First handcrafted mouthpiece

[ToddMartin]

Gotta share - just received an Otto Link STM reported to be the work of Jon Van Wie, my first refaced or handcrafted mouthpiece.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7354671932

What a difference from modern stock pieces! Anyone thinking about laying out a few hundred bucks on a handcrafted mouthpiece? If my experience is typical it is worth it! It doesn't make sense to spend thousands on a new horn, then stick a mass produced, mediocre mouthpiece on it like I was.

This refaced piece looks like a larger tip than my stock STM 8 but still gives full control on a ppp low Bb where I was struggling before. Not to mention it is also LOUD and the tone on my P. Mauriat is so richer than before. Reeds that were too hard now feel right and somehow my tongue got faster.:tongue7: It's like I got a new horn that can play ppp<->ffff instead of mp<->ff!

Does anyone know Rosanne Van Wie's address and if she enjoys heartfelt letters of appreciation on her late husband's work? I would like to write one.

-Todd

[Thomas]

Todd-
Congratulations on finally getting a piece that plays great for you. I'm curious as to whether you received from the seller of this piece any documentation,i.e.letter/receipt from JVW, as to his actually doing the work on the piece? You got the piece for a decent price and it plays well for you so I guess it doesn't matter who actually worked on the piece but there are some out there who pass on slight fiction as legend. When I've sold pieces done by JVW and Theo Wanne I always pass on to the new owner my original documentation to prove that in fact the pieces were done by them. Don't mean to cast a shadow on your joy and as long as you're pleased--it doesn't really matter. I would suggest that if you ever decide to sell the piece you use words such as-purportedly refaced by-I was told it was refaced by X but...
good luck and in spite of my skepticism, enjoy it

[LazySaxman]

Wow, sweet looking piece :)

[ToddMartin]

Thomas, I agree, no tangible proof provided by the seller so I can only say "reported" work of Jon Van Wie. It's such an improvement compared to my stock Links I doubt I'll ever sell it or need to know for sure. Just looking forward to working with it a long time.

[MojoBari]

I have a few JVW pieces. None came with documentation. I had a couple of Theo sop refaces. They had a sales reciept that I passed on.

I have not seen much misrepresentation of refacing work. Either that, or the piece was so good it did not really matter. I think if Jon's work was going for $1000, you might see more misreps.