When you played the Otto Link, the sound reminded me of my late father. He was a great fan of Ben Webster and sought to emulate his sound. I had to take a look at his sax kit and yes, he had an Otto Link, an intimidating 12 tip size but the reed he had in it was a Rico Royal 1.5. He was a life long professional musician, doubling on tenor sax and clarinet. He was a Benny Goodman clarinettist and his mouthpiece was a Selmer Crystal 2 mouthpiece with a #3 reed.
Actually it was an O'Brien crystal mouthpiece. The engraving on the bed is hard to make out. The tenor is a Conn M30 he got after his mkVI was stolen while on a gig.
My first impression of the vandoran. It reminded me of the time in highschool band. The band director commented to one of the French horn players "it sounds like you have an old gym sock stuffed in your horn". Turns out he did. That's what the vandoran sounded like to me.
I think he just needed a softer reed. He said he was using a size 4. Usually when i get a stuffy sound with a mouthpiece a softer reed does the job. I mean i get you shouldnt have to change your setup or playing style to make a mouthpiece work and everyones entitled to their opinion...but ill just say i tried out all 4 of their V16 tenor pieces, both metal and hard rubber, both medium and large chambers, same size 2 vandoren blue box reed that was at least a few weeks old. My tenor had a pretty bad leak, and all 4 mouthpieces made the horn play like there was no leak at all. And ill just leave it at that...
Having played tenor since 1960, I have had a multitude of mouthpieces, my favorite being the Berg Larsen. I sold this to a cousin along with my Selmer Mark VI many years ago. Recently, I tried all the Otto Links I could find and they didn't quite fit for the sound I want. The Vandoren V16 T6 small chamber was a very pleasant surprise. Very bright and easy blowing. Thanks Jay for your all research and great suggestions. A chacun son gout.
Got my v16 t7 medium chamber two months ago and I love it! I tried many mouthpieces including Otto links and it worked the best for me. I definitely believe people now when they say it’s different for every person 😂
OL 100 year for sure. The more I hear others play on this piece the more it stands out. Let me say this to everyone; you only get close when play testing mpcs unless your experienced. Novices have a tough time gaining experience here without the expense. Also, over time as you age your chops change and so does one's concept of the sax sound. Mintzer is a perfect example of this. Listen tochim play the Chicken from years ago and now anything current. Good luck it is a journey in fimding what's right for you and the music you want to play.
The reason why is probably because of a lot of hard bop tenors from the 50s and 60s played that exact mouthpiece. A huge example would be Dexter Gordon and John Coltrane for a little period as well. Jimmy Heath and Hank Mobley also played them for a little.
I agree this piece sounds the best, but what a shame and a shocker that we have to pay a premium for the piece and then factor in money for a refacer to get the best from it!? If Jody and Theo can create consistent and playable pieces straight out the box, why not JJ Babbitt???
I'm blowing the Theo Wanne Durga 3 #8. The best mouthpiece I have ever played over the last 50 years! Big, bright, responsive and I hold back and get a dark sound as well. Thanks for video Jay, you're the best!
Gotta tell ya Jay: This is the first time I have ever made a comment anywhere. I personally liked the vandoren. The sound was Huskier than all the others, and more importantly I could tell you were more into what you were playing not only emotionally but your overtones were more solid. You reminded me of Kirk Whalum the way you slid into the notes like you were really feeling good. Play the vandoren for about a month without touching anything else and see if not only you will get use to the resistance but it will become your best friend. The Florida mouthpiece was my second choice again because like the Vandoren the overtones were solid and although there was resistance it was less than the Vandoren and you seemed more comfortable but maintained a focused, yet expressive, versatile sound. The Wanne was the most solid and I see why it is usually the most expensive. If you’re playing around big money recordings, or lead tenor it's a perfectly disciplined monster. I'm only guessing though but it looks like you still have a lot of questions as to where you can go with it so it seems to be in a category by itself. The rest of the mouthpieces were all about the same: using too much air, and wearing you out. I felt out-of-breath just listening. Those mouthpieces use more energy…. I agree the sound spreads more. The Otto link overtone series was unclear. You had lost your ability to control your self-expression. Sometimes a little resistance allows you more control and more opportunity to work with tone quality. More open means less work but developing the right tone and ability to express yourself is worth the work. The tonguing and movement from one note to the next was also more muffled, and less clear which won't work so well in an echo like atmosphere. I don't usually leave comments, but you have shown a great amount of sincerity in wanting to help others and I find that hard to ignore. Thank you for all the info you have provided in your other videos. It has allowed me to move with more economical precision in this craft we love. Sincerely RJC
Thanks for commenting and sharing the detailed feedback. It's very interesting hearing how everyone hears the same thing and interprets it differently.
I'm lucky enough to have a Gaia 3 as well, but in a 6*. It sounds the best on my Yani solid silver tenor, where it can really shine. As for my Mk VI, I like the Jody Jazz HR. Mouthpiece choice really depends on the horn, imo. Currently the Gaia + Yani is my favorite setup. Thanks for the illuminating video on all these cool mouthpiece brands!
