STM - Custom Order - Good or Bad?

[MB-913]

I've post a similar question before but not yet to get suggestion.
I'm interested to get a regular STM Metal Link from Theo Wanne and let him to modify it (Custom Mouthpiece work).
I would like to know:

1. How's the quality & sound compare to a good vintage Florida Metal Link?

2. If I feel STM sounds too dark & stuffy, can I ask Theo to make it more brilliance ?

3. Their Custom Link is more easy to play than the regular STM ?



Anybody who gave such order to Theo? How's the result & do you like it? How long you can get it after place order

[max]

If you think Links are too stuffy, you'll probably like it - it was a little too bright for me.

[MB-913]

If you think Links are too stuffy, you'll probably like it - it was a little too bright for me.

max
Does it has significant difference compare with a regular Metal Link? You know it's almost double price than a regular Link. Otherwise, if just very minor difference, may be not worthy to order it.

[max]

Yes, it is different from an unaltered Link - the added baffle makes it brighter, and Theo cleans up the problems it has from the factory.

If you don't want to spend the money, you could instead play lots of Links hoping to find one that plays well as is, and then add a baffle yourself.

[MM]

I've got a Theo custom Link that I picked up used. It's definitely easiser to play and brighter than an ordinary STM. I haven't spent much time with it yet. It retains much of the Link sound but responds easier in the high register, and subtoning at the low end is easier. There are a lot more overtones in the sound so projection is easier. Intonation, often a problem with high-baffled pieces, seemed to be pretty good. Besides the baffle work and facing work, Theo did a great job narrowing down the tip and side rails.

I'm not sure if Theo is back to doing is "Custom" work again. If he is, you can specify the amount of added baffle: none, a little. a lot for a "Brecker" style. ... I think mine is a "medium."

I suggest also trying the new Dukoff Hollywood model for an affordable large chamber mpc that responds easier that a modern Link STM. Perhaps also a Morgan EL.

[MB-913]

I've got a Theo custom Link that I picked up used. It's definitely easiser to play and brighter than an ordinary STM. I haven't spent much time with it yet. It retains much of the Link sound but responds easier in the high register, and subtoning at the low end is easier. There are a lot more overtones in the sound so projection is easier. Intonation, often a problem with high-baffled pieces, seemed to be pretty good. Besides the baffle work and facing work, Theo did a great job narrowing down the tip and side rails.

I'm not sure if Theo is back to doing is "Custom" work again. If he is, you can specify the amount of added baffle: none, a little. a lot for a "Brecker" style. ... I think mine is a "medium."

I suggest also trying the new Dukoff Hollywood model for an affordable large chamber mpc that responds easier that a modern Link STM. Perhaps also a Morgan EL.

MM
1) How long for you to get your Custom Link from Theo after placed order?

2) How's the new Dukoff Hollywood compare with their vinatge Hollywood ?

[MM]

MB, as I said, I got the Custom Link used, so I don't know what Theo's cylce time was. It is brighter than my vintage Hollywood Dukoff. The Custom Link blows easily like a Berg but still retains much of the Link sound. The Hollywood takes a bit more work to play and gives a rounder sound, but one that still has a good presence. I haven't tried the new Hollywood Dukoffs myself. Other posters have said they are a good piece, with a bit more "modern" quality to their sound compared to the vintage brass mouthpieces.

[T.S.]

I have a custom Link from Theo that he did with a NY Babbitt Link that I originally had done with the Brecker Baffle (high) and then had him modifiy it to his usual small baffle (My sound concept on tenor changed).
My main piece is a Florida Link, and I must say that Theo's piece is the closest I've come in my search for a like piece to that Florida. It plays great and rich and full. The tip and rail work are beautiful and it's quite reed friendly.
I highly recommend Theo's work.

[max]

I have to respectfully disagree with T.S. - my main piece is also a Florida Link, and the added baffle made in the Theo custom Link I had made it much brighter.

Even though it was not the mouthpiece for me, it was still quite good. I just wouldn't call it particularly close to a Florida Link.