Otto Link STM Mouthpiece Battle | 100 Year Anniversary Florida Review & Comparison
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- Опубліковано 5 вер 2024
- #bettersax #saxophone #mouthpiece
Jay Metcalf play tests and compares Otto Link Saxophone Mouthpieces.
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BLIND TEST ANSWER
A - Florida B - Standard (REFACED)
Otto Link Super Tone Master tenor saxophone mouthpiece 7*
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100 Year Anniversary Florida Otto Link STM
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PHIL ENGLEMAN Custom Mouthpieces and Refacing
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Great sound both.
I feel by blind that
A, was a little bit softly... and
B, a little bit brighter.
Nice video, amazing sound and very well played. Congrats Jay.!
Thanks I agree that B sounds clearer. When a mouthpiece is refaced well, it plays much better.
Cristian W. Fath I agree but hear that A is a little darker not stuffy
I agree, your not alone
Pretty much this.
The both sound amazing.
B brighter
I selected the "B" in the blind taste test. It had a fuller rounder sound to me.
A&B sounded the same when NOT playing the octave, on the octave the B was Brighter. Great video.
the refaced link has a better response, I agree.
A - Warm, broad, but lacks some focus IMO.
B - Has much more focus and a bit more body and power in the mid frequencies but still that characteristic warmth of the STM.
I prefer B and its focus, which sounds like there is a greater core characteristic to the sound.
Ayyyy he actually listened to my comment awesome I love it, but I asked for the battle before I bought the mouthpiece, I own one now though and I love it. I love it when creators read the comments. Keep making the great vids!
Which did you get the 100year anniversary?
Better Sax I got the og I can’t afford that lol
Better Sax how hard is it to get a standard stm with a perfect seal
The tenor pieces both sounded terrific. The difference is less than the difference between 2 reeds from the same box.
B sounds way more projecting and direct, my favorite!🔥
I really liked the A. sound.
In the lower register they were very similar to me, but in the higher notes the B seemed more projected, bright and precise.
The A. made me feel things and the B. Made me pay attention to what was played if that makes sense…
I preferred b by far in the blind test. A sounded muffled, like it wasn't quite allowing itself to reach it's potential. But I have to say, once the blind test was over, it seemed to open up a bit more to me. Thanks as always for the time you put into these videos!
thanks
Typical, people hear with there eyes.
I agree that we would like an alto metal mouthpiece battle pleaseeee!!! But I just wanna day thank you for being such a dependable UA-cam channel for saxophonists and I look forward to watching each and every one of your new videos!
Thanks!
I tried both (8*).Great sound! STM has more deepness in the low notes (accoding to me). I was to buy it, when the seller looked in my sax case and saw my own mouthpiece an old Florida 7. He asked me to trie it to make a test: it sounded with doouble volume than the new ones, and the sound was more focused. He refused to sell me the ne saying: "You have a Ferrari and want to by a Mercedes?" I liked the idea to play with a more open mouthpiece and the gold was so bright! They look so good! Your compare is very good., but your sound is SO good that everything you play sound well! Thank you. Good job!
B for Broad!
It has a broad and bright sound that I really like to hear.
"A" is definitely the older model. 'B' sounds great but a bit brighter. My 1970, 7* Link, cost me about $100.00. I've been offered $750.00 for it. My 2 Guardallas have seen offers upwards of $1500.00 but I won't sell any of them. Cheers and thanks for the comparison test!!
thanks for the comment, other way round....
After time I realized I only need 1 piece to play....having many just makes you waste time lurking around them.since I sold all my pieces and left just 1....I focused on playing and my progress in the last years is great.....by the way B is my choice 🎶😊🎷
More top and definition to B. It seems more like classic jazz to me.
I have a regular Otto Link STM for my tenor which I am very happy with :)
Update: Well, as I hear the second playing it's obvious that B is the original STM.
thanks for the input. seems we are all in agreement
Nice comparison video Jay! I think they both sound great but B sounds a bit more personal and familiar so I guess this is your own (familiar) mpc. Thanks for the vid on this iconical mpc! 👏🏻
The old STM I've had a long time. but the reason it sounds better is because or the refacing work. It used to be very stuffy.