3 Points: 1) “Your first impressions of mouthpieces aren’t always the whole story.” “You kinda have to live with a certain mouthpiece for a while, sometimes, to discover magic in it.” Sage advice, well worth repeating. 2) Of my suitcase full of mouthpieces, I only really like 6, and 2 of those are Theo Wanne’s. For a high quality mouthpiece, they are by far the easiest to play and most reed-friendly pieces that I have. Exquisite quality. That said, there can be some “magic” in those more challenging mouthpieces (a little resistance can add some interesting “punch” to your sound). 3) My NY Tenor Link, refaced by Eric Falcon, played profoundly better after he worked on it. Just beautiful. Worth the investment.
I currently play on an Otto Link Super Tone Master NY 7* and I love it ! Although in this video, my preference definitely leans towards the Theo Wanne Gaia 3. Video was superb as always, keep up the amazing work !
First, I love these videos and appreciate the sound comparison. I'm glad you played the same piece. Really happy you mentioned living with a mouthpiece for a while before giving any final judgement. That's the challenge with mouthpiece trials, they only give you first impressions. Not how you want to pick your significant other either. ;) After listening on my crappy computer speakers, I'll just give my top 3: 1) Gaia (Not typically a fan of his mouthpieces) 2) Florida Link - refaced (A close 2nd for my ears) 3) Otto Link - refaced (Couldn't hear the spread you were talking about but a 7 isn't that open either)
Theo Wanne Gaia for me the best. It was love at first sight : easy to play with the sound I like to produce. I have also an Otto Link Vintage 8* . I play Gaia with my Tenor Selmer and Otto Link Vintage with my Yanagisawa 880' Elimona.
Thank you Jay for all this info....will come in handy when I get better with my Sax...My ears and eyes like the Theo..my bank account likes the Chinese mouth piece that came with my 300 buck Sax...
haha. There are a lot of options that are great and not nearly as expensive. In the early playing stages it's more important to just have something that works.
It sounds like your setup works better with a little smaller chamber. My experience is that air doesn't stay focused going through the larger chamber mouthpieces causing turbulence. This creates back pressure and distorted/unfocused sound. The challenge for all mouthpiece makers has been trying to balance chamber and baffle profile so you get the right amount of response/volume without becoming obnoxiously bright/edgy. My favorite 2 in your play test were the anniversary Link and the Theo Wanne. It's crazy how many variables we have to deal with trying to find the best horn, mouthpiece, reed combo to get the sound we want consistently and comfortably. Thanks for the videos I refer students to them quite often.
@@bettersax Will you compare the Syos piece to other brands of mouthpieces? Everyone who does Syos videos only ever seems to compare them to other Syos mouthpieces. I'd like to hear what they sound like compared to something like one of these Link style pieces.
@@SaxSpy Your review of the SYOS mouthpieces was very good! After viewing your vid, I ended up with the Chad LB model and have been very happy with it so far!
In agreement with your assessment I own an older V16 (T75) and an older STM, and the Link does NOT suffer from facing issues, but the Vandoren is kind of stuffy. Improved a bit with a reface. Pretty spot on vid lol .. A not so stellar seal makes a mpc sound more dull and lifeless to me.
I agree with your comment about getting used to a mouthpiece. I have often set a mouthpiece aside because I wasn't getting what I wanted from it, only to pick it up much later and hear something I didn't hear before. Maybe it has to do with expectations when you first try it. (I like the Gaia 3 in your demo.)
expectations are probably part of it, but it's also reeds. The reeds that work on your current mouthpiece are not always going to be the best choice for a new one. So it's important to take the time to try different cuts, brands and strengths.
I do not have any of these and I am searching for the right one. By listening to the same passages you played through these mouthpieces, for my taste, I would say I prefer the Drake Stubbie. Its character and timbre somehow stood out from the rest. It generated a really comfy warm dark sound, and focus, but still, gives just enough spread. I guess it was I who longed for a specific color of sound that I, perhaps, had pre-heard in my head? I guessed I'd found the sound I wanted, so thank you much for posting this insightful review. 👍
Great analysis. I appreciate hearing your observation about having to live with a mouthpiece to discover if it's a keeper or not. That has been my experience and, to a lesser degree, some of the higher end horns as well. Thank you!
I really like my Otto Link Tonemaster mouthpiece. Very responsive, produces good tone. I have also used a Berg Larsen and an SR technologies mouthpiece on my tenor. For me the Otto Link is still the best of the 3. I thought that the last 2 mouthpieces which you tested were somewhat better than the first 4.
Your tone has good consistency across all of the mouthpieces, Jay, and the differences are minor although I can hear changes in the tone color. The Gaia is very nice, but my favorite was the Phil Tone Tribute LTD. Really like the Florida Link remake, too.
Hey Jay, I really like Theo Wanne mouthpiece, but for me, my favorite is still the first Otto Link that you had worked on. It was the same in the other Otto Link comparison video you did. It simply has the fullest sound, in my humble opinion. Great video!
