I want a Tenney Otto Link STM for Bari

[GAS_Wyo]

I have fallen in love with the Otto Link STMs for Tenor that have been refaced by Doc Tenney. After I got my first, I quickly bought a second one as a backup. Plays comfortably, projects well and sounds great!

I want this same thing for the Otto Link STM I bought today for Bari. Any suggestions on who can make this thing have a lot more edge and projection? Who is the best refacer for an OL STM?

[dirty]

A lot of people, even those who don't play baffled mouthpieces on SAT, like a little bit more baffle in their bari mouthpieces. I've played good examples of HR (my teacher's) and STM (refaced by Mojo) Links for bari, and I would say that neither seems to me to be, in terms of playing characteristics, the equivalent of the Link on tenor. For me, none of them pick up the edge or fast response of a good tenor Link. I feel like with the big tip openings, I get lost in the chamber trying to push them hard and the little ones don't get loud enough for me but offer great control and a dark tone. I need the power of the big ones, but they all seem to be too spread to pick up much edge in the good kind of way. A lot of bari players who use Links have serious baffles put into them. Gary Smulyan has a giant epoxy step baffle in his, Ronnie Cuber used a HR Link modified by Phil Barone with a step baffle, if I remember correctly what Phil has said on this board (and has been confirmed by people who knew Ronnie). That might be the way to go if you really want to use the Link but want an edgy sound.

HR Links are cool for a big, warm, mellow tone, though, in my experience. And (you all know where this is going...:D) my Metalite is still my favorite bari mouthpiece ever. I really, seriously think it's going to be my favorite for the rest of my life. It just helps me sound like me. To be more helpful, it gives me a hard, bright, clear, focused fortissimo that warms up beautifully at soft dynamics, responds quickly throughout the range and is flexible enough to get me through all of my non-legit needs.

[GAS_Wyo]

Dirty...you're right...we did know where that was going!

I got out of the Metalite business this spring in a vulnerable and weak moment. I really liked certain aspects of the piece, but I never really gave it a chance to stabilize with my emboucher. However, I did get good money for it.

I play a Berg Larsen that was expertly refaced to 110/2 M by someone??? The seller advertised 2 Bergs on Ebay and SOTW. I bought this one (his backup) and have been totally amazed at the power of this piece. I want a powerful OL STM!

[Kini]

David Jary offers pretty much any mods to HR and metal links, including adding baffles to STM's. I don't have any exprience with him, just regurgitating other's comments and his website.

You might want to try a Vandoren B75. I've been playing this in the local big bands, and where they have to mike their regular bari player on non-improvised solos, such as Sinatra's "Under my Skin", they can leave themike off for me :twisted:. I just tried a Ponzol M1 that had a huge baffle, a la Jumbo Java, I'm thinking of getting one for a rock piece and selling my Yani metal.

[Merlin]

I've still got an original Florida 6* Link STM for bari available for sale. Great facing, no need to have it refaced.

[MojoBari]

I agree with dirty. Many players who like Links on tenor, find them too dark on bari. But you have to try it. I'm sure Merlin's will be a good one to get. Also try getting in touch with Doc.