Better Sax well I guess Phil did a great job, by the sound of it! What I meant is I think you can hear the fact that you know this mpc so well 😊 you sound excellent man!
Very similar. A sounds mellower and B sounds brighter.
While they are close in sound, I enjoyed A sound better. It has a bit more husky and woodsy sound. Call it a more retro sound.
Edward Carelli I agree.
I prefer B. It seems to have a brighter sound in the high and middle notes, but a mellow sound on the lower notes.
B is the refaced link and although it has a larger chamber it does sound clearer.
I absolutely enjoy your sound. very great! Thank you so much for sharing. I'm mainly a tenor player but I enjoy your alto, soprano and baritone sound as well.
B gets my vote.... seems to be more centered. A sounds very close. In my experience there are times a mouthpiece records well but in a live situation it feels inadequate . Great test.
Nice comparison video, Jay.
I note more differences between A and B when playing the second octave where B sounds more bright. “A” mouthpiece sounds warmer to me , but “B” sounds clearer. As I said , the differences are more notorious when playing the second octave. You have a very good tone on both. Thanks for your videos ....
B is much brighter, but A is deeper for me
I picked up a 100th anniversary florida, 6*. The table was perfectly flat, and I love it
Had a little closer look at the comments. As you see, people have very different opinions which sounds better to them. This is absolutely a great example why no one else can or should decide for you. In saxophone you search the tone and feeling you want to sound. The most important factor is you and the second is the mouthpiece. The more you sound as you want, the more you enjoy playing and the better you sound. The feel and the enjoy of music is where it all starts and ends in the end. That's where the soul joins in and that enjoy shifts from seperate sounds in the air into music. For me the best moments in music are improvised jams where I listen and react to others' ideas and throw my own ideas in the air with my sax or guitar and see others' reactions to them. I rip the best I can for the feel I want to express and see how it inspires myself and others. It feels like childish happy as there is no age factors in music. The focus to the moment at hand is so overwhelming.
If I could somehow tell how awesome it is to conversate in terms of music - listen what someone has to say with his instrument and respond to him with my own instrument, have a beautiful conversate loud and clear in the air in the way of music - in a way of language everyone understands perfectly - people would surely gasp. I simply can not tell you how awesome that is.
Got a little off track there. I ment to say A. I loved the deeper and softer sound of it. I felt more relaxing listening to it. The B was also good though. Maybe in a rock band I would even perform better with that one. Also mr Better Sax, awesome playing there in the end with both mouthpieces. I loved to close my eyes and enjoy what you had to tell us with your sax. You are awesome!
B, it’s sound a little more bright and clear than A. Here it’s notice the difference. Love your videos! You videos have quality, knowledge and a lot of passion! Greetings from Argentina!
You should buy an Aibay Gold Mouth piece in the mix. $45 and it performs amazingly.
I voted B. I have some high frequency loss but I could hear wider range of frequencies in B
I really enjoyed both sounds, although B was my favorite. Both had an edgy sound that seems to fit tenor quite well. B was clearer and more focused.
I agree, and think it comes down to the refacing job.
The standard STM is not quite standard with what you can buy today either. It is an older version of what is available today but in typical Otto Link fashion they have evolved since that one was made quite considerably. A standard Otto Link today (and since some point in the 90's) will not have the quotation marks, the width of the tip rail to rail will vary as will the baffle and general quality just to name a few things. I like Better sax videos perhaps a comparison of the FL vs a truly modern standard STM vs Tome Master vintage (new 90th anniversary) will emphasise the difference of what you can buy today with a little more relevance for someone choosing a new link. Thanks for the video!
(A) for me,darker warmer,creamier sound.(B) brighter with wider projection....
I may sound biased, but really.. STM 7* is an excellent mpc-warm and concentrated sound. Easy to control, you can play different styles on it.
I believe the B test is brighter and little louder. The upper fundamentals have less buzz in the the sound. A test seems to be a little darker.
Jay,
Thank you for the videos you do. I play an Ottolink black #7, and it sounds nice to me. I'm flirting with the idea of getting a metal Ottolink. However, I am surprised that a company that makes saxophone mouthpieces doesn't have the quality control or ability to make them well and consistently well. The technology of today tells me that it should be possible. They are not toys for a dollar. They're asking for a lot of money...enough that the customer should have no need to adjust the product because of manufacturing defects. How bizarre! Like that song...How bizarre! Sure, I'll now be called an ignoramus. I'm ready.