The V16 T7 seems very focused, but sounds stuffy just as you described. The Tribute has a nice mix of Dexter and modern power. The Stubbie 7* sounds mellow, focused, and does not project as much as others. Sounds a bit like Joshua Redmond. The Link sounds like the Tribute - a mix of Dexter and modern power. The Florida sounds much like the Stubbie. The Gaia is bright and modern without being too obnoxious. Thanks for posting this video!
standard otto link always seems to win the sound competition for me. They are all nice and you are a gifted player and youtuber. For my ears that Theo W Gaia was more generic sounding. The Links have mystery and sophistication.
I agree, I personally like jodyjazz pieces alot. I compared the theo wanne durga and dv chicago for a good amount of time and i liked the jodyjazz better
It's great to hear the comparisons & comments from someone who can actually play really well. I bought a Theo Durga several months ago & was very disappointed & turned off to Theo but the Gaia sounds really nice. I'll have to check it out. I currently play an early Babbitt Link 9 which I love because of the rich fatness but could use the extra firepower sometimes. I've used dozens of mpc.'s in the past 40 years Links, Bergs, Lawtons, Dukoff (brass & silverite). Nice vid!!!!!!
Of course, you would feel the difference while playing, but you made them all "your own". That is, somehow, they sound quite similar to me (all quite nice too). Thanks for showing this to us.
Feliz miércoles ,por lo general se dice prueba en lo personal las boquillas dígame para tocar toda clase de música ,cuál me recomienda el sonido de la segunda me gustó.
The first one of the two...the stock made me write the comment immediately. The the Florida was also very good, too. Then at the end it occured to me that the one you are currently using a lot WOULD sound particularly good BECAUSE you've spent a lot of time with it lately. My sax coach told me to stay with my black Ottolink for the time being since I have achieved a nice sound on it. I was trying out a Berg Larsen. The coach told me it takes quite a bit of time to learn a new mouthpiece. But I think I want another Ottlink but a metal one.
@@bettersax it would be very useful if you include in this test the Otto Link Super Tone Master NY....what could we expect from the the NY versión against the traditional STM ?
Hey, Jay! Would love to hear some more about the baritone sax. It's my favorite, although the high price stops me from having one, and we rarely see you talking about and playing it. Great video, by the way!
I want to thank you for your informative clips. AND: share this with you. In a nutshell, the 'pop test' played a pivotal role in this. Years ago I played an Otto Link STM 9 - Fabulous. Gave up sax for piano. Recently returned to sax and bought a Link STM 8 and struggled with it for a couple of years. Hard to control, stuffy and hopeless on the altissimo. Bought a Link 6 and it was unbelievably louder than the 8, in tune and great on the altissimo. Your clips on the 'pop test' made me try it on my 2 links - the 6 passed and the 8 failed miserably. So what to lose by refacing the 8? I found the 8's bed was very uneven (Rubbed it on carbon paper like dentists do when testing for high spots). I set to rubbing down the face and rails on emery paper placed on a piece of glass. RESULT? the 8 now plays much louder than the 6, is in tune and floats effortlessly over the altissimo. AND GUESS WHAT: passes the 'pop test'. Thank you so much.
Great video and great playing! I've been playing a Brilhart Level Air 5* since for years with a 2.5 Rico Royal on my late Mark VI. Always get nice comments on my tone. Really close to a Brecker tone. Recorded horn parts on a country album here in Nashville recently and the producer commented that Steely Dan must have snuck-in through the barn door LOL! One's tone is obviously in your head and from your influences. Thanks for these great videos!
Happy New Year Jay! I have a Theo Wanne Durga 3 #8 for the alto, it’s a powerhouse in many forms, but I’m still trying to get use to it! It does take a while! The Phil Tone Tribute, sounded good The new Otto Link Super Tone Master sounded good The Drake sounded good And Theo Wanne Have you ever tried the Oleg Maestro & Contempo mouthpieces? They’re out of California. Excellent, spot on tone and just overall tone! Try them! I think you’ll love them!
I tried the Theo Wanne Gaia and although I liked it, it didn't cover enough stylistic territory for me. I ended up with a Wanne Mantra 8. My only complaint is the upper part of the second register is a bit too bright, but by playing with it I have managed to tone it down a bit. I'm using it on a 1942 restored and re silver plated Conn 10M. It's VERY fat in the low register, and quite complex over all. Regardless of the mouthpiece, the Reed Geek is helping greatly to shape my sound and make my playing easier and more fulfilling.
i know this is a little late, but for any viewers, for his ligatures - 2:53, 8:30, and the other ligature is a vandoren optimum. and for his reeds, 3:03.
Jay, another great video. All the mpcs you demoed sound great but leaning toward the Gaia, OL 100, and the Phil-Tone in that order. I like a mpc that can be pushed when needed. I own several Phit-Tone and The Wanne mpcs, just not these models though, they are are all great. I'll change mpcs, like you, based on the sound I'm going for or the demands of a particular gig . I've been considering the Gaia 3 and the Phil-Tone Tribute for a while. This video has helped me in that selection. BTW, one of my HS students tells me that every sax player at his school watches your videos. That same student came to a lesson with a Selmer Concept. It made a huge positive difference in his sound. So maybe another demo using HR Tenor mpcs aimed at the advancing HS player might be in order. Thanks again
Imho Im not sure if a Brecker transcription was the right choice to play this comparison. Playing the transcription you surely try to emulate Breckers sound and when I think of a typical Otto Link sound, he is not the first (not the second) to come to mind. Great comparison and playing anyway. Thanks for the work you out in these, Jay!
