Link Intonation

[mkvi_tenor]

I just bought an Otto Link Tone Edge tenor sax mpc - hard rubber 7*. The mpc I've been using is an old Brilhart Level Air 9*. My reason for trying something new is that the Brilhart is too bright for my taste.

I like the sound of the Link HR mpc, but I'm concerned about the intonation on the high end. When I tune to a middle C, I have to pull the mpc out by about 3/8" (9 mm) compared to my brilhart. When I tune to middle C, I'm finding that the high C is sharp by around 30 cents. I can loosen up and get the high C reasonably in tune, however I have a harder time maintaining a consistent pitch at that range, compared to my old mpc. If I blow into the mpc by itself (w/o the sax), I also have a hard time maintaining a consistent pitch.

Even though the Link has a smaller opening than my old mpc, the Link's facing curve is longer. Does the longer facing curve require an embouchure adjustment or some getting used to? Or do these HR Links just tend to play sharp at the upper end?

[MojoBari]

Read Paul Coat's articles on the mouthpiece pitch exercise just to make sure your embouchure support is OK (for a variety of mouthpieces).

The Link has a larger chamber volume than your LA. This will make your entire sax play flat unless you push the MP in farther. When you push it in, it will sharpen the high notes more than the low notes. So when you tune the mid and low range, the high notes will be sharp.

You can compensate by opening your throat (back of oral cavity) a lot for the high notes. If you get used to playin the Link in tune, you will have the opposite problem if you go back to a small chamber volume piece.

[rini]

Yeah, that's exactly what happened to me. 25 years ago I swithed from STM Link 8* to small chamber pieces. Partly because I had to play both alto and tenor and small chamber mpc's were easier on tenor when changing from alto.
I learned to play in tune on those pieces and later when I swithed back to Link I had trouble with the pitch, again.
Now when I have played long enough (20 years) mainly on Link it does not matter anymore if I play on smaller or larger chambered pieces.
Links play very well in tune for me. No problem in any register.
But it has come only through practice, long tones and harmonics, plus playing the mouthpiece only. With and without tuner.

rini

[mkvi_tenor]

The Link has a larger chamber volume than your LA. This will make your entire sax play flat unless you push the MP in farther. When you push it in, it will sharpen the high notes more than the low notes. So when you tune the mid and low range, the high notes will be sharp.

I'm experiencing the opposite. I had the LA pushed in pretty far; in fact I was starting to wonder if my embouchure was too loose with it. In the short time I've been trying the Link, I've had to pull it out more to get it in tune.

[MojoBari]

The shank of the LA is probably longer than your Link. So you can not judge your chamber volume by looking at the amount of exposed cork. You might get a better idea by measuring the distance from your MP tips to say your neck octave key vent. I would bet the tuned Link has a shorter distance than the tuned LA.

[Sigmund451]

Speaking of New HR Links....how are they....do they need immediate facing attention or do they tend to play well. The price is certainly right.

[mkvi_tenor]

The shank of the LA is probably longer than your Link. So you can not judge your chamber volume by looking at the amount of exposed cork. You might get a better idea by measuring the distance from your MP tips to say your neck octave key vent. I would bet the tuned Link has a shorter distance than the tuned LA.

Yep, you're right. I overlooked the obvious - the LA is an overall longer mpc, so the amount of exposed cork was greater with the Link mostly because of the Link's shorter length. It looks like there's not much difference when using the tip to neck vent key as a reference.

I'm going to need to decide whether it will be worth the effort to adapt to the Link. I like the sound of it better because it's darker, yet it still has some edge to it. If I stay with the Link, I'm going to have to work at it to get the intonation right.

I don't think my embouchure is too tight, however, I do notice that the Link seems to be a lot more sensitive to throat position than the smaller chamber/high baffle LA. If I make more of a conscious effort, I can play the Link in tune, but it takes more effort to maintain a steady pitch in the high end. I've played the LA for a long time, so I can play it in tune without thinking about it much or making noticeable embouchure adjustments. I can hold the needle on my tuner pretty constant on the LA, but it wavers more with the Link.

I've heard a lot of people knock modern production Links, so I'm not sure how much of it is me needing to learn how to play it and how much might be quality control.

[rini]

I have two HR Links, a #7 and a #7*. The former I bought 4-5 years ago while the 7* is made, I think, in late 70's or so.

The quality of the #7 is good considering the modest price. It plays flawlessly but the sound is rather small and slightly stuffy. Although not too much so.
I definitely prefer it to a HR Meyer 10M (.104 ca.) that I also have. The Link sound is more robust, at least for me.

The older Link, 7*, is a little bit different. The manufacturing is not as tidy as with the newer one. There is even a small visible defect, however the sound is not affected too much. Plays a little bit darker and more robust. And I get more volume out of it because of the larger tip opening. Intonation also ok. Generally I prefer larger tip openings, at least 7*/8 (.105-.110).

Both Links are promising, a little touch-up would make them play as I want it.

However I've seen horrible Links, both STM and HR. So test play several before buying.

rini