I agree with you.
"A" sounded stuffy," B" Sounds so much fuller.
My choice was B. They both sounded similar in the upper octave. The lower octave on B had more character. I have 3 Links; two STM 7* that sound different and a great playing N.Y. 7.
Glad I watched this video. I was about to order the Florida to possibly replace my STM, but I really didn't want a mpc less bright that the STM. The STM definitely has a brighter sound in the comparisons, without sacrificing fullness.
Just recently got my hands on an 8* of the FL after searching for a few months. I’ve been playing on a Retro Revival Tru Slant for a while and it’s a great mouthpiece, it’s just a bit dark for my horn. I’m loving the FL so far as it does a great job of getting that sound Otto link is known for while also having a lot more color (I.e. darker lows and able to brighten up top). Only issue I have and heard a lot of issues is the tightness on the cork.
I liked B more because the tone quality seemed clearer
listening back, I agree, that the refaced link (B) has a clearer sound and response. when the other one comes back from it's reface job, it should play similarly improved.
For me the A in the A/B comparison sounded by far the best. Had a really satisfying stable, round sound. Very traditional sounding without being too spread or too focused.
Both of them sound good, so it is really a matter of personal taste.
Hello from France.
I've bought a New florida. But it needs to be refaced.
And now it is good as my vintage florida.
Vincent Mineur from France
Both sound great.
B sounds really bright, my choice.
The FL sounded warm and dark with really sexy subtone. The STM sounded great all-round. Can't say I prefer one over the other; I can think of situations where each would be superior to the other. Although, for less money than a new Link + reface, I'd probably just buy one of Phil's "budget" JZ's.
A) more airy and light
B) more brassy and heavy
I liked B. To me it is smoother, a bit brighter with a fuller tone and has a bit more projection and less edge than A which seemed a bit stuffy sounding. With the inconsistency issues, I am surprised in this day and age, with the the technology available, Otto Links can't be made more consistent and have better quality control.
I bought myself the stm 6 (alto) and my bite plate is also not strait. It sounds more like B. I do love it!! Thanks for teaching me more about this mouthpiece after I purchased it!
I liked B quite a lot more. It sounds like it's more easy blowing, brighter and louder sound when needed, and overall just sounds better
Thanks for the comment Zach.
I buying a Yani S991 soprano, and I've just ordered a OL STM 7* mouthpiece from Amazon because I was so impressed with the mellow tone (similar to a Durga but not so pricey). Thanks for the info about the need for corrective refacing. I'm also interested in getting one of Phil's sapphires one day..
Deffinately “B” for the blind test!
Hallo, a little drop of Oil in the thread from the Otto Link ligature screw and the Tip of the screw where it endet at the Plate for fixing the reed of the OL Ligature, and it wil be fix the Reed very good. I use Hetman synthetic Balljoins but I think any kind of good Oil is Ok. And thank you for your good Videos and lessons. I prefer also Mouthpeace B
So good sound by both! I have played many years with an Otto Link tone edge7- rubber, on my old Cleveland tenor, and it was a good soun with Vandoren java.
Later i bought my Selmer Aristocrat and was good too, but i change to a Meyer 7 in order to reach better definition and brigther high notes.
But i miss the smooth sound of the Link...
Nice to hear Jay play....I am just a beginner so I have no ear for the different mouthpieces yet....great video.... learning lot's here....Thanks Jay for all the effort
Thanks Harvey
I’d say the B was better, both good but for me it’s B. B had more body to it but at the same time, a little more ‘edge’.
I think B has a bit more edge, and forward sounding presence. A is a bit warmer, and relative to B sounds a bit muted, but is quite pleasant on its own! I'd play either.
B: seems slightly warmer & Darker to me
B is Brighter and clearer. I hear it and I'm pretty sure everyone else does too. Listen again and really listen.
DeMari Thompson Nope. B is clearer for sure but, it is definitely rounder and darker than A.