Fantastic review, especially because you are playing the same transcription over each of the mouthpieces, making it easier to hear the differences. My personal favorite piece that I play is the Vandoren T7, which I agree sounded stuffy compared to any of the others. It goes to show that what suits one player with his setup wont necessarily suit another. Also there is often quite a variation between the same mouthpieces. I have two T7's, one plays great and the other is noticeably not as good.
Try V16 metal mouthpiece by yourself. It is not a bad mouthpiece at all; I tried it and I liked it a lot. But, truth to be told, more expensive mouthpieces usually have a better finish than Vandorens.
I agree with a few other posters that the Otto link and the Theo wanna sounds the best! But I think finally the Otto link beats out the Theo wanna because the links have an authentic sound that is instantly familiar from great players from the 50’s and 60’s!
When you played the Otto Link, the sound reminded me of my late father. He was a great fan of Ben Webster and sought to emulate his sound. I had to take a look at his sax kit and yes, he had an Otto Link, an intimidating 12 tip size but the reed he had in it was a Rico Royal 1.5. He was a life long professional musician, doubling on tenor sax and clarinet. He was a Benny Goodman clarinettist and his mouthpiece was a Selmer Crystal 2 mouthpiece with a #3 reed.
That's a wonderful tribute to your dad.
Actually it was an O'Brien crystal mouthpiece. The engraving on the bed is hard to make out. The tenor is a Conn M30 he got after his mkVI was stolen while on a gig.
thats doubtful
@@AutismusPrime69 Dude, not necessary, you have no idea.
Respect for your story. ❤
The Theo Wanne mouthpiece sounds more expressive. To me this wins hands down.
thanks for the feedback.
Shame it’s so expensive ,but I guess that’s what you sign up for when looking for professional equipment
Absolutely. Depth and just the right brightness without screaming.
Brecker was a Dukoff guy. The links and Gaia (less so) had a Dex or trane or mobley vibe.
@@brucesmith3740what do you mean. Brecker is known to have always played guardalas.
My first impression of the vandoran.
It reminded me of the time in highschool band. The band director commented to one of the French horn players "it sounds like you have an old gym sock stuffed in your horn". Turns out he did.
That's what the vandoran sounded like to me.
yeah mine plays pretty stuffy.
@@bettersax Maybe if you try a V16 T6 which has a long facing it could sound less stufffy.
LOL
I think he just needed a softer reed. He said he was using a size 4. Usually when i get a stuffy sound with a mouthpiece a softer reed does the job. I mean i get you shouldnt have to change your setup or playing style to make a mouthpiece work and everyones entitled to their opinion...but ill just say i tried out all 4 of their V16 tenor pieces, both metal and hard rubber, both medium and large chambers, same size 2 vandoren blue box reed that was at least a few weeks old. My tenor had a pretty bad leak, and all 4 mouthpieces made the horn play like there was no leak at all. And ill just leave it at that...
koumou57 yeah I use that and it sounds really nice
Having played tenor since 1960, I have had a multitude of mouthpieces, my favorite being the Berg Larsen. I sold this to a cousin along with my Selmer Mark VI many years ago. Recently, I tried all the Otto Links I could find and they didn't quite fit for the sound I want. The Vandoren V16 T6 small chamber was a very pleasant surprise. Very bright and easy blowing. Thanks Jay for your all research and great suggestions. A chacun son gout.
Hi David, did you utilize any of the plates? If so, did you notice a difference?
Phil tone is the best, they are few and far between but the highest quality mouthpieces I’ve ever played
If you get in touch with Phil, he'll make one for you. Link in the description.
Gotta love it when you let the fans help choose the thumbnail (I think that's what it is called)
Yes, thanks for voting
Got my v16 t7 medium chamber two months ago and I love it! I tried many mouthpieces including Otto links and it worked the best for me. I definitely believe people now when they say it’s different for every person 😂
Glad to hear it's working well for you.
Phil tone tribute ltd 7 sounds the best to me tbh. It's got a brass accent and really a dark mouthpiece which is what I dig
OL 100 year for sure. The more I hear others play on this piece the more it stands out. Let me say this to everyone; you only get close when play testing mpcs unless your experienced. Novices have a tough time gaining experience here without the expense. Also, over time as you age your chops change and so does one's concept of the sax sound. Mintzer is a perfect example of this. Listen tochim play the Chicken from years ago and now anything current. Good luck it is a journey in fimding what's right for you and the music you want to play.
I've got the small chamber version of the Vandoren V16 and I love it. I think the small chamber makes it much less stuffy.
