound, feel and overall condition.  I have used one on Tenor as well as Alto saxophone.

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