B is obviously the Florida because it has a more focused sound because of the baffle. I myself do not describe the sound of it as bright but instead I would say it is directional and percussive.
B was full, focused, and I pretty much liked it better in every way.
B was brighter to me, which would usually put me off, but it was significantly more clear than A so it got my vote. I dont mind quiet and dark, but it sounded muffled or dampened to me.
I would say that A the Florida is actually a brighter mouthpiece, but since it isn't in optimal playing condition, the darker piece B sounds clearer even if it has a larger chamber.
B just sounds a little fuller. I also have a Otto Link Super Tone Master but the New York version. Thanks for the ligature tip. The stock ligature not only wobble but also damage the reeds with the 4 pressure points it makes. I was not sure what ligature to swap out for until you advise those 3 on the video. Thanks again.
glad to help.
I like the sound of both! I think B is brighter and more present. I think I prefer that but it's just preference.
B was the one for me.. Interesting to hear the refaced / worked New Florida.
I liked B. It seemed to be a bit brighter but was still full sounding. There needs to be some edge or brilliance to the sound if you want to be heard even in an acoustic group.
Maybe The Yani because you love it more!
The Best To U!
congratulations on your video. I wanted to ask you if the optimum ligature you play with is for alto or tenor sax. thanks for your advice
Finally the review I was looking for!
I enjoy your sound. I want to thsnk you for demoing the otto link super tone master metal mouth piece for tenor sax. I just recived mines i havent tried it ou yet. I saw o u tube a guy recieved your better sax tenor sax. I love the under sling octive key. I always wanted a kings or sax like that. Unfortunetly when he played the sax he used a device to cover the sound. I was shocked. The horn looks amazing shout out to you n selmer. One day could you please play the sax so i could hear how it sounds .thank again
B sounds more full and he bright, a sounds more thin and dark
I preferred the standard Otto Link, because I think it keeps the darkness of the florida but has a little bit more of power.
thanks for your input
Much prefer B in the initial back to back. A sounded stuffy and dull in comparison. I've been playing a vintage metal 8 "USA" Florida Link on tenor for years and I love it to pieces. Maybe it's just a tiny bit mellow for an out and out pop gig, but in the studio I still find it has enough cut if I brighten it up with EQ. There seems to be more depth and character to B in your test. I'm prepared for anything, but I'd be surprised (and disappointed in the re-release) if B wasn't the Florida.
You also did answer all my questions of it without even asking!😂👍🏼
For B was the winner. It seemed to play better and more even across the range of the sax. It was crisper and far more articulate. It seemed like this mouthpiece would go where you would want to take it. A seemed like it was muffled and a bit distant in sound. It did not seem like it would project the sound out like B.
When A comes back from being refaced, we'll see if it plays more clear and responds better.
@@bettersax I am not sure I would go to the trouble. You have $200.00 plus in the piece. You will sink another $100.00 into it to hopefully get it to play better. You now have $300.00 plus into a mouthpiece that will take six weeks to get closer to what it should sound like from day one. Wouldn't you have been better off going to a better mouthpiece manufacturer in the first place? After spending $300.00 or more, you might end up with a pretty piece of metal that will look good sitting in a drawer somewhere.
A long time ago, I was playing an Otto Link 7*. I sold it to a student who then sold it to a college professor of his, who then past it on to others. It was a good piece. I have occasionally thought about getting a new Link, but, truth to tell, after watching your video here and seeing what you are doing to fix this piece, I ain't spending the money. I do not think it is worth the time, energy, or money. Good luck. I will be curious to hear it when it is fixed and more playable.
I bought a "New florida" 7* a couple of weeks ago, and I agree with your comments regarding ligature, finishing, neck fitting and refacing. I Heard about baffle issues, higher on the left than right for example, but it is jj babbit work... So it is a good MPC, that could be really really nice after a refacing work on it.
I liked the sound of B better for all tests.
What's most important is how it felt to you as a player. Was it easier to play or did you have to work for the sound?
As a listener, I choose B.
B is easier to play since it has been refaced.