Of these 6 mouthpieces, I like the Florida Otto Link the most.
thanks for the feedback.
The reason why is probably because of a lot of hard bop tenors from the 50s and 60s played that exact mouthpiece. A huge example would be Dexter Gordon and John Coltrane for a little period as well. Jimmy Heath and Hank Mobley also played them for a little.
I agree this piece sounds the best, but what a shame and a shocker that we have to pay a premium for the piece and then factor in money for a refacer to get the best from it!? If Jody and Theo can create consistent and playable pieces straight out the box, why not JJ Babbitt???
@@rayid2003 not the same. Once Babbitt bought Otto link they were never quite the same
Im an amateur here. I play the vandoren v16 T7 and I kinda like it but wanna try the Otto link in the future.
The Gaia 3 was my favorite by far. Such a powerful, yet tight sound.
I'm blowing the Theo Wanne Durga 3 #8. The best mouthpiece I have ever played over the last 50 years!
Big, bright, responsive and I hold back and get a dark sound as well. Thanks for video Jay, you're the best!
Thanks glad you found a great piece
i think the man makes the sound.
The GAIA 3 is my favourite metal tenor mouthpiece by far. Extremely versatile with excellent projection and crispness.
yes it's a beautiful mouthpiece.
Phil-Tone was my fave. Followed, in no particular order, by the Super Tone Master and Theo Wanne. Thanks for this video!
all mouthpiece sounds good bad you sound is you sound never change much thank you this is the second time I sold this video
Gotta tell ya Jay: This is the first time I have ever made a comment anywhere. I personally liked the vandoren. The sound was Huskier than all the others, and more importantly I could tell you were more into what you were playing not only emotionally but your overtones were more solid. You reminded me of Kirk Whalum the way you slid into the notes like you were really feeling good. Play the vandoren for about a month without touching anything else and see if not only you will get use to the resistance but it will become your best friend.
The Florida mouthpiece was my second choice again because like the Vandoren the overtones were solid and although there was resistance it was less than the Vandoren and you seemed more comfortable but maintained a focused, yet expressive, versatile sound.
The Wanne was the most solid and I see why it is usually the most expensive. If you’re playing around big money recordings, or lead tenor it's a perfectly disciplined monster. I'm only guessing though but it looks like you still have a lot of questions as to where you can go with it so it seems to be in a category by itself.
The rest of the mouthpieces were all about the same: using too much air, and wearing you out. I felt out-of-breath just listening. Those mouthpieces use more energy…. I agree the sound spreads more.
The Otto link overtone series was unclear. You had lost your ability to control your self-expression. Sometimes a little resistance allows you more control and more opportunity to work with tone quality. More open means less work but developing the right tone and ability to express yourself is worth the work. The tonguing and movement from one note to the next was also more muffled, and less clear which won't work so well in an echo like atmosphere.
I don't usually leave comments, but you have shown a great amount of sincerity in wanting to help others and I find that hard to ignore. Thank you for all the info you have provided in your other videos. It has allowed me to move with more economical precision in this craft we love.
Sincerely RJC
Thanks for commenting and sharing the detailed feedback. It's very interesting hearing how everyone hears the same thing and interprets it differently.
Now after 7 years of playing the sax I have them just like you ny amigo , thanks
Out of the six, the last one has the most clarity & full range of sound. Having played professionally # 6 has my vote.
The theo wanne have a beautiful and clear sound
I favoured the second-to-last one (Florida Otto Link) it seemed softer & clearer to my ignorant ears.
thanks for the feedback
The Florida was excellent; the Drake was reedy to please; the Gaia made me weep.
Theowanne has the sound I am looming for
My favorite: phil tone tribute LTD 7*.
Lovin my Otto Link Super Tone Master 7* with Legere 2.5 reed and I am a beginner, soft mellow or with grunt when needed.
He’s an amazing sax player
I'm lucky enough to have a Gaia 3 as well, but in a 6*. It sounds the best on my Yani solid silver tenor, where it can really shine. As for my Mk VI, I like the Jody Jazz HR. Mouthpiece choice really depends on the horn, imo. Currently the Gaia + Yani is my favorite setup. Thanks for the illuminating video on all these cool mouthpiece brands!
3 Points: 1) “Your first impressions of mouthpieces aren’t always the whole story.” “You kinda have to live with a certain mouthpiece for a while, sometimes, to discover magic in it.” Sage advice, well worth repeating.
2) Of my suitcase full of mouthpieces, I only really like 6, and 2 of those are Theo Wanne’s. For a high quality mouthpiece, they are by far the easiest to play and most reed-friendly pieces that I have. Exquisite quality. That said, there can be some “magic” in those more challenging mouthpieces (a little resistance can add some interesting “punch” to your sound).
3) My NY Tenor Link, refaced by Eric Falcon, played profoundly better after he worked on it. Just beautiful. Worth the investment.
For more information, please click on the “Otto” links below 🎶🎷 - well done, Jay! Thank you!
haha
I currently play on an Otto Link Super Tone Master NY 7* and I love it ! Although in this video, my preference definitely leans towards the Theo Wanne Gaia 3. Video was superb as always, keep up the amazing work !
Thanks! I will
I'm thinking of getting a STM NY. You still using it?
I love these videos, I hope there’s soprano and bari ones coming eventually.
Phil-tone and Gaia beautiful sound Thank you
The theo Wanny is also my favorite
First, I love these videos and appreciate the sound comparison. I'm glad you played the same piece. Really happy you mentioned living with a mouthpiece for a while before giving any final judgement. That's the challenge with mouthpiece trials, they only give you first impressions. Not how you want to pick your significant other either. ;)
After listening on my crappy computer speakers, I'll just give my top 3:
1) Gaia (Not typically a fan of his mouthpieces)
2) Florida Link - refaced (A close 2nd for my ears)
3) Otto Link - refaced (Couldn't hear the spread you were talking about but a 7 isn't that open either)
thanks for the feedback.
I used to play Otto Link vintage mouthpiece that I found on ebay long ago. I really liked the Drake Stubbie 7* the best of all of these.
thanks for the feedback.
Theo Wanne Gaia for me the best. It was love at first sight : easy to play with the sound I like to produce. I have also an Otto Link Vintage 8* . I play Gaia with my Tenor Selmer and Otto Link Vintage with my Yanagisawa 880' Elimona.
Thank you Jay for all this info....will come in handy when I get better with my Sax...My ears and eyes like the Theo..my bank account likes the Chinese mouth piece that came with my 300 buck Sax...
haha. There are a lot of options that are great and not nearly as expensive. In the early playing stages it's more important to just have something that works.
Drake. Sounds great!
yes it does
It sounds like your setup works better with a little smaller chamber. My experience is that air doesn't stay focused going through the larger chamber mouthpieces causing turbulence. This creates back pressure and distorted/unfocused sound. The challenge for all mouthpiece makers has been trying to balance chamber and baffle profile so you get the right amount of response/volume without becoming obnoxiously bright/edgy. My favorite 2 in your play test were the anniversary Link and the Theo Wanne. It's crazy how many variables we have to deal with trying to find the best horn, mouthpiece, reed combo to get the sound we want consistently and comfortably. Thanks for the videos I refer students to them quite often.
Could you do the same with the "Syos" Tenor Mouthpieces? Thanks, Jay always informative, don't stop.
Check out the vids I just put up!
I've got something planned with them soon.
@@bettersax Will you compare the Syos piece to other brands of mouthpieces? Everyone who does Syos videos only ever seems to compare them to other Syos mouthpieces. I'd like to hear what they sound like compared to something like one of these Link style pieces.
@@SaxSpy Your review of the SYOS mouthpieces was very good! After viewing your vid, I ended up with the Chad LB model and have been very happy with it so far!
@@alanhirayama4592 thanks! feel free to use code SPYSYOS to save $10!
In agreement with your assessment I own an older V16 (T75) and an older STM, and the Link does NOT suffer from facing issues, but the Vandoren is kind of stuffy. Improved a bit with a reface. Pretty spot on vid lol .. A not so stellar seal makes a mpc sound more dull and lifeless to me.
THE LAST ONE WAS AMAZING
I have a Theo Wanne Ambika 7* Which I love but my favourite is the Gary Sugal KWII. 7*
I agree with your comment about getting used to a mouthpiece. I have often set a mouthpiece aside because I wasn't getting what I wanted from it, only to pick it up much later and hear something I didn't hear before. Maybe it has to do with expectations when you first try it. (I like the Gaia 3 in your demo.)
expectations are probably part of it, but it's also reeds. The reeds that work on your current mouthpiece are not always going to be the best choice for a new one. So it's important to take the time to try different cuts, brands and strengths.
I do not have any of these and I am searching for the right one. By listening to the same passages you played through these mouthpieces, for my taste, I would say I prefer the Drake Stubbie. Its character and timbre somehow stood out from the rest. It generated a really comfy warm dark sound, and focus, but still, gives just enough spread. I guess it was I who longed for a specific color of sound that I, perhaps, had pre-heard in my head? I guessed I'd found the sound I wanted, so thank you much for posting this insightful review. 👍
Very good info ! Like always .
thanks!
Thanks Jay! I much preferred the Theo Wanne. Great to hear these test.
thanks for the feedback
Yeaaaaah been waiting for this video
Jay - they all sound great but...I did the Drake. The Tribute and Gaia were also impressive.
Great analysis. I appreciate hearing your observation about having to live with a mouthpiece to discover if it's a keeper or not. That has been my experience and, to a lesser degree, some of the higher end horns as well. Thank you!
I really like my Otto Link Tonemaster mouthpiece. Very responsive, produces good tone. I have also used a Berg Larsen and an SR technologies mouthpiece on my tenor. For me the Otto Link is still the best of the 3. I thought that the last 2 mouthpieces which you tested were somewhat better than the first 4.
thanks for the feedback.
I played the T7 for many years and loved it. Now I play the Theo Wanne Kali (no longer available) and it is leagues more warm and expressive.