Hey Jay! I appreciate all the great content you make. In these videos that contain sound examples it would be great if you could not use reverb. It smoothens the sax sound and tone and makes critical listening impossible. Let's enjoy the beautiful raw tone. Again love your videos, keep up the great work! Cheers
B was a little brighter to my ears Jay
HI Jay. Thanks for another excellent video. Well, I liked A the best. The sounds it produced with you and your sax riding along connected. Totally subjective, but, that's how it gets around here!
Definitely preferred the standard Otto to the Florida in the blind test. It seemed a little brighter, but also a bit less stuffy.
Me too, surely thanks to the refacing work.
A sounded a bit muted whilst B a tat brighter. If A is the STM and B the Florida, makes sense and ties up with your comments. BTW a year ago I bought a Vintage Otto Link TM 7* and I love it. Brilliant battle of the mpc Jay 👍🏼
B was the old standard STM thanks for the input Thierry
for my taste..i like more B MP..oerhaps more armoincs..? My setup is a floridated 8 OL ..is fantastic..but it´s very important to find a good soft reed...Gracias for your video. Fantastic sound and phrases...
I liked B better. They sounded very similar but I think B had a more crisp sound, and was a little bit brighter. I'm guessing A was the Florida piece. I really liked the sound in the play test portion. Probably be nice and beefy once you get it refaced. I played an Otto Link STM on bari sax in college for jazz stuff. I loved it. I still have it, just don't have the $6K YBS-62 that belonged to the school.
I'll be showing how the Florida piece plays when I get it back from refacing. Should be much improved.
I choose B Simply because it's a brighter sound
Mouthpiece A sounded much softer, and darker than B. I prefer it over B. The high notes were not overpowering the low notes as it appeared to have with mouthpiece B. Everything was well balanced. I am yet to find out which one is A, and which is B.
Great vid as always Jay. B is my choice here . Please let us know when the Flor. MP comes back from the refacing process, also i would like to see a selmer soloist E or F mouthpiece comparison for Alto Sax. Greetings !!!
U did B because it sounded more bright and joyful we're A sounded more dark and mysterious which I know you like but I prefer a more bright sound
I meant i
B sounded a lot smoother and perhaps you would say darker IDK, to my ear than the first mouth piece especially in the lower octave.
Wow i made the right choice i like the standerd a lot better glad i got that one
That mouthpiece used to be quite stuffy before it was refaced.
B is my preference.
A sounds stuffy in the upper register and extreme low, B sounds much better. A sounds a little better in the lower-middle register, but not good enough to make up for the weaknesses.
Can't call it, they both sound fantastic!
I use an Otto link 7* it's a great mouthpiece but I like to play with a lot of subtone which the mouthpiece supports very well
A was darker; B was clean, crisp, and more balanced.
Personally, I like A.
It has more the sound that I strive for when I'm playing on tenor saxophone.
Either one sounds like you, and that’s what matters (goes without saying). I don’t have experience with the Link tenor mpcs, but bari STM I played in college big band. Loved the piece for its clarity with graininess, as you described. Response/resistance is just right, given that the bari’s response/resonance is good.
I agree with Eric Perry below. The Standard seems to have more focus. But wait ... that's the opposite of what it felt like from your (the player's) perspective, right? Interesting.
So why don't they ensure the tables are flat? S easy to use an accurate precision grinder to level the table.
From what many people have told me, poor quality control is almost to be expected from new Babbitt Links.
@@tzuky1861 That doesn't really answer the question. A maker of precision parts for instruments should finish then=m properly. flattening the table should be a simple thing to do. Having a small precision grinding machine should not be beyond them. They charge enough for what they make. I don't think it is reasonable to have to get the finish wrk done elsewhere, doubling the cost of the mouthpiece.
I thought it was my mouthpiece that was defect but now that you mention it all of them are the same
I tray to fix it my self but now is a different opening but works now.
Imo mouthpiece B was more concentrated while A was slightly more whispy
like the more billiant tone of B... it's more like "bam.. in your face"... A is more mellow and soft, but i think the tenor is allready mellow and warm enough compared to for example an alto sax
thanks for the input
I prefer A because it has a little darker sound than B, which I like more. But that’s just me.
A is darker and more airy. And B is a lot more edgy, and brighter. I personally prefer B because I'm a brighter and modern guy. Dont get me wrong, I like A too, it's just I like bright and more articulated stuff.