Your tone has good consistency across all of the mouthpieces, Jay, and the differences are minor although I can hear changes in the tone color. The Gaia is very nice, but my favorite was the Phil Tone Tribute LTD. Really like the Florida Link remake, too.
thanks for the feedback.
Hey Jay, I really like Theo Wanne mouthpiece, but for me, my favorite is still the first Otto Link that you had worked on. It was the same in the other Otto Link comparison video you did. It simply has the fullest sound, in my humble opinion. Great video!
Thanks for the feedback
Jay, I would say that Theo Wanne and Link FL fit you the best. Loved both of them..
thanks for the feedback.
I'm a +1 for Theo Wanne. I'm on a NY Bros 2 for alto and I love the heck out of it.
I need an instructor
thanks for the feedback
@@emmanuelosas9799 Buy Jay's courses. He's a great teacher and communicator.
The V16 T7 seems very focused, but sounds stuffy just as you described.
The Tribute has a nice mix of Dexter and modern power.
The Stubbie 7* sounds mellow, focused, and does not project as much as others. Sounds a bit like Joshua Redmond.
The Link sounds like the Tribute - a mix of Dexter and modern power.
The Florida sounds much like the Stubbie.
The Gaia is bright and modern without being too obnoxious.
Thanks for posting this video!
thanks for the detailed feedback.
I prefer your sound on the Gaia3 over the others but your personal 7* Link still sounds good too.
standard otto link always seems to win the sound competition for me. They are all nice and you are a gifted player and youtuber. For my ears that Theo W Gaia was more generic sounding. The Links have mystery and sophistication.
I'd like to hear you play a Jody Jazz DV so I can hear what mine should sound like :-)
every player has their own sound man.
Indeed
I agree, I personally like jodyjazz pieces alot. I compared the theo wanne durga and dv chicago for a good amount of time and i liked the jodyjazz better
Issac Camarena I think he means the characteristic of the mouthpiece like is it bright or dark
Would also like to hear this comparison
It's great to hear the comparisons & comments from someone who can actually play really well. I bought a Theo Durga several months ago & was very disappointed & turned off to Theo but the Gaia sounds really nice. I'll have to check it out. I currently play an early Babbitt Link 9 which I love because of the rich fatness but could use the extra firepower sometimes. I've used dozens of mpc.'s in the past 40 years Links, Bergs, Lawtons, Dukoff (brass & silverite). Nice vid!!!!!!
Of course, you would feel the difference while playing, but you made them all "your own". That is, somehow, they sound quite similar to me (all quite nice too). Thanks for showing this to us.
thanks
i loved the video your sound was perfect
Thanks
The Theo Wanne beats the others by far! I clearly hear that immediate response.
thanks for the feedback Leif
for me it was the first otto link, all the way.... it just had that sound!!!!!!
Feliz miércoles ,por lo general se dice prueba en lo personal las boquillas dígame para tocar toda clase de música ,cuál me recomienda el sonido de la segunda me gustó.
I like the Theo Wanne marginally more3 and the Otto Links best. they all sound so similiar
Phil Tone was super awesome
Phil Engleman does awesome reface work. Theo Wanne is my favorite! I play hard rubber Gaia on soprano , WC/TW Mofo1 on Tenor, WC/TW MOAM on Alto.
Great work as usual! Congrats Jay!
thanks Christian
The Gaia sounded the best to my ears.
thanks for the feedback.
Theo Wanne has a noticeable clarity of sound. The others sounded stuffy to me.
thanks for the feedback.
leo p moment
I do like that Ottolink very much.
which one? I prefer the stock Link to the new version.
The first one of the two...the stock made me write the comment immediately. The the Florida was also very good, too. Then at the end it occured to me that the one you are currently using a lot WOULD sound particularly good BECAUSE you've spent a lot of time with it lately. My sax coach told me to stay with my black Ottolink for the time being since I have achieved a nice sound on it. I was trying out a Berg Larsen. The coach told me it takes quite a bit of time to learn a new mouthpiece. But I think I want another Ottlink but a metal one.
@@bettersax it would be very useful if you include in this test the Otto Link Super Tone Master NY....what could we expect from the the NY versión against the traditional STM ?
why do I watch this channel so religiously, I play flute like wth.
glad you watch. Maybe I'll play flute in a video...
i needed this. thank you
Always enjoy your videos... very useful... and well presented. Bravo!!!
I'm with Rob, I think the Florida Otto Link sounds the best!
My favorite was the super tone master. It seemed like it left the most of the sound to you, rather than the mouthpiece.
Hey, Jay! Would love to hear some more about the baritone sax. It's my favorite, although the high price stops me from having one, and we rarely see you talking about and playing it.
Great video, by the way!
I'm working on doing a bari mouthpiece video so stay tuned for that.
@@bettersax Awesome!
The mouthpiece that I’m currently using is an SR tech pro. Really nice mouthpiece
I want to thank you for your informative clips. AND: share this with you. In a nutshell, the 'pop test' played a pivotal role in this. Years ago I played an Otto Link STM 9 - Fabulous. Gave up sax for piano. Recently returned to sax and bought a Link STM 8 and struggled with it for a couple of years. Hard to control, stuffy and hopeless on the altissimo. Bought a Link 6 and it was unbelievably louder than the 8, in tune and great on the altissimo. Your clips on the 'pop test' made me try it on my 2 links - the 6 passed and the 8 failed miserably. So what to lose by refacing the 8? I found the 8's bed was very uneven (Rubbed it on carbon paper like dentists do when testing for high spots). I set to rubbing down the face and rails on emery paper placed on a piece of glass. RESULT? the 8 now plays much louder than the 6, is in tune and floats effortlessly over the altissimo. AND GUESS WHAT: passes the 'pop test'. Thank you so much.
Great video and great playing! I've been playing a Brilhart Level Air 5* since for years with a 2.5 Rico Royal on my late Mark VI. Always get nice comments on my tone. Really close to a Brecker tone. Recorded horn parts on a country album here in Nashville recently and the producer commented that Steely Dan must have snuck-in through the barn door LOL! One's tone is obviously in your head and from your influences. Thanks for these great videos!
....I myself sometimes sound like Edgar Winter...
Happy New Year Jay!
I have a Theo Wanne Durga 3 #8 for the alto, it’s a powerhouse in many forms, but I’m still trying to get use to it! It does take a while!
The Phil Tone Tribute, sounded good
The new Otto Link Super Tone Master sounded good
The Drake sounded good
And Theo Wanne
Have you ever tried the Oleg Maestro & Contempo mouthpieces? They’re out of California. Excellent, spot on tone and just overall tone! Try them! I think you’ll love them!
Great video! I actually have a very early 1930’s Otto Link Master Link with the Slide-On Ligature and original #4 facing
I tried the Theo Wanne Gaia and although I liked it, it didn't cover enough stylistic territory for me. I ended up with a Wanne Mantra 8. My only complaint is the upper part of the second register is a bit too bright, but by playing with it I have managed to tone it down a bit. I'm using it on a 1942 restored and re silver plated Conn 10M. It's VERY fat in the low register, and quite complex over all. Regardless of the mouthpiece, the Reed Geek is helping greatly to shape my sound and make my playing easier and more fulfilling.
i know this is a little late, but for any viewers, for his ligatures - 2:53, 8:30, and the other ligature is a vandoren optimum. and for his reeds, 3:03.
Jay, another great video. All the mpcs you demoed sound great but leaning toward the Gaia, OL 100, and the Phil-Tone in that order. I like a mpc that can be pushed when needed. I own several Phit-Tone and The Wanne mpcs, just not these models though, they are are all great. I'll change mpcs, like you, based on the sound I'm going for or the demands of a particular gig . I've been considering the Gaia 3 and the Phil-Tone Tribute for a while. This video has helped me in that selection. BTW, one of my HS students tells me that every sax player at his school watches your videos. That same student came to a lesson with a Selmer Concept. It made a huge positive difference in his sound. So maybe another demo using HR Tenor mpcs aimed at the advancing HS player might be in order. Thanks again
Thanks for the feedback Frank, good idea for a future video, I'll look into this.
Great video. I hope you do one of these for soprano sax mouthpieces too.
the babbit link and the tribute sound the best
Could you make a video dedicated to the bari sax? I play bari and you're my favorite sax youtuber. Would love some tips:)
Same here
Thanks. I've got something planned.
have a theo wanne myself, but personally, think it sounds much different than other mouthpieces when playing the high notes
It has its own character for sure.
I have that one too wonderful MP
I would vote theo wanne. I love its sound
Imho Im not sure if a Brecker transcription was the right choice to play this comparison. Playing the transcription you surely try to emulate Breckers sound and when I think of a typical Otto Link sound, he is not the first (not the second) to come to mind. Great comparison and playing anyway. Thanks for the work you out in these, Jay!
No one:
Jay Metcalf: *pop* oooohh
Fantastic review, especially because you are playing the same transcription over each of the mouthpieces, making it easier to hear the differences. My personal favorite piece that I play is the Vandoren T7, which I agree sounded stuffy compared to any of the others. It goes to show that what suits one player with his setup wont necessarily suit another. Also there is often quite a variation between the same mouthpieces. I have two T7's, one plays great and the other is noticeably not as good.
thanks for the feedback Tony.
Men you have all the ones I have !! Interesting, I like them all but my favorite is the Vendoren tenor sax.
I thought of buying a Vandoren V16 metal mouth peace because I also have the V16 ebonite. Maybe I rethink about it.
Try V16 metal mouthpiece by yourself. It is not a bad mouthpiece at all; I tried it and I liked it a lot. But, truth to be told, more expensive mouthpieces usually have a better finish than Vandorens.
Tom, try it for yourself, you may love it. The facings of the Vandoren pieces are consistent which is a bonus.
I went from the v16 ebonite to v16 metal....nooo regrets.
I agree with a few other posters that the Otto link and the Theo wanna sounds the best! But I think finally the Otto link beats out the Theo wanna because the links have an authentic sound that is instantly familiar from great players from the 50’s and 60’s!